Nairobi, 2 November 2002

Mr. Terrance G. Brennan
Executive Director
Global PEERS

Dear Mr. Brennan, members and supporters of Global PEERS,

The purpose of this simple note is to extend prayerful best wishes to the Global Partnerships for Excellence in Education, Research, and Service on the occasion of its first annual "Evening to Remember."

These greetings come to Global PEERS from the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), set up on 21 June 2002 by the Jesuit Superiors of Africa and Madagascar as a common work and important priority. AJAN hopes, in each African country where there are Jesuits, to help them develop an appropriate social ministry that is deeply-rooted amongst those who suffer, that accompanies those who care for them, that is sensitive to the local culture, faith and spirituality, and that collaborates widely with others.

In this spirit, AJAN warmly welcomes the efforts of Global PEERS in Africa to improve the health of people regardless of geographic and institutional boundaries. Congratulations on the important new steps being celebrated this evening. AJAN looks forward to finding concrete opportunities to co-operate in whichever ways this may be of help to the people who most need assistance.

The young Jesuit St. Aloysius Gonzaga selflessly gave his life caring for victims of the deadly plague in 1591, and he is the patron saint of those with HIV/AIDS, of those who care for them, and so of the African Jesuit AIDS Network. With his intercession we pray God to bless Global PEERS, its directors, staff, volunteers and supporters on this happy occasion and in all their future endeavours.

In our Lord Jesus Christ,

Michael Czerny, S.J.
Co-ordinator
African Jesuit AIDS Network