Pedro Arrupe
1907-1991 20th century
A man of action handed over to dependence; availability that outlives the loss of one's powers.
Who was Pedro Arrupe?
A medical student in Madrid, he entered the Jesuits and was sent to Japan, where he was novice master near Hiroshima. On 6 August 1945, six kilometres from ground zero, he turned the house into a hospital and treated a hundred and fifty wounded with what remained of his medical training. Elected superior general in 1965, he committed the Society to refugees and to justice, then, felled by a stroke in 1981, spent his last ten years without speech.
In their own words
More than ever I find myself now in the hands of God. That is what I have wanted all my life, from my youth.
To form men for others: men who will not live for themselves.