France

Paris
Arradon
Bordeaux
Clamart
Francheville
Grenoble
La Plaine-St Denis
Lalouvesc
Le Mans
Lille
Lyon
Marseille
Montpellier
Nantes
Paray le Monial
Pau
Poitiers
Reims
Rouen
Saint-Denis
Saint-Étienne
Toulouse
Vanves
Versailles

Belgium

Brussels
Charleroi
Liège
Louvain–La–Neuve
Namur
Wépion

Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Greece

Athens

Mauritius

St-Denis Cedex

Réunion

Rose Hill
Do you (really) know the Jesuits? Their missions, their commitments? Discover them in a film that gives them a voice. The Jesuits are engaged in numerous missions throughout the world, combining contemplation and action, proclamation of the faith and social justice . Do you (really) know who they are and what makes up their daily life and mission? This film invites you to discover it by giving the Jesuits themselves a voice. Through the testimonies of six of them, you will learn more about what drives them, about their very diverse backgrounds and about what unites them deeply: the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Whether or not you know the Jesuits and the Society of Jesus, discover this inspiring film and immerse yourself in the world of the Jesuits, who, following Christ and in the Church, stand and act in places of tension and borders to accompany men and women to grow in faith, service and freedom    
From September 26 to 29, Pope Francis visited Luxembourg and Belgium, where he met with Jesuits from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands on several occasions. After a brief stop in Luxembourg, Pope Francis spent four days in Belgium, accepting invitations from KU Leuven and UCLouvain, two universities celebrating their 600th anniversary this year. This visit came shortly after the 87-year-old pontiff’s long trip to Southeast Asia and Oceania. His arrival was eagerly anticipated, marking the first papal visit to Belgium since Pope John Paul II’s in 1995. The Jesuits were present at multiple stages of the Pope’s journey. In Luxembourg, on Thursday, September 26, he was welcomed at the Notre-Dame Cathedral by Jesuit Fathers Gabriel Pigache, Jacques Weisshaupt, Jean-Marie Birsens, and Christian Motsch. The visit coincided with the 400th anniversary of the National Pilgrimage of the Octave, dedicated to Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted, a tradition initiated by the Jesuits in 1624. Reflecting on this, Father Christian Motsch, SJ, of the Christ the King Chapel, noted, "A Jesuit Pope in the 21st century renews the Church's call to stand with the poorest and most afflicted. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Pope Francis will remind us, as Luxembourgers and Christians, of our responsibility in facing the ecological and social crises causing immense suffering today." On Friday, the Pope continued his visit in Belgium, meeting with King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. He then visited KU Leuven, where he also met with survivors of sexual abuse within the Church, including two victims who shared their experiences of abuse by Jesuits. On Saturday, Pope Francis addressed bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. Among those present were Father Thierry Dobbelstein, SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits, and members of the Belgian Jesuit communities. In the afternoon, the Pope met with students from UCLouvain in Louvain-la-Neuve. As with all his travels, he took time for a private audience with the Jesuits, attended by more than 130 members from seven Jesuit communities across French-speaking Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the Netherlands.
A visit from the Father General to the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials' office and to the the Community of Saint Benedict is certainly a rare occurrence. However, the recent gathering was particularly historic, as it brought together not only the Father General but also two of his assistants and four provincials. This included the provincials of Slovakia, Portugal, and the Flemish-speaking region—who serve as consultors to the president of JCEP—as well as the provincial of the EOF Province, which was hosting Fr. General. Father Arturo Sosa visited the offices of JCEP as a small "detour" from his visit to the EOF Province over France and Belgium. During his visit, he was briefly introduced to the Conference's works in Brussels, JRS-E, JESC, Chapel for Europe and the coordination of Catholic Religion classes in the European Schools. In the conversation that followed, he emphasized the importance of these efforts in promoting unity within the European Union, particularly at a time of increasing global and internal challenges.   Father General Arturo Sosa Visits the EOF Province: A Journey of Faith and Mission France and Belgium, 15-22 September: Invited to give the inaugural lecture for the academic year at Loyola Faculties Paris, Father Arturo Sosa used this opportunity to explore various facets of the EOF Province. He visited institutions dedicated to faith, intellectual formation, education, youth outreach, social justice, and ecological transition. Throughout his journey, he met Jesuits and lay collaborators committed to carrying out the mission of the Society of Jesus in diverse contexts and among varied communities. Father Sosa's eight-day visit took him across France and Belgium, from Paris and Saint-Denis to the Saclay plateau, Brussels, Lyon, and Paray-le-Monial. This journey allowed him to witness firsthand the apostolic works within the EOF Province, which are deeply rooted in both local realities and the global Jesuit mission. Provincial Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein, SJ, expressed the importance of this visit, noting that while Jesuits and lay partners are deeply involved in local communities, the visit serves as a reminder of their belonging to the universal body of the Society of Jesus. "We are sent into the world following Christ, working together for the reconciliation of all things," he remarked, emphasizing the unity of the Jesuit mission across borders. Among the highlights of the visit was Father Sosa’s lecture on September 16 at Loyola Faculties Paris, marking the institution’s 50th anniversary. His talk revisited the history and current challenges of the Faculties, which train Jesuits from around the world. This event underscored the international impact of the institution, extending well beyond the EOF Province. The lecture can be replayed on the Loyola Faculties Paris YouTube channel and KTO Television. Another key moment was Father Sosa's visit to Paray-le-Monial on September 21, where he renewed the Society of Jesus' consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This act took place in a sanctuary that joined the Pope’s Global Prayer Network in December 2023, initiating the Sacred Heart Jubilee. Father Sosa's reflections on the Jesuits' spiritual heritage—knowing Christ deeply and being transformed by His love—reminded all present of the enduring mission of the Society of Jesus.
The Penboch Young Professionals Retreat Celebrates its 40th Anniversary: Interview with Fr. Franck Delorme SJ The annual Penboch Young Professionals retreat took place from August 13 to 23, 2024, at the Jesuit Spiritual Center of Penboch. This unique program, blending spirituality and personal development, has been a source of renewal for young adults since its inception in 1984. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we look back with Fr. Franck Delorme SJ, who co-leads the retreat with a dedicated team of laypeople and religious, reflecting on its history and lasting impact. What inspired the creation of this retreat? The Penboch Young Professionals retreat began in 1984, driven by the vision of Fr. Henri Madelin SJ, then Provincial of the Jesuits, along with Yves and Béatrice Lesage, active members of the Christian Life Community. Their goal was to create a retreat that addressed the spiritual and personal needs of young professionals. This was a time in life filled with important decisions—career, relationships, personal faith. The retreat was designed to help participants integrate these different dimensions—personal, professional, emotional, relational, social, and ecclesial—into a unified whole. This unique experience combines a communal session for sharing and a silent retreat spread over nine days. The initial days prepare participants to open themselves to the Word of God, paving the way for a deeper encounter during the retreat itself. How do you reflect on the past 40 years? Over the last 40 years, the young professionals who have participated in the Penboch retreat have expressed profound gratitude for the transformation they've experienced. Many speak of the retreat as a turning point in their lives. We’re delighted that, after four decades, this retreat continues to bear fruit and serves as a valuable resource for young professionals. It offers them a much-needed break during the summer, a time to listen to God, and to anchor their lives more deeply in faith. As guides, we witness firsthand the significant inner work that takes place during these nine days—within the participants themselves and in their relationship with the Lord. It’s truly gratifying to see how this retreat sparks meaningful changes in their lives. Is the original vision still relevant today? Absolutely. The core intuition of the retreat is still very much alive: taking time to prepare before entering into silence and contemplation. This careful preparation makes room for the Word of God to resonate with each person in a fresh, personal way. Even after 40 years, this approach remains deeply relevant, offering young people a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and reassess their lives. Young professionals today are often seeking space to step back, think deeply, and regain perspective. This retreat, though demanding, offers just that—a unique opportunity for reflection that participants often describe as transformative. Those who take the leap into this experience never regret it. We often receive in proportion to the commitment we bring. What changes have you seen over the past 40 years? One significant change is the omnipresence of technology—particularly the internet and mobile phones. Our constant connection to digital devices alters how we relate to ourselves and others. It now requires greater effort to disconnect from these distractions and fully engage in the Penboch retreat. Yet, this challenge only highlights the value of the retreat: it teaches participants to embrace simplicity, savor the present moment, and rediscover a deeper sense of being. As St. Ignatius of Loyola said, "It is not knowing much that satisfies the soul, but feeling and savoring things deeply." Who leads this retreat? The retreat is guided by a team of around a dozen people—both lay and religious—who are all rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Our team is deeply committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and can find their place within the group. This collaborative spirit is central to our work. It’s not about one person, such as the priest, doing everything or having all the answers. Instead, we all journey together in faith, reflecting on how best to transmit this experience and dive deeper into essential questions of faith, such as the sacraments. What would you like to share on the occasion of this 40th anniversary? We are truly grateful that this retreat for young professionals aged 25 to 35 continues to thrive. It’s one of the oldest programs offered at our spiritual centers and remains a powerful adventure for the young people who join us. Many participants share with us the joy and life-changing experiences they have had during these days—experiences that help them reconnect with their sense of purpose and responsibility in the world. This milestone also represents 40 years of fruitful collaboration among the teams who have made this retreat possible. It’s been a joy for all of us to work together in the service of faith, accompanying young adults through a period of life that is rich with challenges and opportunities.
An Incubator for Social and Ecological Impact, in the Heart of Maison Magis Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, Cowork Magis is more than just a workspace—it's a dynamic community of over forty young entrepreneurs (start-ups, freelancers, and independents) under 35. With professional, personalized support, we help young people grow their businesses while fostering a strong sense of social and ecological responsibility. Hear from the entrepreneurs who have chosen Cowork Magis and discover how this unique space has shaped their professional journeys: Watch their testimonials A Unique Space for Young Professionals Nestled in the heart of Paris' 6th arrondissement, Cowork Magis offers a large, fully-equipped, and quiet workspace. Our facilities include soundproof booths for calls and video conferences, as well as rooms for team meetings or client presentations—all designed to help you work efficiently in a serene environment. A Holistic Approach to Professional and Spiritual Growth For those seeking spiritual support, Cowork Magis offers a unique blend of professional development and spiritual reflection. Coworkers have access to a Jesuit mentor, weekly Mass, and two prayer sessions held in the chapel of Maison Magis. We believe that nurturing both your business and your inner self can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Collaboration, Mentorship, and Learning By joining Cowork Magis, you'll become part of a community that shares best business practices in a spirit of collaboration and support. Our dedicated mentors provide tailor-made guidance through one-on-one or group mentoring, workshops on entrepreneurial techniques, and pitch practice sessions. In fact, the renowned Jour du Seigneur team recently followed our director, Pauline Velin, during one of our pitch sessions.Watch the session here.
Because sport and faith share common values ​​and because the Games that are opening are an opportunity to bear witness to the joy and "strength" of Christ, the Jesuits are mobilizing before and during the event: presence of chaplains in the Olympic village, exhibition, spiritual journeys, reviews... A tour of this mobilization.  The two Jesuit communities of Saint-Denis in the starting blocks Located in Saint-Denis Basilica and La Plaine Saint-Denis , the two Jesuit communities are fully mobilized, while the city will welcome up to 170,000 supporters daily, from July 24 to August 11 and then from August 29 to September 8, not including the residents of the neighborhood. " We will spend the summer with the residents who will not be able to afford to leave or pay for entry to the stadium, and experience the games together ," rejoices Fr. Jacques Enjalbert SJ, chaplain of the Maison d'église de Saint-Paul. Two Jesuits, Frs. Jacques Enjalbert and Grégoire Catta, as well as three Xavier sisters, Véronique Rouquet, Juliette Ploquin and Gudrun Steiss, will be part of the team of Catholic chaplains at the interdenominational center of the athletes' village . They will be available to athletes from all over the world for a warm welcome, fraternal support and spiritual listening, both before and after the events, and will also be able to pray with them. Near the Olympic village, in the Saint-Ouen-le-Vieux church, they will take turns, with diocesan priests, to celebrate a daily mass for them. As part of the Holy Games, the Jesuits will contribute to the proposals of the diocese of Saint-Denis by welcoming supporters and tourists in the two churches they run : Saint-Denys de l'Estrée and Saint-Paul de la Plaine. Located a stone's throw from the Stade de France and the new Aquatic Centre, the Saint-Paul de la Plaine church house will aim to link sport, art and spirituality through various initiatives: A photography exhibition from June 30 to September 18 on the theme of Body & Soul. Created by photographer Manuel Lagos Cid and journalist-videographer Benjamin Le Souëf, it will illustrate how the Christian faith sheds light on the relationship to the body and to sports practice through six themes. For each, a central text panel, bilingual French-English, will be framed by portraits of neighborhood residents evoking, in a short video, the way in which the experience of sport resonates with their life and faith journeys. This exhibition was designed in partnership with a spiritual retreat to be experienced as a family offered by the Jesuits (see box) . It will also be visible at the Saint-Denys de l'Estrée church, in the center of Saint-Denis, and at the Saint-Ferréol church, a Jesuit sanctuary on the Old Port in Marseille where the Olympic sailing events and some football matches will take place. Finally, a copy of "Pugilist ", a sculpture by Paul Landowski made for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, which represents a competitive boxer, will be exhibited in front of the church. Another "body and soul" fighter will face him: "End of game", a sculpture by Théophile Stein from the Volonté 93 collective in Saint-Ouen. In the church itself, the installation "l'habitant", by Thibaut Lucas from the Push collective in Aubervilliers, will enter into dialogue with the liturgical space. Visits and discovery of heritage Also in Saint-Denis, the association "Pierres Vivantes", an initiative launched by an Italian Jesuit in 2008, will organize an international camp during the first ten days of the games. The young participants will show visitors around the Saint-Denis basilica and raise awareness of the richness of the Christian mystery through art and architecture. During the second part of the games, a camp led by Fr. Pierre Alexandre Collomb SJ and Fr. Manuel Grandin SJ, and made up jointly of young people from the Magis network and the diocese of Saint-Denis, will take over and welcome tourists and pilgrims to this high place of art, history and faith. Body and soul, a spiritual training to experience as a family Let's get moving towards games! This is the proposal of the Body & Soul course which invites families to follow a spiritual training exploring the spiritual dimension of sports practice based on six themes that relate as much to daily life as to sport: play and discipline, body and soul, strength and fragility, test and combat, defeat and victory, competition and team spirit, i.e. six realities in tension. > Booklets and registration: Body & Soul Course A podcast: Saint Ignatius participates in the games with his specialty: the Spiritual Exercises ! When writing the Spiritual Exercises , Saint Ignatius of Loyola knew well that a sport requires training and repetition of exercises. In this year of games, Prie en chemin is offering from July 1st a course of 4 podcasts with free access to explore the link between sports training and the Spiritual Exercises : training, being fair-play, being “supported”, fighting to win… > Presentation