The new Superior of the Czech Province of the Society of Jesus will be Pavel Bačo SJ. He was appointed by Father General Arturo Sosa SJ by decree dated March 4, 2025. He will take over the office of Provincial from his predecessor Petr Přádka SJ; the actual date of the handover will be announced later. Pavel Bačo was born in 1974 in Brumov-Bylnice. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1992. He studied philosophy at the Hochschule für Philosophie in Munich and theology in Dublin, Ireland. In 2001, he moved on to postgraduate studies in systematic theology at Heythrop College in London. He was ordained a priest on April 6, 2002. He completed his third probation in 2011−2012 in Dublin, and took his final vows on November 27, 2012 in Brno. After returning to the province, he worked mainly in university pastoral care at Jesuit churches in Olomouc (2003-2011) and Brno (2012-2016). Since 2016, he has been the rector of the Church of St. Ignatius in Prague and the superior of the Prague Jesuit community (since September 2018). Since 2020, he has been working at the international novitiate in Birmingham, UK, where he holds the role of socio novice master, and also serves as a chaplain for university students at the University of Birmingham.

Arts, sports and meetings were on the agenda for this special week for the 2,500 students of the Jesuit colleges Saint François Xavier de Verviers, SFX1 and SFX2 (primary and secondary). Around thirty Jesuits went to meet these young people in order to inspire fraternity and commitment among them. It was a first for the city of Verviers. The "Jesuit week", a tradition organized for several years within the Belgian and French networks of Jesuit schools, took place this year in this district capital of the province of Liège. Unifying activities On the program: art, sports and meetings to develop fraternity between students and schools but also to arouse curiosity and encourage the commitment of young people. The opportunity for Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ, Provincial, to speak: "  This allows students to discover what a Jesuit is, and above all, that their school belongs to a network. A network with hundreds of thousands of students. Here, in Verviers, it is exceptional since we have two schools that are part of the Jesuit network. We would like each of these young people to become men and women, with, and for others. Young people who will be aware of the challenges and who will commit themselves to a better world. They are already getting active by running to support an association . " Meet the Jesuits and their vocation Coming from Paris, Toulouse, Namur and Ankara, around thirty Jesuits made the trip to meet these students. This was the case of Father Bernard Peteers SJ who answered questions from a CE2 class. Joannie Delvaux, a teacher at SFX2, recounted: “ My students were sitting in a circle, eager to listen to his testimony. He began by telling his life story and his choice to become a Jesuit. The first questions came very quickly. What struck me was Father Peeters’ kindness and attention to each student. Without judgment, taking the time he needed, he tried to answer each one clearly and with great humanity. Not afraid to share his joys and sorrows, Father Peeters spoke about the importance of relationships. I have rarely seen my students so focused for 50 minutes!  ” Students and teachers delighted "  The gathering  ", "  The enrichment  " and "  The hope  " Here are a few words collected at the microphone of the students involved in the story of the event. Students and teachers delighted with the course of this week and the discovery or rediscovery of the Jesuits. "  It was really rich, we were able to share moments together, attend testimonies and shows [...] it was a magnificent week  " says a teacher at the microphone of his student. Some would even have liked to go further "  I would have liked to spend more time with the Jesuits, talk with them and be able to explore certain things  in more depth" confides a student to his classmate. A slight taste of too little that testifies to the importance of passing on to a still curious youth. The Jesuit week is over but the adventure continues for these students and for the adults who accompany them, more aware of the project that brings them together!

JESC's Ecology Officer Telmo Olascoaga Michel wrote the insightful article: “Empowering Faith Actors in their Ecological Transition.”  Since 2022, the JESC Carbon Initiative (JCI) has transformed from an experimental #CarbonAssessment of Jesuit communities in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg into a comprehensive program supporting faith communities in their #EcologicalTransition journey. Key milestones include: Conducting the first-ever carbon assessment of a Jesuit province Developing Ireland's pioneering climate roadmap aligned with Paris Agreement targets Expanding to support dioceses and religious orders in environmental impact management Launching school sustainability initiatives in Malta and France in 2024   This work isn't just about reducing emissions — it's about #ClimateJustice and responsibility, recognising that the Global North must lead in climate action to protect vulnerable communities worldwide.  We are grateful to see faith communities turning ecological ideals into concrete commitments through the values of #LaudatoSi' and creating a legacy of climate action for #FutureGenerations. Read the full article: https://www.sjesjesuits.global/.../empowering-faith.../

The Bulletin [WGSBN Bull. 5, #2, 2025 February 3] announced the naming of a new asteroid: (722063) Andrasz . The object, previously designated 2005 CO83, was discovered using the Vatican VATT Telescope located on Mount Graham in Arizona (USA). The asteroid was discovered by Kazimierz Černis of the Vilnius Observatory and RP Boyle SJ of the Vatican Observatory. The new asteroid was named after Fr. Józef Andrasz (1891–1963) – a Polish Jesuit, philosopher and theologian who studied in Poland and in Grafenberg (Moravia). He was the author of numerous works, a retreat leader and spiritual director. For years he was associated with the Publishing House of the Apostolate of Prayer of Jesuit Priests in Krakow, where he conducted publishing and pastoral work. He also served as the confessor of St. Faustina Kowalska, supporting her spiritually in her mission. On February 1 this year, the beatification process of Father Józef Andrasz SJ began . More here:WGSBN BulletinMinor Planet Center

In a joyful conclusion to five transformative months, the 12th cohort of the European Leadership Programme (ELP) gathered at the Press Club Brussels on Wednesday, 19 February for their graduation ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone for the fellows, who reflected on their journey, described as having “gone by in the blink of an eye.” JESC Director Filipe Martins SJ addressed the graduates, encouraging them to embrace transparency as a fundamental aspect of their future leadership endeavours. Erik De Bom, Deputy Director at the University Centre Saint-Ignatius Antwerp (UCSIA), opened the event underscoring the importance of nourishing compassion, as a crucial quality for good leaders. Krisztian Meszaros, Director for Partnerships and Global Affairs at NATO, also offered guidance to the graduating class, emphasising the importance of nurturing the community they have built and maintaining the relationships formed during their time in the programme. The ceremony held distinct meaning for each fellow, regardless of whether they had participated for one semester or two, and whether their next steps would keep them in Brussels or take them to new destinations. For many, it represented a final formal gathering with their coaches, mentors, families, and colleagues who were able to attend. The establishment of the newly launched ELP Alumni Board promises to facilitate ongoing connections among graduates, ensuring that the bonds formed during the programme will continue to flourish in the years ahead, with ample opportunities for future reunions. As one chapter closes for these emerging leaders, the skills, and networks developed through the European Leadership Programme are going to influence their professional journeys and contributions to society. Watch the video recap grasping the best moments from the celebration!

More than one of the five Tertians enrolled in the Nicholas Kluiters European Tertianship Programme had to hear that question from friendly companions. Thankfully, the common response was a big smile. Eziokwu, Artur, Shigi, Matthew and Krystian met in Cairo last September for the launching of the 2024-2025 class. They compose the fourth cohort of tertians to join this programme. As soon as we gathered in Cairo, the situation deteriorated in Lebanon very quickly. It was wise to run the programme in Egypt. We had one month. This is what the tourist visas allow. Of course, we could ask for an extension, but it wasn’t needed. Artur went to Dublin, then to Armenia where he worked with the Missionaries of Charity (MC). Shigi did his experiment with the MC in Sri Lanka. Krystian was in Athens, helping with the Polish Parish, and joined the MC as well. Matthew and Eziokwu went back to Nigeria, the former to work in the Kukah Center in Abuja, and the latter to resume his work as Socius. We had online classes twice a week. Now we gather again in Cairo. As I write these lines, Matthew is flying over the Sahara. We will start the Long Retreat on Sunday 9 February in the evening, together with the Novices of the PRO Province, in the Coptic Catholic Monastery of the Annunciation. We will finish on March 12. Eziokwu could not join us, because of inescapable commitments. He travelled to Lebanon in January to do his Long Retreat with me, before I left to Egypt. After the retreat, we will have some days of rest, then each will go to a new destination (unless otherwise decided with me) to proceed with the study of the Institute while making community with companions in different places. The plan is to meet again end of May, in Egypt, for the conclusion of this year’s programme. Events have dictated this course. But the generosity of the tertians has made that course very fruitful. It was not what I had chosen for them, but it was what God has chosen for us all. So, what kind of tertianship is that? One of the best kinds, I’m sure! Dany Younes Tertian instructor