Australian Catholic Giving Group Raises AU$100,000 to Support Displaced Communities in Myanmar

An Australian Catholic collective giving initiative has reached two major milestones, welcoming its 100th member and raising AU$100,000 to support Jesuit Mission Australia's education programs for displaced communities in Myanmar.

Pilgrims 100, launched six years ago by parishioners of St. Ignatius Parish in Norwood, Adelaide, in the Australian state of South Australia, has grown into a network of Catholics committed to funding sustainable mission projects across Asia.

The milestones were celebrated at a special gathering where participants heard an update on the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar from Jesuit Fr. Mark Raper, an Australian Jesuit and former superior of the Jesuit mission in Myanmar.

"The country is at war. It is perhaps forgotten with all the other terrible wars going on around the world at the moment, and the people feel forgotten," Fr. Raper said.

He shared recent examples of the violence affecting the Church, including a young Jesuit priest injured by a landmine, a parish in Banmaw Diocese bombed twice by the military, and another priest stranded after a drone strike damaged an airport.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Fr. Raper said the support provided by Pilgrims 100 is helping Jesuit Mission Australia continue delivering emergency education to displaced children and young people.

"With almost four million displaced people, education is vital. Your support is helping us provide emergency education to young people in extremely difficult circumstances," he said.

Since its establishment, Pilgrims 100 has funded nine Jesuit Mission Australia projects in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, benefiting more than 40,000 people.

The initiative was founded by James and Genevieve Hill, who envisioned creating a long-term community of supporters for Jesuit Mission Australia's work in Asia.

Each member contributes AU$1,000 annually, with members voting each year to select the project they wish to support. The funds are managed by Jesuit Mission Australia, which provides regular updates on project outcomes and opportunities for members to visit supported communities.

Jesuit Mission Australia has invited more Australians to join Pilgrims 100 and help expand its support for marginalized communities across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those affected by conflict, poverty, and displacement.