On March 1, a memorial day was held at the Loyola Faculties in Paris to remember and acknowledge the suffering endured by those who were attacked by Jesuits in France and Belgium and to allow the Jesuit Province of French-speaking Western Europe to reiterate its shame and desolation, as well as its commitment to the service of truth and justice. This day was initiated by Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ, Provincial, together with victims involved in processes launched with the Commission for Recognition and Reparation (CRR) in France since 2022 and with Dignity in Belgium since 2011. “It was essential that this step of recognition and this joint approach take place. We’ve been receiving testimonies for about ten years, and it is important that we, victims and witnesses, as well as Jesuits, commemorate the attacks suffered—together.” Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ The day was designed for and with the victims of Jesuits: a group of about twelve people, victims and Jesuits, had been meeting since October 2024 to prepare this memorial, guided by two independent professionals in a co-construction process. Through these meetings, the memorial day took shape, centered on the voices of the victims and utilizing various forms of expression—particularly art—to try to express what is often beyond words. All victims of Jesuit violence were invited. On March 1, around thirty victims attended, accompanied by about twenty relatives. The morning brought together 80 people: the victims, their relatives, and Jesuits in leadership positions. Victims who chose to do so shared their testimonies through texts, poems, drawings, photos—punctuated by musical interludes. It was a difficult time, because “speaking means reliving the attacks,” but necessary because, as Damien, a victim and member of the collective, reminded everyone: “We know that our words will free others to speak.” A shared meal followed. In the afternoon, the gathering expanded to about 40 additional participants—superiors and members of Jesuit communities from France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, along with partners (CRR, CORREF, COREB, CEF, CEB). A prayer service was held at the Church of Saint Ignace in Paris. Before the altar, the Gospel of Saint Matthew echoed: “Woe to him through whom scandal comes.” Throughout the day, art offered moments of respite and beauty. In the heart of the church, a dancer in white performed a choreography set to Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. Highlights: Sister Samuelle, mosaic artist and survivor of abuse by former Jesuit Marko Rupnik, presented her mosaic work made from slate, gold leaf, and small stones: “Mosaic lets us piece together what has been broken—not to restore it as it was, but to reorganize it, giving it a different life.” Victims shared powerful testimonies, lit by candlelight, describing the control, suffering, and perversity of their abusers—and the devastation wrought upon their lives. Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, wrote a letter read aloud, expressing “shame and confusion at what men of the Church, Jesuits or associated with our institutions, have done to innocent people,” and for those who failed to act at the time to prevent, punish, or support victims. A conversation followed with Christine Boucabeille (victim), Patrick C. Goujon SJ, and Guilhem Causse SJ, reflecting on the weight of silence. Goujon noted: “Silencing the cry is the worst suffering for the victim.” In conclusion, Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ addressed the victims and their families: “I present to you, trembling, a request for forgiveness. This request imposes no response. If the irreparable cannot be fully repaired, may these words—and the words and actions of today—help make your wounds bearable. The wounds do not fade, but I hope they heal.” He emphasized the importance of prevention, stating: “It’s not just ‘Blessed are those who mourn with,’ it’s also ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.’ In recent years, our prevention policy has evolved significantly to make Jesuit institutions as safe as possible. I know the work is not finished, but I am committed to continuing it—through awareness-raising, training for all involved, open reception of complaints and testimonies, and cooperation with judicial authorities.”

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!

From July 28 to August 3, 2025, the Pope invites young people worldwide to Rome for the Jubilee of Hope. Réseau Magis is organizing an opportunity for over 500 students and young professionals to join this significant event. Program Overview: Experiments (July 19-23): In the week leading up to the Jubilee, participants can engage in "experiments" lasting 4 to 8 days. These experiences, rooted in Ignatian spirituality, are designed to help individuals find God's presence through various activities. Options include sailing from the French coast to Ostia, a musical journey through the Alps, a mendicant pilgrimage, and social projects in Matera, Italy. Jubilee in Rome (July 28 - August 3): An estimated one million young people will gather in Rome for catecheses, conferences, visits to Jesuit sites, the Holy Door pilgrimage, and a weekend at Tor Vergata. Highlights include a vigil and closing Mass presided over by the Pope. On July 31, participants will celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola with a Mass at the Church of the Gesù, led by Father Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Jesuits, alongside Magis delegations from around the world. Spiritual Exercises (August 4-9): After the Jubilee, attendees can participate in Spiritual Exercises at the Simplon Pass on the Italian-Swiss border or at the Saint-Hugues Spiritual Center near Grenoble. These retreats offer a serene environment to reflect on the experiences of the previous weeks and delve deeper into Ignatian spirituality. Registration Details: Registrations opened on January 12, 2025. Participants can choose from various packages based on their availability: Espresso: A one-week program focusing solely on the Jubilee. Classica: Includes an experiment before the Jubilee. Spirituale: Features the Jubilee followed by the Spiritual Exercises. Completa: A comprehensive experience encompassing an experiment, the Jubilee, and the Spiritual Exercises. Each package is designed to provide a holistic experience, integrating personal growth, spiritual development, and community engagement. Detailed information on registration procedures, transportation, and pricing is available on the official website. Réseau MAGIS About Réseau Magis: Réseau Magis is a community for young adults aged 18 to 35, offering teams, activities, and tools to pray, make decisions, and receive guidance in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, in collaboration with the Jesuits and the Ignatian family.  

Testimony from Fr. Jean Tuân SJ at Lille University Hospital Since 2023, Fr. Jean Tuân SJ has served as a hospital chaplain at Lille University Hospital (CHU). He reflects on his mission of listening and comforting patients, describing the hospital as a place of profound suffering and fragility, but also of grace and reconciliation. A Unique World at a Critical Moment Lille University Hospital, one of the largest public health institutions in northern France, employs over 16,000 professionals and serves 6 million residents of the Hauts-de-France region. Comprising ten specialized hospitals, it treats 1.4 million patients annually. Appointed chaplain by Lille’s Archbishop, Fr. Tuân works across all units, officially stationed at Salengro and the Heart-Lung Institute. Hospitals are unique spaces, places of hope and healing, yet marked by suffering. Patients, representing all social backgrounds and beliefs, come here during life’s most vulnerable moments. This setting provides a rare opportunity to hear the deepest cries of humanity and engage with individuals at their most fragile. Listening to Life Stories In the hospital, patients endure waiting—whether for treatment, recovery, or the end of life. This waiting opens a door for chaplains to connect. Moments of trust, when patients share their life stories, are moments of grace. Some recount rich, inspiring lives that reveal beautiful souls, leaving the listener in awe and gratitude. Other stories are filled with unbearable pain: abuse, illness, loss, or despair. Listening to such accounts is both a privilege and a challenge. It offers patients a chance to unburden themselves, even briefly, and provides the chaplain an opportunity to bring solace in the face of overwhelming suffering. End-of-life conversations often strip away pretense, revealing what truly matters to the person. Beyond physical pain, many patients grapple with unresolved inner struggles. Some seek peace with God, others with loved ones or themselves. These moments allow chaplains to offer comfort and guide them toward reconciliation, helping them depart in peace. The Sacrament of the Sick often brings profound relief, both to the patient and their family. Learning Love Through the Cross Walking alongside suffering patients is a way of sharing their burdens, echoing Simon of Cyrene carrying Christ’s cross. A chaplain’s compassionate presence provides patients with support, helping them find peace in their struggles. These encounters teach the chaplain to love deeply, without glorifying suffering or becoming indifferent to it. The role of a hospital chaplain brings one face-to-face with humanity’s deepest suffering—disease, violence, and loss. Yet it also allows for the proclamation of God’s word, bringing hope to seemingly hopeless situations. The chaplain stands at the intersection of bioethics and faith, confronting challenging issues like euthanasia, abortion, and abuse. Amid this, prayer becomes a lifeline, sustaining the chaplain’s hope and compassion. Through this unexpected ministry, Fr. Tuân walks closely with Christ, learning to listen, console, and find God in the stories of those he serves. These encounters deepen his understanding of life’s meaning and strengthen his faith. In the hospital, he meets the poor in spirit, who, in turn, lead him closer to God.

Five loaves and two fish Fr. Vincent Klein SJ reflects on the joy and generosity of a solidarity Christmas meal organized for isolated and homeless individuals in Marseille. Held at Saint-Cannat due to ongoing renovations at Saint-Ferréol church, the event brought together volunteers of all ages, including high school students, to create a festive and fraternal celebration. Preparation began weeks in advance, with teams organizing decoration, logistics, catering, and entertainment. On the day, volunteers transformed the church into a banquet hall, setting up tables and festive decorations in just over an hour. The celebration started with a procession of children and Santa Claus carrying gifts and the poster “Messengers of Peace,” this year’s Advent theme. Among the 120 guests were elderly individuals, families, and people experiencing homelessness. Around 40 high school students volunteered, assisting with service, entertainment, and cleanup. The meal began with a blessing from Fr. Steves Babooram SJ, rector of Saint-Ferréol, and featured contributions from the solidarity restaurant "Le République," local bakeries, and other businesses. Santa Claus, played by Fr. Vincent de Marcillac SJ, distributed gifts to children and adults, bringing smiles to faces often marked by life’s challenges. Despite limited resources, the community’s generosity mirrored the miracle of the five loaves and two fish. An abundance of food, gifts, and volunteers created an atmosphere of shared joy. Many high school students, who also serve breakfast to the homeless on Sundays, prepared thoughtful gifts for attendees. The celebration welcomed people of various faiths and backgrounds, embodying a spirit of inclusion and solidarity. In an era of increasing isolation, this event reminded everyone of the transformative power of generosity and shared humanity. As Fr. Klein notes, “At Christmas, God becomes human and brother to all—an invitation for us to be messengers of this love every day.”

I am Clément Poret, a twenty-six-year-old Frenchman with a background as an engineer specialized in physics. I am a second year Jesuit novice in Birmingham with novices coming from France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. How did I end up joining the Society? That is precisely the story I told to a dozen classes a week during my experiment – a short time of apostolic work - in Brussels in October and November!    I have been sent to visit the catholic religion classes of the four European secondary schools as my main apostolate. The pupils I saw were usually between twelve and eighteen years old and since each class has a different character it has never become a routine. They particularly enjoyed the pictures I showed of my time in India as a volunteer in a local charity caring for poor children. Telling my vocation story was always an opportunity of thanksgiving. It is not always easy because it requires exposing oneself in front of students that are not necessarily sending signs of a quiet and attentive listening. But through the questions of the young people, the one-to-one chats at the end and the feedback of the teachers, I am confident that something has been sown in their hearts that will bear fruit in its own time. Besides, I also took part in the Magis young adult ministry and in the events at the chapel for Europe. It was beautiful to meet young people facing the same life questions as I am. In those situations, I discover more and more the joy of sharing the wonderful insights of Ignatius about prayer and discernment. I lived at the St Benedict Jesuit community with the Jesuits involved at a European level. They embodied quite well the saying of the Jesuit Jerome Nadal: ‘The world is our house’  - travelling around the world caring for the people and works entrusted to them. It was a blessing for me to be in this community and to see their dedication to their mission. I am now back in Birmingham with a lot of food for thoughts. Six weeks in Brussels were short and stand now as an invitation to go back in the future as I remember with great consolation the students, teachers, young adults and Jesuits by whom I have been greatly inspired.