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As climate change continues to wreak havoc worldwide—from severe droughts in Southern Africa to unprecedented floods in Central Europe—the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) has announced a comprehensive campaign ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The campaign, which already started and runs until the end of the COP event on 22 November, marks an expanded collaboration of JESC with established partners Jesuit Missions (UK) and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (Ireland), now joined by African partners Jesuit Missions (UK) and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (Ireland), now joined by African partners: the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (Malawi) and Centre Arrupe (Madagascar). These new additions bring crucial first-hand experience of climate change impacts on vulnerable communities. The campaign features three key initiatives: A resource-rich campaign webpage including a COP29 Guide and a Prayer Guide, Daily bulletins during the conference providing analysis of negotiations and side events, with registration being done on the campaign page, Also on the campaign page, a direct-action platform enabling citizens to petition their governments. Also, the Society of Jesus has issued a Global Statement endorsed by all six Conference Presidents and numerous Provincial leaders. The statement outlines three urgent calls for action during COP29, emphasising the critical timing as countries prepare to submit updated national climate plans under the Paris Agreement by early 2025. Individuals and institutions are wholeheartedly invited to join and sign.The Jesuits for Climate Justice initiative aligns with the broader Jesuit mission of fostering environmental justice and ecological care for our Common Home.
Fe y Alegria Congress One of the largest Jesuit initiatives in education is Fe y Alegría, which also has a presence in the European Jesuit Conference, particularly in Spain and Italy. On October 21-22, delegations from over 22 national organizations gathered at the Congress in Quito, Ecuador, to share insights and reflect on the challenges and opportunities of popular education, which Fe y Alegría now provides across four continents. Participants also had the chance to visit some Fe y Alegría schools and projects near Quito, gaining firsthand insights into the organization’s impact. As a member of the Fe y Alegría Assembly, the President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) was invited to participate in the congress and subsequent events, where he had the opportunity to share a few words at a meeting with the national directors. During the Congress, Fe y Alegría International officially launched its campaign, "For the Right to Learn." This initiative seeks to mobilize efforts among governments, civil society, businesses, and other key stakeholders to ensure universal access to quality education. This important launch took place at Ecuador's Ministry of Education, where participants were warmly welcomed by the Minister. The third major event was the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Fe y Alegría Ecuador, the second-oldest national organization after Venezuela’s. The celebration began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at San Gabriel Church, presided by the Provincial of Ecuador, and concluded with a formal ceremony at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. During these joyful occasions, participants remembered those country representatives who, due to challenging and often dangerous circumstances, were unable to join the gathering in Quito.
Dear Heads of States and Governments of the EU, 25 years ago to the date, your predecessors had just agreed to work together “towards a union of Freedom, Security and Justice” in the Conclusions of the Tampere Council. They committed to do it by common policies that uphold our shared values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. They, and their successors, worked together to harmonize the way we extend protection and the enjoyment of human rights to those who are forced to flee from violence and persecution. Upholding such high standards is not easy. It takes courage and strength to commit, even when the situation around us seems to become more challenging. In recent years, we have witnessed the weakening of this commitment. In recent weeks even more so. At JRS, we voiced our opposition to the recently adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. A Pact that chooses the detention and segregation of people seeking protection at the EU external borders. A Pact that allows for plenty of national derogations from the common policies in times of so-called crisis. A Pact that promotes the outsourcing of the responsibility to protect people to countries outside the EU. Unfortunately, these choices are already bearing rotten fruits. Increasingly, Member States are announcing changes to national legislation and policies that depart from EU common legislation. The Netherlands wants to opt out from the Common European Asylum System, Germany introduces internal border controls, Poland wants to suspend the right to claim asylum at the Belarus borders, Italy started taking people rescued at sea to a detention centre outside the EU, in Albania. We also see how ill-invested European funds in third-countries lead to severe violations of human rights, such as in the removal centres in Turkey. On top of this, governments continue to look into ways to keep migrants away, or return them even before they set foot here, conceptualizing ‘return hubs’ in third-countries that are questionable from an ethical perspective, and a feasibility one. As the commitment to our shared values crumble, injustice and suffering increase. At JRS, we see this every day, listening to people in detention, supporting those left destitute without reception, accompanying those whose asylum request was unjustly refused. All of this, while none on of the initiatives mentioned above has really any effect to prevent people from migrating to Europe. It does not have to be this way. The generous and unanimous response of the EU to the Ukrainian displacement crisis has shown that we can achieve when we act together and according to our values. The European Union can still change course and choose unequivocally to act according to its founding values. Choose to work together to design innovative ways to ensure safe and legal pathways for people fleeing violence and persecution. Choose to actively search and rescue people at sea, and work together to bring them to the closest safe port in Europe. Choose unequivocally to respect all people right to liberty, and refuse the use administrative detention as a necessary evil. Choose for hospitality and accompaniment from the moment people arrive and design together dignified reception models that allow for encounter with the local community. Choose to build meaningful partnerships with third countries that aim at truly strengthen their protection systems and support their developments, not to make them satellite executors of EU inhumane policies. Ahead of this European Council, we ask you to believe in our values and choose to Make Europe Humane Again. Sincerely, Jesuit Refugee Service Europe
In response to the urgent challenges of our time and aligned with the ongoing Future Generations Initiative, the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC), in collaboration with Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and the University of Barcelona, organised a Future Generations Conference on October 3rd at UCLouvain’s Brussels campus. The event provided a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on the political and societal responsibilities we face in shaping the future for upcoming generations. The goal of the conference was to explore and discuss how Future Generations should become represented in European decision-making. What are our political options to address intergenerational conflicts? How is society thinking about its long-term future? Is it legally, and ethically possible to represent them in the political process without their presence? What new methods, laws, and processes are necessary to address these questions? Morning Plenary: Thought Leadership on Intergenerational Fairness The day started with a lively presentation by Malcolm Fairbrother, a Sociology professor from Uppsala University in Sweden, questioning why many democracies fail to plan adequately for future generations, and examining many people’s distrust and disengagement towards this necessary concern. It was followed by a compelling keynote speech from Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director General of the European Commission’s Legal Service, who outlined what we can expect from the newly established role of the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, and stressed the Commissioner’s horizontal role across policy areas, aiming to ensure that decisions made today are sustainable for the long-term future. After a short break, the morning session featured Iñigo González, associate professor from the University of Barcelona, who presented a paper on behalf of Charlotte Unruh, discussing institutional mechanisms that could be implemented to counteract the short-term focus of current policymaking. Maija Setälä, a political scientist from the University of Turku, explored how decision-making processes, when conducted without meaningful public engagement, often result in policies that do not resonate with the broader concerns of citizens – therefore highlighting the need for deeper participation to foster long-term vision. Interactive Afternoon Sessions: Tackling Key Themes After a refreshing vegetarian lunch, the conference transitioned into interactive afternoon panels, where attendees could engage directly with experts in smaller, focused discussions. Participants could choose between three panels: Participative Methods to Represent Future Generations, chaired by Judith Ferrando y Puig, who led the audience through a journey across 7 generations.  Future-Fit Economic Policies, chaired by Gael Giraud SJ, where both theoretical and already-existing foresight models were presented and discussed. Rights of Future Generations, chaired by Olivier De Schutter, who discussed the legal and moral imperatives of safeguarding the rights of those yet to be born, and how to best embed them into current legal frameworks, The discussions across these panels were rich with debate and aimed at finding actionable solutions to the challenges facing future generations.  A Day of Reflection, Joy, and Commitment The overall atmosphere of the conference was one of lively intellectual exchange, combining moments of joy with moments of deep concern for the future. The presentations from the key speakers were compiled and published in a special conference publication, which serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the themes discussed. The full agenda of the conference is available here. Finally, a short video capturing the essence of the day can be watched here, and the full recording of the morning plenary is also available here. 
Father General has appointed Fr Ronny Alessio, SJ, as the new Provincial of the Euro-Mediterranean Province (EUM), which includes Albania, Italy, Malta and Romania. Born on 28 October 1974 in Bassano del Grappa (VI), Fr Alessio became acquainted with the Jesuits in Padua through the Elizabethine Franciscan tertiary sisters.After his novitiate in Genoa, he studied Philosophy in Padua (2004-2006), completed his regency in Shkodra, Albania, and pursued three years of Theology in Madrid (2008-2011). He was ordained a priest on 14April 2012, and obtained a Licentiate in Pastoral Liturgy in Padua (2011-2013). From 2013 to 2018, he served as the director of the“Atë Pjetër Meshkalla” School in Shkodra and spent the following year in Ireland and Athens. Fr Ronny served as the delegate for the implementation of the Apostolic Plan of the Province from 2019 to 2021, and professed his final vows at Posillipo, Naples on 8 October 2021. He also served as the president of the Centro di Formazione per l’Attività Educativa dei Gesuiti d’Italia(CeFAEGI), a center for the systematic formation of teachers for the Jesuit Education Foundation, from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, he was president of St Ignatius SSD Football in Trieste (2021 to 2023), and the legal representative of the Jesuit Fathers’ Residence. He was also the Rector of the Pontifical Seminary of Campania from 2021 to 2024. On October 8, 2024, he received his appointment as Provincial by Decree of Fr General Arturo Sosa. Read more about Ronny Alessio SJ
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to mass displacement in Lebanon and emergency aid is needed urgently. Around the world, members of the Xavier Network are mobilizing support for the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Lebanon.  Your support is crucial. According to the UN and Lebanese authorities over a million people, including some JRS staff,  have been forced to flee their homes due to the escalating conflict.  At this time, JRS Lebanon is shifting its focus and resources to provide emergency aid and shelter. Teams have been distributing basic hygiene items, mattresses, and food in the shelters near the JRS Lebanon centers located in safer regions. Additionally, JRS has set up a space to accommodate displaced people, including migrants.. By Friday, September 27, JRS was caring for 3,428 displaced individuals who had taken shelter in Bar Elias, the Arrupe Migrant Center, Qabelias Elementary School, and other areas. Our friends and partners on the ground are in urgent need of support for this endeavor in the short term and will need continued aid as the situation develops in the long term. To make a donation: Austria – Jesuitenmission Austria Canada – Canadian Jesuits International  Germany – Jesuitenmission Germany Spain – Entreculturas and Alboan Switzerland – Stiftung Jesuiten weltweit Schweiz United States – JRS USA Hungary - Jesuits Hungary

UPCOMING EVENTS

2-3
Sat - Sun
Nov 2024
FRASCATI
Italy
Last Vows MICHELE PAPALUCA (EUM) will pronounce his Final Vows at the “Centro Giovanni XXIII” in Frascati (Via Colle Pizzuto, 2) at 10:30am The Provincial will preside. READ MORE
5
Tue
Nov 2024
CZęSTOCHOWA
Poland
Last Vows Bartłomiej Hućko SJ (PME) will make his solemn religious profession on November 5, 2024, on the Feast of All Saints and Blessed of the Society of Jesus, during the Eucharist at 6 p.m. in the chapel of the Spirituality Center in Częstochowa. READ MORE
11-15
Mon - Fri
Nov 2024
KRAKOW
Poland
Formation Delegates Meeting of the European Formation Delegates READ MORE
18-22
Mon - Fri
Nov 2024
DUBLIN
Ireland
Treasurers Meeting of the European Network of Treasurers READ MORE