For Jesuit Missions volunteer Anne Walker, the Society of Jesus has always been an inspiration.
From tales of early missionaries venturing out to the far corners of the earth to work with the poor and marginalised, to their commitment to improving our modern world, the Jesuits and their character have had a real impact on her.
“I always think of that Jesuit ethos of going to the margins, rolling up your sleeves and working with those in need,” she tells me in the Cana Lounge Café at the London Jesuit Centre.
“My mum was a great believer in the Jesuits. If there was something that needed doing, she’d say ‘send in the Jesuits’.
“They were founded on this tradition of service; it’s a great reputation and something that’s very attractive.”
Anne has taken her mother’s words, and a commitment to service, with her into her professional life.
An active member of the Jesuit parish of St Aloysius in Glasgow, she is keenly involved with St Aloysius College, supports the local Young Adult Ministries group, and regularly volunteers for Jesuit Missions.
This, she explains, stems from the idea of wanting to “do her bit”.
With humanity facing ever-growing problems, she feels the way to respond is by taking action, in whatever way possible.
“I think people can feel very deflated from what’s going on in the world. There’s never been a time when we are so drawn to despair,” she says.
“But there’s also the opportunity to elevate people. If there’s something we can do that will directly help others, we have an obligation and a duty to try and make a difference.”
For Anne, there’s another major draw that comes from this approach – that of community spirit.
Jesuit, Catholic, Christian or anything else, she believes the feeling of shared involvement is a powerful one and that this, in turn, can have a greater impact on societal issues.
This comes through in the work she does with Jesuit Missions, such as being a key figure in organising annual eco-conscious ‘Picnics for the Planet’ during autumn’s Season of Creation.
“We talk a lot about the importance of sustainability, so we’ve helped prepare these picnics that focus on the small things: eating more vegetarian meals, eliminating waste, shopping mindfully,” Anne explains.
“Doing this as a community makes more people aware. I get huge consolation from being part of a Jesuit Missions project – people coming together, a great sense of community and everyone pulling as one.
“When I’m doing this, I know that I am part of something for the greater glory of God.”
Anne urges others not to be hesitant when it comes to volunteering and to consider starting their own initiatives.
“If you have a social conscience, you want to get involved at some level”
She gives examples such as getting hold of Christmas cards to sell after church or hosting a talk about a specific cause, noting that even working alongside one or two other people can have a positive effect.
Praying, she adds, can be another way of showing support, encouraging others to look into the Jesuit approach to prayer.
Anne herself feels a close connection to Ignatian Spirituality having undertaken the Spiritual Exercises, a programme of prayer devised by the founder of the Jesuits, St Ignatius Loyola.
She says it was an experience that “changed her life and the way she looks at the world”.
And through all these facets – prayer, volunteering, collaboration – Anne believes it is important to “have an eye on what’s further afield” and always hold the situations of those less fortunate in our hearts.
This is something that has always been central to the Society of Jesus and continues through the work of Jesuit Missions, as seen in its projects in the Global South.
Whether it be children in Zambia requesting bicycles to cut their hours-long commutes to school, or small-scale female farmers in South Sudan utilising smart agriculture techniques to cope with climate change, there are numerous programmes aimed at creating a brighter, fairer future for all.
“If you have a social conscience, you want to get involved at some level. That’s something I’ve become much more aware of,” Anne says.
“The Jesuit name is known for its excellence in this area, and that’s something we can all aspire to.”
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