by Fred Kammer, S.J.
The mission of JSRI reflects the intention of the founders that the institute would “apply Catholic social teaching to the concrete realities of these regions…” Rooted in the Scriptures and the teaching of the Catholic Church, Catholic Social Teaching represents a developing tradition which includes organic and systematic reflection on social realities, ethical principles, and application of those principles to current circumstances.1 The foundation and primary object are the dignity of the human person with its inalienable rights, which form the nucleus of the truth about the human person.2 It involves a three-fold task imposed upon the church: announcing the truth about human dignity and rights; denouncing unjust situations in society; and contributing to positive changes in society and real human progress.3