To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Laudato si’ encyclical, Prie en chemin presents a new podcast: Pilgrimage at the Rhythm of Creation. This two-hour audio journey, designed to be listened to while walking, invites us to travel through the 4.6 billion years since the Earth’s formation, all under the gaze of God. Each second of walking corresponds to one million years of our planet’s history. The 17 stages of the pilgrimage are enriched with scientific insights and meditative reflections on the Word of God. This deep dive into the scientific narrative of time inspires awe and wonder at everything we know about our planet’s story. The Prie en chemin team developed this journey based on an idea by Xavier de Bénazé SJ, with Olivier Dewavrin SJ and Alexandre Masson SJ, inspired by the “deep time walk,” a scientific exercise created at Schumacher College in England. This innovative format allows listeners to be guided by the audio and to experience the walk as a prayerful meditation. It is a transformative experience — one to be lived deeply and shared widely: https://prieenchemin.org/parcours-spirituels/112/

On May 1st, the Jesuit community of Toulouse gathered to celebrate a significant milestone: 50 years of Jesuit presence in the Bagatelle neighborhood. The day was filled with joy, meaningful encounters, and a festive meal that brought together religious communities and local residents in a spirit of shared gratitude and friendship. May 1st is not only the liturgical feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, but also a secular holiday honoring the struggles for workers’ rights. It was the perfect moment to celebrate the arrival of the Jesuits in Bagatelle—originally part of a workers' mission—and to honor the broader Christian presence in the Grand Mirail area. This includes the many religious communities that have followed one another in the neighborhood, beginning with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, who arrived shortly before the Jesuits. Their charism—to “live with the people” and work for reconciliation, both among individuals and between humanity and God—continues to inspire. During his homily, Father Thierry Lamboley reflected on the quiet strength of Saint Joseph: a discreet and devoted man whose every gesture, no matter how small, contributes to the building of God’s Kingdom “without noise, fanfare, or trumpet.” Saint Joseph stands as a model not only for those who commit their lives to God through religious vows, but also for countless Christians who, often silently, live out their mission in the margins of society and of the Church—just like many in Bagatelle. After the festive meal in the parish hall—lovingly prepared by and for the community—Father Vincent de Marcillac, a member of the first Jesuit team to arrive in Bagatelle, opened the floor for shared memories: “In 1975, it was in the spirit of the 32nd General Congregation of the Society of Jesus—which helped us better understand the connection between faith and justice—that we came to settle here, to share in the lives and struggles of those we met through our work.” Bagatelle: A Place That Smells of the Kingdom of God Later in the afternoon, the celebrations moved to the Maison de Quartier, where friends and neighbors—atheists, Christians, Muslims; immigrants and French natives alike—came together to share their experiences. They spoke of long-standing friendships with the Jesuits and the value of their presence in the neighborhood. One unforgettable image remains from this day of celebration: Father Vincent de Marcillac embracing his old friend Hafid El-Alaoui, an immigrant rights activist who welcomed him to Bagatelle half a century ago. The two spent the evening side by side, joyfully reimagining the world with the same passion and hope that brought them together 50 years earlier. Truly, Bagatelle is a place that smells of the Kingdom of God.

Interview with Father François Boëdec – Vice-Rector of USJ, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary USJ (Saint Joseph University of Beirut) is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Read More Here. To mark the occasion, we welcome Jesuit Father François Boëdec, former provincial of the Jesuit Province of French-speaking Western Europe and new vice-rector of USJ, for an intimate interview. He talks about his experience in the heart of a wounded Lebanon but also evokes the joy of celebrating the 150th anniversary of an institution. He also shares with us his experience following the inauguration of the exhibition "Photographing Lebanon's Heritage," which will be on display at the Arab World Institute until next January. What do you remember from your first six months in Lebanon, in a difficult context? I arrived in Lebanon on the day of the great pager explosion organized by the Israelis. As I got off the plane, I saw the chaos the country had been plunged into… I won't soon forget that! The weeks that followed were terrible for the country, with a lot of bombing of urban areas, and then all the refugees who came from southern Lebanon to flee the fighting. It was a very difficult period when the university stopped, like many institutions in the country. I was especially struck by the feeling of great weariness, even despair. The last few years have been particularly hard on the life of the country with, of course, the political developments, the major economic crisis, the explosion at the port of Beirut, etc. Finally, the political situation has evolved, allowing for a stabilization of the security situation and the appointment of a head of government who is trying to rebuild the country. Institutions, schools, and universities have resumed their activities. And I was able to find my place a little better at USJ. I was very well received within this institution. The Rector asked me to follow human resources issues within the university, which is a good way to get to know it from the inside. How is Saint Joseph University celebrating its 150th anniversary? Numerous celebrations and conferences are being organized throughout 2025. It is essential to remember the founding project, and then the successive stages. 150 years is an extraordinary story, a human, intellectual, and spiritual adventure. The challenge is to draw from this past elements that will allow us to invent the future. The Superior General of the Society, Father Arturo Sosa, came to blow out the candles with us. It was a moment of joy and pride, seeing how our work fits into a longer history and how much this university has served the country. He encouraged us in this mission and met with the different groups that make up the university: students, teachers, alumni, all the staff—hundreds of people who serve the institution. We discussed the expectations, fears, and sometimes anxieties of all those who bring the university to life. In return, we understood how much the Society believed in this university, how committed the Jesuits were to this project, and how meaningful it is to be able to serve the education of young people. We know that many Lebanese go abroad; the challenge is also to ensure that there are young Lebanese who continue to believe in their country, who can exercise their professional activity in a dignified and normal manner and support their families in a stabilized country. The university serves this stability, serves a country that still believes in its future. What drives and inspires you today at USJ? There is a very special spirit at the university, a certain music specific to this institution of people who believe in their country. The challenge is that this spirit can continue. There are many universities in Lebanon: many of them are often mercantile places, for making money. Saint Joseph University tries to have another ambition: to train men and women who stand up, who are aware of what they have received so that they can give it to others, serve their country. That this spirit can continue is surely the wish we can make on the occasion of this anniversary.

The archive of the Bollandists was included in UNESCO's ‘Memory of the World’ register! 60,000 pages divided into 67 large volumes published over the course of three centuries: these few figures suggest the scope of the Acta Sanctorum, probably the largest publishing enterprise of the Ancien Régime, a gigantic encyclopaedia of all the saints of the East and West, providing for each of them a critical edition of the sources from which we know them. Begun by the Belgian Jesuit Jean Bolland in 1643, and continued by his colleagues soon to be known as the ‘Bollandists’, such an undertaking required a great deal of preparation: correspondence exchanged with scholars all over Europe, copies of texts found in medieval manuscripts scattered throughout the West... Today, some 300 volumes regrouping these letters and manuscript copies survive, shared between the collections of the Bollandist library and those of the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR).  In addition, some 700 engraved copper plates used to print the illustrations in the Acta Sanctorum are still preserved and kept in the Bollandist library. It is this unique collection that UNESCO has just included in the ‘Memory of the World’ register, underlining its exceptional importance.  This is only the third ‘Jesuit’ archive to receive this label (the other two being ‘Jesuits of America’, a collection held in Chile, which documents the Jesuits' activities in Latin America and the Philippines in the 17th and 18th centuries; and the “Ignacio Ellacuria” collection held in El Salvador).  The Société des Bollandistes, which, through its specialised library, publications and electronic databases, continues the tradition inaugurated by Jean Bolland, is proud of this honour which rewards a centuries-long commitment to a more authentic understanding of the saints through critical hagiography.

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!