SJCJC Hosts Annual Social Justice Forum: “Caring for Our Common Home”

St. John’s College Junior College proudly hosted its Annual Social Justice Forum on Thursday, October 23rd, at the well-known Landivar Gymnasium, a venue that has become synonymous with engaging discussions and transformative ideas. This year, the forum was centered around the thought-provoking theme “Caring for Our Common Home.” This theme resonates deeply in today’s world, where environmental issues and social justice are increasingly intertwined, prompting urgent conversations about our collective responsibility towards the planet and each other.

This year’s keynote speaker, the esteemed Senator Janelle Chanona, who also serves as the Vice President of Oceana Belize, captivated the audience with her inspiring and timely address. She spoke passionately about the critical importance of environmental stewardship and social responsibility in the context of global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and the degradation of natural resources. Drawing from the profound insights of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Senator Chanona urged students to engage in deep reflection regarding their roles as caretakers of creation. She emphasized the necessity of listening to both “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” highlighting the interconnectedness of ecological and social issues.

In her address, Senator Chanona emphasized that genuine and lasting change begins with a foundation built on awareness, compassion, and decisive action. These values, she noted, are deeply rooted in our Jesuit mission of forming men and women for and with others. Her powerful message encouraged students to expand their understanding of environmental care, urging them to view it not merely as an ecological issue but as a profound moral and spiritual responsibility. This call to action was framed as a challenge to respond with empathy and purpose, recognizing that each individual has a role to play in fostering a sustainable future.

The forum itself created a vibrant space for meaningful dialogue and reflection, where students were invited to engage in discussions that challenged them to consider how their daily choices and lifestyles impact both the planet and their immediate communities. It was a moment of collective discernment, encouraging participants to live out the Ignatian principles of justice, sustainability, and cura personalis (care for the whole person). This emphasis on holistic care underscores the importance of nurturing not only the environment but also the well-being of individuals and communities.

More than just an academic event, this year’s Social Justice Forum served as a powerful reminder that “caring for our common home” is an act of faith, service, and solidarity. It is a commitment that lies at the heart of the Ignatian vision for a more just and compassionate world. The discussions sparked during the forum encourage ongoing reflection and action, inspiring participants to carry the insights gained into their daily lives. As students left the Landivar Gymnasium, they were not only equipped with knowledge but also motivated to become advocates for change, embodying the principles of social justice and environmental stewardship in their own communities.