Friends,
Welcome to our September edition in which we begin by remembering French worker priest and YCW chaplain, Fr André Jarlan, killed by a police bullet while reading the Bible in his presbytery on 4 September 1984.
We share the World Movement of Christian Workers submission to the International Labor Conference on AI and data collection.
The Vatican has published a new document explaining the concept of “ecological sins” against the environment.
We remember Mauritian priest and YCW chaplain, Fr Gerard de Fleuriot, as well as “pastoral circle” promoter Fr Peter Henriot SJ.
From Slovakia we hear of forgotten jocist hereoes including Fr Kolakovic.
Stefan Gigacz analyses a new document from the Vatican Synodality Study Group 6 on ecclesial movements and groups.
From Pakistan, IYCW Asia-Pacific reports on child labor and bonded labor in the brick industry.
Finally, YCS students from Africa share their concerns over AI in the classroom.
The Centre International Cardijn Team
Data collection has a cost
AI is not “intelligent.” It compiles and organizes millions of pieces of information but is not creative, World Movement of Christian Workers secretary Christine Isturiz told the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva.
How far should we accept that supposed intelligence decides for us? As a movement of education and action, we affirm the preeminent place of the human being to reflect, to produce free judgment, committed not only to guaranteeing decent work but dignified work.
Data collection has a cost. One example comes from a member of our movement in Madagascar, who, like many Malagasy workers, performs data entry tasks essential to the functioning of international algorithms: “My name is Elina and I work in an organic products store that uses artificial intelligence. My role is to record invoices. I process up to 1,500 invoices per day for a salary of 120 euros per month. I must train intensively to automate my tasks, acting almost like a machine.”
Digital technology offers new economic opportunities while creating significant constraints for workers. These jobs often remain low-skilled and poorly paid, revealing the unequal integration of developing countries into the global economy.
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WMCW statement at the 114th International Labour Conference (WMCW)
Vatican targets “ecological sin”
In a sprawling document articulating the duty of Christians to care for the environment, a Vatican advisory body wrote that taking action to preserve the planet for future generations is “not only an ethical requirement, but also a theological one,” NCR Online reports.
“The historical moment we are living through demands urgent action from everyone, beginning with those responsible for public life, to ensure the sustainability of the planet and the habitability of our common home,” the Vatican’s International Theological Commission wrote in a more than 30,000-word document published in Italian Sept. 2, titled “Caring for Our Common Home: A Responsible and Fraternal Response to the Triune God.”
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Vatican body develops concept of ‘ecological sin’ in spiritual salvo on the environment (National Catholic Reporter)
YCW chaplain, Fr Gerard de Fleuriot
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Lord called Father Gérard de Fleuriot to Himself at the age of 92, the Diocese of Port Louis, Mauritius reports. Father de Fleuriot passed away peacefully in a clinic after a long illness.
Born on 1 May, 1934, in Saint-Pierre, Gérard de Fleuriot was ordained a priest on 24 February, 1958, in Croix-Valmer, France. During his 68 years of priesthood, he served in several parishes, notably in Beau-Bassin and Curepipe.
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Remembering Fr Gerard de Fleuriot
Ecclesial associations and movements in a synodal Church
Synodality Study Group 6 has now released its final report (SG6) on “the relationship between bishops, consecrated life, and ecclesial associations.” In this post, I want to look closely at what the study group proposes in relation to those ecclesial associations, which comprise “associations of the faithful, movements, and new communities” and are bundled together under the rather unwieldy acronym AFMENC.
While these proposals outline a constructive pastoral strategy, a closer analysis of SG6 in conjunction with the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Letter Iuvenescit Ecclesia (2016) as well as the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium and Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity Apostolicam Actuositatem reveals significant ecclesiological omissions and unexamined tensions that warrant further examination.
Ecclesial associations and movements in a synodal Church (Synodal Reflections)
Remembering Peter Henriot SJ
The Southern Africa Province (SAP) of the Society of Jesus is mourning the passing of Fr Peter Henriot, SJ, former Director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), who died on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Centre in Los Gatos, California, USA. He was 90 years old.
Fr Leonard Chiti, SJ, Provincial of the Southern Africa Province, announced Fr. Henriot’s death and paid tribute to a Jesuit whose life and ministry were deeply rooted in faith, social justice, theological reflection and service to the poor, particularly in Zambia and Malawi.
Together with Joe Holland, he co-authored the influential book Social Analysis: Linking Faith and Justice, which developed the pastoral-circle approach to understanding social realities and connecting them with theological reflection and pastoral action.
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Remembering Peter Henriot SJ, promoter of the pastoral circle (See Judge Act)
Forgotten Slovak heroes are writing a new story
After a long period of reconstruction of the building at Na križovatkách 8 in Bratislava, the Unobtrusive Heroes Association has opened a space with immense historical value to the public for the first time.
“Great people grew up here who, in secret, with great faith and enthusiasm, created values and helped others discover inner freedom,” she added. “We still draw on their sacrifice and legacy today. We want to bring their inconspicuous actions to light - to bring them closer to young people.”
“Today, as we commemorate 120 years since the birth of the man we know in Slovakia as Professor Kolakovič, we are opening a space associated with the creation and formation of the underground church,” commented historian František Neupauer, the founder of the Unobtrusive Heroes Association.
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Forgotten Slovak heroes are writing a new story
Child labor and debt bondage in Punjab’s bricklin workers
In Nawa Pind, Punjab Province, Pakistan, brick kiln (bricklin) labor dominates community life, IYCW Asia Pacific reports. Families depend on this work for survival, while others turn to farming. Yet this type of work is marked by exploitation, hazardous conditions, and systemic poverty.
One of the most alarming realities is the widespread involvement of children. Children as young as four years old are compelled to work alongside their parents, enduring long hours of heavy labor. A typical family of five—often including two to three children—must produce 500 bricks daily to earn just 700 PKR (around 2.5 USD) for 8 to 10 hours of work. This practice not only robs children of their education and childhood but also perpetuates generational poverty.
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Child labor and debt bondage in Punjab’s bricklin workers (IYCW Asia-Pacific)
La JEC et l’intelligence artificielle
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