Alcalá de Henares in is preparing to commemorate the 500th anniversary of St Ignatius of Loyola's time in the city, a brief but pivotal period in his spiritual, intellectual and apostolic journey. Throughout the year, the city's main institutions will come together to celebrate the memory of the pilgrim and the historical and spiritual legacy he left behind. The historic Antezana Hospital, where Ignatius lived between 1526 and 1527, hosted the presentation of the commemorative programme, which will begin in September and run until May 2027. The programme has been jointly organised by the Alcalá de Henares City Council, the Antezana Foundation, the Diocese of Alcalá de Henares, the University of Alcalá and the Society of Jesus, with the aim of highlighting the importance of Ignatius's presence in the city's history. The programme includes seven lectures, three exhibitions, two musical performances, commemorative tours of Alcalá and a Mass marking St Ignatius's time in the city. The initiative aims to help rediscover the connection between the city of Alcalá and the founder of the Society of Jesus, as well as the mark left by his journey of seeking, formation and service. St Ignatius's stay in Alcalá was a pivotal moment in the development of the apostolic project that would eventually lead to the founding of the Society of Jesus. Welcomed into the Antezana Hospital as a kitchen and nursing assistant in exchange for room and board, the pilgrim began studying philosophy and theology at the university founded by Cardinal Cisneros. This formation proved essential in shaping his desire to help souls through a solid mission of evangelisation. During the presentation, Asensio Esteban Vallejo, president of the Antezana Foundation, emphasised the historical impact of St Ignatius and the importance of the place where he served, studied, prayed and cared for the sick. In the context of Spain's Golden Age, Alcalá was characterised by a humanism that found its fullest expression when placed at the service of others. In this sense, he highlighted that "in Antezana, more than just lodging, Ignatius found a way to live the Gospel." Pedro Luis García Vera SJ, superior of the Jesuit community in Alcalá de Henares, explained that St Ignatius's months in the city were a time of seeking God's will, formation and closeness to the poor. "His entire stay in the hospital, surrounded by simple people, convinced him to live his life in the manner of Jesus: poor and humble," he noted. The Bishop of Alcalá de Henares, Bishop Antonio Prieto Lucena, also recalled that Alcalá was the place where Ignatius began to develop his apostolic project. He emphasised that the experience of living alongside the poor and sick at Antezana remains significant today in the formation of Jesuit novices, who undertake periods of service in hospitals as part of their formation. The Mayor of Alcalá de Henares, Judith Piquet, highlighted St Ignatius as part of the city's historical heritage and as a significant figure in the history of Spain, Europe and the universal Church. In her address, she expressed her gratitude for the collaborative work of the institutions involved in preparing the anniversary celebrations and recalled one of the saint's most famous sayings as a practical guideline: "Love must be shown more in deeds than in words." The events marking this anniversary will provide an opportunity to revisit an essential chapter in the life of St Ignatius and in the history of Alcalá de Henares itself: the encounter between study, service, poverty and the search for God that decisively shaped the pilgrim in the years before the birth of the Society of Jesus.

The JCEP Consult took place online this past June 25th and 26th. The JCEP Consult is formed of the President, Dalibor Renić; the Socius, Gonzalo Villagrán; and the moderator-provincials from the 3 assistencies included in the Conference: Marc Desmet (ELC), Attila András (HUN), and Miguel Almeida (POR). After a first moment of personal sharing and news from the different provinces and the Conference, we began evaluating the recent JCEP General Assembly in Warsaw-Falenica last April and commenting on Fr. General’s discourse during it. Some time was also dedicated to discussing a proposal to classify and name the different Eurogroups of the Conference. We also took the time to put together some names for a commission to work on guidelines for the relationship between superiors and directors of works, a request for the whole Society of Jesus that comes from Fr. General. The JCEP President also presented the project for a task force for the mission in Brussels that will work on an apostolic plan for the Jesuit apostolic presence in the European milieu in Brussels. Time was also dedicated to continuing to reflect on the formation centers in Europe and on a formation strategy for them. Also related to formation, the consultors discussed the proposal for a job description for the Conference Formation Delegate—a proposal presented, in response to Fr. General's request, by the current Delegate, János Lukács. Some time was also dedicated to the planning of the next General Assembly, which will take place in Dublin in October. A highlight was the time dedicated to the evaluation of the JCEP President, after three years in the post, which he himself had requested. The other consultors took some time during the Consult to talk together about the style and performance of the JCEP President in order to offer some possible recommendations for the coming years. An important point of the consult was also the fact that a new consultor was proposed in order to replace Marc Desmet as moderator of the EOC Assistancy. This new consultor is Shane Daly, current provincial of Ireland. The consultors gave their positive appreciation of him as a new consultor so the JCEP President could write to Fr. General proposing his appointment. Fr. Daly was officially appointed by Fr. General on July 15th.

Sustainable investment has long been an important topic among the Treasurers of the JCEP Provinces. This initiative is another example of shared European action, supported through the European Network of Treasurers. Together with church investors and development organisations from numerous countries, the Jesuits are calling on companies and financial institutions not to extract minerals from the deep seabed or finance deep-sea mining activities. The initiative was launched by the Working Group of Church Investors (AKI) and church development organisations, bringing together institutional investors from different countries and Christian denominations. The Jesuits of the European Low Countries (ELC) region subsequently took the initiative to broaden support for the call to protect the deep seabed from intensive economic exploitation. Broad Jesuit Support Following the initiative of Rik Vanwijnsberghe, Executive Treasurer of the ELC region, six other Jesuit provinces quickly joined the call. Through this action, the Society of Jesus is supporting efforts to encourage companies and the financial sector to back a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Companies are being called upon to publicly commit not to extract minerals from the deep seabed, actively exclude deep-sea minerals from their supply chains, and refrain from financing deep-sea mining activities. In addition to the Jesuits in Flanders and the Netherlands, Jesuits from the Provinces of Britain, Central Europe (ECE), Europe Occidentale Francophone (EOF), Euro-Mediterranea (EUM) and Ireland have also endorsed the initiative. Together, they represent Jesuits and their staff in Albania, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The initiative also has a strong ecumenical dimension. Alongside the Catholic organisations involved, 47 Protestant member institutions of the AKI are participating, making this an international and broadly ecumenical call for action. Deep-sea mining risks causing enormous and potentially irreversible damage to the ocean floor and marine ecosystems, while threatening the livelihoods of many coastal communities. Through this initiative, the Jesuits and organisations across the Ignatian network seek to contribute to changing the economic rules of the game — protecting creation, safeguarding vulnerable communities and promoting a more just distribution of prosperity.

On Friday, June 27th, Jesuits and lay collaborators from the Brussels-based works of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) gathered at the St. Benedict Community for an evening of fellowship and celebration. Colleagues from JCEP, JRS-Europe, JESC, the Chapel for Europe, and the team of religion teachers at the European Schools were joined by family members to enjoy a delicious meal. Due to the exceptionally high temperatures, the traditional barbecue was replaced by a meal prepared indoors, allowing everyone to spend the evening together in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The annual gathering provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships across the different Jesuit ministries in Brussels and to celebrate the shared mission that unites them. As many Jesuits and collaborators prepare to embark on their summer commitments, the evening offered a fitting moment to exchange good wishes before the holiday period. The occasion also served to thank Marcin Firmanty SJ, who worked as a religion teacher at the European Schools and collaborated at the Chapel for Europe and Benoît Willemaers SJ, who was the secretary for European Affairs at JESC, as they conclude their mission in Brussels. On behalf of those gathered, Bernd Günther SJ, Superior of the St. Benedict Community and Director of the Chapel for Europe, together with Filipe Martins SJ, Director of JESC, expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the dedication, generosity, and faithful service that both have offered over the last years. Their commitment, collaborative spirit, and friendship have enriched the Jesuit works in Brussels, and they were warmly wished every blessing and success as they begin this new chapter of their mission. Our sincere thanks go to the St. Benedict Community for its generous hospitality and for once again providing such a warm and welcoming setting for this cherished annual gathering.    

The Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE), the network that brings together Jesuit and companion schools across Europe to promote collaboration, formation and the shared mission of Ignatian education, gathered its executive team on June 16-19 in Brussels for an in-person meeting. As the members of the team work remotely from different parts of Europe, the gathering provided a valuable opportunity to meet face-to-face, strengthen relationships and reflect together on the future of the network. Alongside discussions on strategic priorities, upcoming programmes and the future development of the network, the gathering offered an opportunity to deepen connections across the wider Jesuit family. The team met with Dalibor Renić SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and JECSE, to exchange perspectives on Jesuit education and the Society of Jesus' mission in Europe. The team also visited the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC), and the Chapel for Europe learning more about their work and exploring opportunities for greater collaboration. The encounters highlighted how different Jesuit apostolic works—education, social justice, advocacy and accompaniment—are interconnected in responding to the challenges facing Europe today. The gathering also provided time to strengthen community through shared meals and informal conversations, recognising that personal relationships are at the heart of effective collaboration.    

On 16–17 June, colleagues from across Europe working in advocacy and communications gathered in Brussels for the annual meeting of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe network. Based in Brussels, JRS Europe – regional office of JRS in Europe under the European Conference of Provincials – coordinates advocacy, policy engagement and collaboration among JRS country offices, supporting the Society of Jesus' mission of accompanying, serving and advocating for refugees and other forcibly displaced people across the continent. The two-day meeting provided an opportunity for participants to reconnect, exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration between the advocacy and communications teams. Through a combination of joint and parallel sessions, participants reflected on current priorities, shared best practices and explored how the two fields can work more closely together to increase the impact of JRS' mission. Key topics included developments in national and European advocacy, collaboration with the JRS International Office, effective fundraising communication, campaign development, and the relationship between advocacy and public narratives. Participants also discussed the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, identifying common priorities for the JRS Europe network as the new Common European Asylum System enters into force, while communications colleagues reflected on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and responsible storytelling. The meeting reaffirmed that effective advocacy and communication go hand in hand. By combining policy expertise with compelling, human-centred narratives, JRS Europe aims to strengthen its common voice and better accompany refugees while promoting a more just, welcoming and humane Europe.