On Thursday, January 29th, at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR), UNESCO formally presented its Memory of the World certificate to the Acta Sanctorum—the vast, centuries-long scholarly endeavor produced by the Society of Bollandists.This Jesuit research network was founded in 1630 by the Liège-born Jesuit Jean Bolland for the scientific study of the lives of the saints. This event marks only the eighth such recognition ever awarded to Belgium. In attendance, alongside other prominent civil and ecclesiastical authorities, were Robert Godding SJ, Director of the Bollandist Society; Mark Rotsaert SJ, former President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and current President of the Board of the Society of Bollandists; Mark Lewis SJ, Rector of the Gregorian University; Dalibor Renić SJ, President of the JCEP; and Grégoire Le Bel SJ, Socius of the French-speaking Western Europe Province. .The mission of the Society of Jesus in Europe has long been marked by intellectual collaboration and the patient building of networks that transcend borders and generations. The recognition of the Bollandists’ archives - a work that,  by its very nature, transcends individual provinces and necessitates supra-provincial cooperation - by UNESCO highlights the enduring value of this shared scholarly tradition, rooted in rigorous research and sustained through international cooperation. This distinction not only honours a historic Jesuit work but also underscores the importance of preserving and connecting Europe’s intellectual and spiritual heritage through collaborative networks that continue to serve the universal Church and the wider world. UNESCO has inscribed the archives of the Bollandists on the Memory of the World Register. Founded by a Jesuit, the Society of the Bollandists brings together thousands of texts on the lives of saints from all over the world. This official recognition highlights the universal value of these collections, preserved by the Society of Jesus since the seventeenth century. Founded in 1630 by Jean Bolland within the Society of Jesus and still active today, the Society of the Bollandists is responsible for the Acta Sanctorum, one of the greatest scientific and editorial enterprises carried out in Europe before the French Revolution. This vast encyclopaedia on the lives of saints who lived between the second and seventeenth centuries is based on extensive documentation made possible by the collaboration of a wide network of scholars from across Europe. Preserved by several generations of Bollandists, this treasure includes more than 300 archival collections, thousands of ancient manuscripts, drawings, plans, and 750 copper plates used for printing. A Global Recognition for the Jesuits of Belgium UNESCO is the United Nations organisation that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication in order to foster peace worldwide. On 17 April 2025, UNESCO inscribed the unique religious, intellectual, and scientific heritage of the Bollandists in Europe on its Memory of the World Register. Through this programme, launched in 1992, the organisation works to safeguard, disseminate, and ensure access to the world’s documentary heritage, aiming to preserve and promote rare and often endangered documents produced by peoples across the globe. “I am particularly proud and pleased to welcome the recognition granted by UNESCO, under the Memory of the World programme, to the work carried out by the Bollandists. Since the beginning of the seventeenth century, they have accomplished pioneering work of great historical and scientific value. The documentary heritage they have played a decisive role in preserving constitutes a major contribution to the heritage of humanity. It is a well-deserved recognition for one of our most brilliant learned societies,” said Elisabeth Degryse, Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. The Bollandists’ archives represent the eighth Belgian inscription on the Memory of the World Register, alongside collections such as the archives of the Catholic University of Louvain. Officially honoured on 29 January during a ceremony at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR), in the presence of the Jesuit rector of the Gregorian University, the Society of the Bollandists expressed its pride in this distinction and reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying its efforts—now more than ever with the support of friends and benefactors—to promote and preserve these documentary treasures.

A group of archivists from the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) supported the General Curia’s Historical Archive of the Society of Jesus on the publication of a book on the Jesuit documents about the Second World War. A new book drawing on the rich holdings of Jesuit archives across Europe offers a fresh and deeply human perspective on the Second World War. The Second World War through Jesuit Archives: The Case of Europe (1939–1945) brings together personal letters, diaries and community records to explore how members of the Society of Jesus experienced and responded to the upheaval of war. The book will be available from March 1st here.  The JCEP Group of Archivists is one of the Conference's more than 20 transversal groups. As this case demonstrates, collaboration at the Conference level enables local institutions to reach new heights of agency that, otherwise, would remain out of their reach. Co-edited by Rebecca Somerset, Archivist for the British Jesuit Archives—who also contributed a chapter—the volume draws on material from Jesuit collections in Britain and across Europe, and in some cases beyond. Together, these sources highlight the diversity of wartime experiences within the Society, shaped by different national, political and pastoral contexts. Rather than focusing on major political or military events, the book centres on what has survived in the archives. Through correspondence, reports and personal reflections, it reveals how Jesuits lived and worked as teachers, scholars, chaplains and pastors amid uncertainty, displacement and danger. The records show communities adapting to rapidly changing circumstances while continuing their educational, pastoral and spiritual missions. Rebecca Somerset explains that the project was prompted by recent developments in archival access: “The opening of the Pius XII papers in the Vatican Archives in 2020, followed by the release of the archives of the Superior General of the Society (ARSI), provided the catalyst for conversations with colleagues in other European Jesuit archives—including those from provinces that had remained neutral—about the material held from the Second World War period.” These exchanges, she notes, led to the idea for the book: “Conceived not as a definitive guide to the collections, but as a practical overview and an invitation for scholars to pursue deeper research in this field.” Reflecting on the outcome, she adds: “I feel that we have succeeded in our aim to produce an introductory, informative, and attractive guide to showcase material held by European Jesuit archives relating to the period 1939–45, and I am excited to see what research is done as a result of this guide.” The international nature of the Society of Jesus is clearly reflected in the sources used. Stories emerge from different parts of Europe and beyond, building a picture of how global conflict was encountered at a local and personal level, and how faith, learning and service continued under immense pressure. The book also underlines the vital role of archives in preserving voices that might otherwise be lost. Many of the documents were never intended for publication, yet today they offer valuable insight into the moral, emotional and practical realities of wartime life. Alongside the publication, the British Jesuit Archives has developed an online exhibition showcasing documents from the seventeen European Jesuit archives that participated in the project. The exhibition, to be launched shortly, explores common themes across the collections and includes an interactive map to situate the material geographically. The Second World War through Jesuit Archives: The Case of Europe (1939–1945) will be available from 1 March 2026 here.

On 2 February 2026, the town of Grójec in central Poland solemnly honoured one of its most distinguished sons, Fr. Piotr Skarga SJ (1536–1612). This event caught the attention of the editorial line of JCEP as it highlights the enduring spiritual and social legacy of a Jesuit whose commitment to education, charity, and public witness continues to inspire Jesuit communities across the continent. After many years of expectation, this outstanding son of Grójec has finally received a long-awaited distinction — fittingly on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the World Day for Consecrated Life, and the 490th anniversary of his birth. On 2 February 2026, the local authorities and community of Grójec solemnly paid tribute to Fr. Piotr Skarga SJ, one of Poland’s most prominent Jesuits. The celebrations began with a Eucharist in the Church of St Nicholas, presided over by Bishop Rafał Markowski. The homily was delivered by Fr. Krzysztof Dorosz SJ, who preached in the Jesuit habit. Referring to the symbolism of Christ as Light, central to the feast of the Presentation, the preacher presented Fr. Skarga as a bearer of God’s light wherever he was sent and wherever he served with zeal: in education, charitable works and ministries of mercy, as a widely read author, and above all as a royal preacher, the role for which he is best known. Fr. Dorosz emphasised that Fr. Skarga was particularly concerned with healing the social and internal wounds of Poland, calling for unity grounded in higher values — love of God and love of one’s homeland. This message, he noted, remains especially relevant in today’s Polish social context. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Krystian Biernacki SJ presented an update on the beatification process of the Servant of God, Fr. Piotr Skarga. Following the Eucharist, representatives of the Polish Parliament, local government, public institutions, the armed forces and uniformed services, schools, and standard-bearing delegations gathered at the monument of Fr. Piotr Skarga. Despite the severe frost, a brief ceremony took place, during which flowers were laid and soldiers lit a memorial candle. The next part of the celebration was held at the Grójec Cultural Centre, where a formal session of the Municipal Council, chaired by Dorota Niedbała, took place. During the session, Mayor Dariusz Gwiazda presented and justified the proposal to confer Honorary Citizenship of the City of Grójec on Fr. Piotr Skarga. The councillors then voted by name, unanimously approving the resolution. In this way, Fr. Skarga became only the fourth person in the city’s history to receive this distinction, in the town where he was born. After the resolution was signed, commemorative copies were presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to preserving the memory of Fr. Piotr Skarga. On behalf of the Society of Jesus — represented by Fr. Damian Mazurkiewicz SJ (Socius), Fr. Krystian Biernacki SJ, and Fr. Krzysztof Dorosz SJ — the document was received by Fr. Biernacki, Vice-Postulator of the beatification process. A commemorative copy was also presented to Ms Agnieszka Czyż-Mańkowska, President of the Ecclesiastical Charitable Foundation of Fr. Piotr Skarga, whose active work in Grójec has been central to the entire initiative. The ceremony was accompanied by music performed by the Youth Brass Band of the Grójec Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Grójec City Choir. These celebrations inaugurated the Year of Piotr Skarga in Grójec, during which a series of educational, cultural, social, and religious events will take place, aimed at commemorating and renewing awareness of the life and legacy of this eminent Polish Jesuit.

On January 7th, 2026, the Council of the Kircher Network gathered in Brussels for its annual in-person meeting, hosted at the JCEP. The meeting provided an opportunity to review recent developments within the Network, discuss strategic priorities for the coming year, and address key matters related to upcoming assemblies, ongoing and new initiatives, and areas of common concern for member institutions. The Kircher Network, as the regional association for Europe and the Near East of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), is a key instrument for European Jesuit higher education institutions to project themselves beyond their local context and be part of the IAJU. This is a particularly important goal for smaller single faculties and schools, which make up a big part of present-day Jesuit higher education institutions. Below, you can find a few topics and updates which were discussed during the meeting: Developments of the Network since the Assembly in Munich (July 2025) and plans for 2026. The President and the Executive Secretary presented a joint report on developments since the Munich Assembly (July 2025). They reviewed the main activities carried out and outlined the projects and priorities planned for 2026, with particular attention to the implementation of new initiatives approved by the Assembly and the consolidation of ongoing network activities. The Council discussed the upcoming General Assembly to be held in Krakow on 6–7 July 2026 and defined its main goals and theme Development of New Projects Approved in Munich. The Council reviewed progress and agreed on the next steps for the two new projects approved by the Munich Assembly. Pilot Project on Mobility of Professors and Dissertation Tutoring: Decisions: The project will initially focus on academic exchange in Humanities, Theology, and Social Sciences; A small organising committee will be established to assess feasibility and prepare a report on possible modalities and future development of the project; Organising committee: One delegate from each of the following institutions: - Ignatianum University in Krakow, University of Namur and Universidad Pontificia Comillas. Canisius Formation Follow-Up Activities for Alumni Decisions: The first step will be the organisation of online activities for alumni of Canisius Formation Alumni will be consulted regarding topics and experiences related to the identity and mission of Jesuit higher education that they would like to explore in further formation activities Kircher New Group on Student Well-Being The Council discussed proposals from Joseph Christie, SJ, Secretary of Jesuit Higher Education and President of IAJU, regarding the establishment of a new IAJU Taskforce on Student Well-Being, including the creation of regional groups within each network and the appointment of regional delegates. Decisions: The Council agreed to establish a Kircher Group on Student Well-Being (Mental and Spiritual); The mission of the group will be to advance formation, reflection, and activities fostering the well-being of students, administrators, and faculty within member institutions; The group will work in close collaboration with the corresponding IAJU Taskforce to ensure communication, exchange of experiences, and synergies; Following a series of online organisational meetings, the group will organise an in-person conference and workshop in the first quarter of 2027.  

On 15–16 January 2026, the Kircher Network’s HEST Cluster on Ecology and Environmental Challenges met in Brussels to officially relaunch and define its 2026–2028 roadmap.  Key Highlights: Strategic Collaboration: Delegates from 15 institutions gathered to share best practices and strengthen academic cooperation inspired by Integral Ecology. Global Synergies: The meeting featured Nancy Tuchman (IAJU Task Force on Environmental and Economic Justice) and Filipe Martín, SJ (Jesuit European Social Centre), ensuring alignment between regional and global Jesuit initiatives. Future Roadmap: The Cluster identified four priorities: enhancing visibility, developing joint educational programs, fostering a community of practice, and planning a flagship conference linked to EU funding. New Governance: To ensure shared ownership, the coordinating committee will expand to reflect broader geographical representation across the network. With renewed energy and a clear action plan, the HEST Ecology Cluster enters a new phase of impactful research and collaborative action. The Kircher Network is a European network of Jesuit higher education institutions committed to fostering academic collaboration in response to the major social, cultural, and ecological challenges of our time, challenges that require more than a merely local Jesuit response. Within this framework, the HEST Cluster—focused on Human, Environmental, Social, and Technological questions—serves as a space for interdisciplinary dialogue and joint initiatives that integrate Ignatian pedagogy with research and action. The HEST Cluster on Ecology and Environmental Challenges plays a particularly important role by advancing the Jesuit commitment to Integral Ecology, as articulated in Laudato Si’ and the 4th Universal Apostolic Preference of the Society of Jesus, and by connecting academic work with social justice, public policy, and environmental transformation at the European level.

On January 2-6, the Coordination Committee of EJIF (European Jesuits in Formation) gathered in Brussels in order to plan the Summer event of EJIF, which will take place in Cluj Napoca, Romania. EJIF is one of the oldest groups of the JCEP – the first EJIF group met as early as 1989 – and it is a key instrument to help Jesuits in formation develop bonds among themselves and a truly international and European identity, a key feature of Ignatian spirituality. We asked the coordination team to write a few notes.  It was on the 20th of August at Le Châtelard in Lyon that EJIF 2025 came to a conclusion. This reunion of Jesuits in formation from across Europe, as well as a delegate from Egypt, had begun in Marseille under the theme “Companions called to serve together.” Fourteen delegates gathered each day to pray, share, cook, and serve alongside different communities in the city. The reunion then moved to Le Châtelard, a spirituality centre of the EOF Province of the Society of Jesus. There, the group entered more deeply into a contemplative and prayerful space shaped by the Spiritual Exercises. As is tradition with EJIF, the meeting concluded with the election of new delegates to the Coordination Committee (CoCo) for the following year’s reunion. Those appointed were Miklós Forián-Szabó SJ (HUN), Ante Arambašić SJ (CRO), and Mikhael Ahmad SJ (BRI). With Miklós serving as Chairman. An important milestone in the preparation of each EJIF reunion is a meeting with the Conference of European Jesuit Provincials (JCEP) team, comprised of Dalibor Renić SJ (President), Gonzalo Villagrán SJ (Socius and Treasurer), and János Lukács SJ (Conference Formation Delegate). The Coordination Committee arrived in Brussels on the 2nd of January. In the months leading up to this meeting, the team met regularly online to pray, share, reflect on feedback from the previous EJIF, and discern where God might be leading the group with regard to the theme and location of the 2026 reunion. This process also involved more practical research into our own provinces and others, noticing what stood out and what resonated most with each member. After four months of distilling these reflections, we arrived in Brussels carrying the fruits of our shared discernment. Meeting with the JCEP team offered invaluable perspective and guidance as we sought clarity around our final decisions. Throughout our visit, moments of prayer and further discernment helped us to refine and confirm the direction to which we felt called. Throughout this process, it was helpful to keep in mind that EJIF is not only a meeting of delegates, but also a formative experience for each participant, including the members of the Coordination Committee. Holding this alongside our discernment, we recognised a unique opportunity to integrate a deeper reflection on the vow of chastity, explicitly linked to mission. Inspired by Ignatius’s constant search for the greater service of God, we were drawn to the deeply Ignatian intuition of magis — not as doing more, but as seeking what leads to greater freedom, the more universal good, and a form of service that truly places the other at the centre. From this perspective, affective freedom and discerning accompaniment emerged naturally as key dimensions of the theme for the coming year. In light of these reflections, it was discerned that the next EJIF reunion will take place in Romania, in Cluj-Napoca this summer.  Of course, an equally important element of the Brussels meeting was simply being together. This was the first time since the previous EJIF that the newly appointed CoCo members were able to meet in person, both with one another and with the conference team. Alongside our meetings, we had the opportunity to visit the Brussels City Museum, the Cathedral of St Gudula, and the European Parliament building, as well as to share a memorable meal with the JCEP team. Our time in Brussels coincided with several days of snow, which lent a particular character to the visit — turning walks through the city and nearby parks into an unexpectedly joyful part of our time together. More than the places we visited, however, it was the experience of fraternity, companionship, and shared discernment that stood out most clearly, grounding our preparations in a spirit of joy that we carry forward as we continue our work toward EJIF.   EJIF Coordination Committee 2026 Miklós, Ante & Mikhael January 2026  The European Jesuits in Formation (EJIF) is a network that brings together Jesuits in formation from across Europe, offering a space for encounter, shared discernment, and mutual support at a formative stage of Jesuit life. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, EJIF seeks to foster a sense of companionship and collaboration beyond provincial boundaries, helping young Jesuits grow in availability for mission within the universal Society of Jesus. Closely connected to the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), EJIF plays an important role in strengthening inter-provincial relationships, listening to the realities of formation across Europe, and nurturing future collaboration in mission. Through its annual reunions and ongoing coordination, EJIF serves as both a formative experience for its participants and a meaningful point of dialogue with JCEP on the life and mission of the Society in Europe.