Jesuits in Europe

WORLD
The Women's Commission in the process of attentive Listening for Justice and Equity On International Women's Day 3 years ago, Father General Arturo Sosa created the Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women in the Society of Jesus. Its responsibility is to 1) evaluate the appropriation of General Congregation 34’s Decree 14, “Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church & Civil Society”; 2) evaluate the participation and position of women and the structures of collaboration at all levels in institutions of the Society of Jesus and its apostolic works; and 3) make recommendations to the different levels of leadership in the Society of Jesus to strengthen the mission of the Society with the active participation of women. Where are we at TODAY?  This year, the global Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women of the Society of Jesus has been actively engaged in attentive listening. This process involves carefully taking in the experiences and perceptions shared by women and men, including religious women and Jesuits, across the six conferences.  One of the notable activities in 2023, was a comprehensive review of the global survey results conducted by the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC), of the Ateneo de Manila University located in the Philippines. The survey gathered the participation of around 1,400 collaborators regarding their perceptions of the role and responsibilities of women in Jesuit institutions and activities, how these perceptions of women translate into current practices and ways forward in Jesuit institutions, and what recommendations the Commission can present to the Superior General of the Jesuits to improve the participation of women in Jesuit institutions. Based on the richness shared by the survey participants, the Commission members determined that attentive listening should continue and deepen to nurture their reflection and communal discernment to respond to the call of Father General. Consequently, in the next months, the Commission will prioritize listening and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and those that should be deepened, especially from women. The members of the Commission aim that all these voices with profound experience and wisdom of the global community will be the compass to guide their recommendations to Father General to strengthen the Society’s mission through the active participation of all partners, particularly women, through just and discerned practices as our way of proceeding.  Prayer and Reflection  By Jenéne M. Francis original publication by JIVAN Magazine  The Women’s Commission invites you to take a moment of prayer and deep reflection as we continue the work for a more equitable world for all women in our world. The Women’s Commission itself is an example of discernment in common, responding from the movement of the Spirit. Therefore, we invite you to take a moment and pray with us by reflecting and discerning individually or with your colleagues, and your own holy noticing. Jesus says to us, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev 3:20, 22 NIV) One of the first steps of discernment is to pray for interior freedom to be able to hear the Spirit. Recall when you first heard about the Women’s Commission. Did your ‘heart leap for joy’?  Or did the doors of your heart start to swing closed with anxiety or fear? As you consider the Commission’s mandates now, what about the survey and discernment process increases your sense of hopefulness for the role and responsibilities of women in the Society of Jesus? You might also be experiencing some resistance. Pray for the graces you need to name and surrender what might get in the way of listening to what women want to tell you about their lived experiences as friends and companions in the Lord.   
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
On February 22nd, the 10th cohort gathered at the Brussels Press Club to mark the culmination of their transformative journey within the ELP, proudly accepting their certificates as a testament to their dedication and growth over the past enriching five months. This graduation ceremony was honored to welcome José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, whose speech underscored the significance of resilience, advocacy for justice, and tangible commitment to our united Europe. The event was captured in a poignant video clip featuring key moments from Barroso's address, encapsulating the essence of the ceremony's inspirational atmosphere.You can watch the full live recording of the event here.  As the evening drew to a close, guests, speakers, Fellows, and their families and friends gathered for a small reception. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, both in person and online, as well as our esteemed partners whose invaluable support has contributed to the success of the ELP.Special thanks are also extended to our dedicated coaches and mentors, whose guidance has been instrumental in nurturing the growth of our Fellows. Last but not least, we express our deepest appreciation to our Fellows and alumni for their unwavering commitment and meaningful contributions, which continue to shape the legacy of the ELP. Want a little sneak peak into this cohort's life in ELP? Have a look...
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
In the week of 5-9 February JUPC, the network of Jesuit University Chaplaincies and Centres of Pastoral Care for university students met in Malta. It was the 12th presential meeting of this network, instituted in 2010 with a gathering in Rome. Prof. Nadia Delicata, theologian, Delegate for Evangelisation in the Diocese of Malta introduced us to the main features and challenges of the Catholic Church in Malta. Cecil Azzopardi, Jesuit missionary in India for many years and renowned spiritual director and specialist in Ignatian spirituality, helped the group to reflect on the main topic for this year’s meeting: “Being people of discernment in a polarised Church”. Both talks were excellent inputs and fed many fruitful conversations during the week. There was also space for sharing experiences from the different Chaplaincies, organised in a very creative way – each one had to respond to a question chose randomly from a set previously prepared. The unavoidable spontaneity of the responses created a lighter way of getting to know what important things are happening in each place. The whole program was very relaxed, with enough time for reflection, and that was very much appreciated. The first morning was dedicated to personal prayer and spiritual conversation in small groups about the personal joys and trials of being a chaplain. Prayerful reflection on Cecil’s talk and then sharing and conversation in plenary occupied another morning, a great opportunity to deepen and appropriate the richness of the input offered. In the evaluation at the end, these program options were recognised as very positive. The great welcome, excellent humour and impeccable attention to details by the hosting team of the Chaplaincy of the University of St. Joseph (Patrick, Adam, Alison, Annabel and Therese), of course, helped greatly. Thank you, especially, for the wonderful night visit to Mdina and the guided tour of Valeta. Looking forward to meeting again next year in Loyola/Bilbao. Herminio Rico sjJCEP Socius
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
When my novice director asked me about a possible destination for the pastoral experiment, I suggested to go to Brussels. The apostolate in Brussels for novices and regents is basically twofold: Testimonies of the faith at the catholic religion classes in the four European schools and work in the ecumenical “Chapel for Europe” in the heart of the European quarter. Both suited me and seemed to fit in to my personal journey with Christ. I am 27 years old and I was born in Osnabrück in north-western Germany. Before entering novitiate, I studied history, English and philosophy to become a teacher. I saw going to the European schools to speak with students about my personal journey in the religious life as a good occasion to see whether teaching was still something that suits me.  I felt also drawn to Brussels by the large international community and the linguistic and the cultural diversity in the city, alongside the opportunity to improve my French. At the beginning, I had no idea what to expect in the schools. Right before the first class, I asked the teacher what to say, as I had not prepared anything, and she said in reply: “Just talk to them!”, which is what I then did. I usually only explained briefly what the Jesuits are and what a novice is and then let the students ask whatever they wanted to know. Although the setting was always quite similar, each testimony was a new encounter which created an open space for the Spirit to work in. I was overwhelmed by the openness with which the students and the teachers met me and I found it to be especially joyful to share the faith with others. At the Chapel for Europe, directed by Fr. Bernd Günther SJ, I helped to organise the events which took place. Especially fruitful for me was the preparation of a “Retreat in Daily life” for this Lenten time. But I also surprisingly found the Lord in the small practical tasks for the maintenance of the Chapel. I was blessed to also get to know the Spanish speaking Catholic community ministered to by Fr. Alberto Ares SJ and other Christians from various backgrounds, all working to proclaim the Good News in Brussels. Thus, the Catholicity of our faith became especially palpable during my time here, making me truly feel part of a worldwide community. I did the testimonies in the schools in English, German and French. The French was really challenging, but I learned that true communication which really addresses the other and creates a “resonance” (Hartmut Rosa) instead of merely focusing on personal achievement is the key to success here. The words of our Lord that “whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it” (Lk 17,33) are also true when it comes to languages. I also greatly enjoyed visiting the different Churches and old Abbeys in Brussels for prayer and to connect to the history of our faith in this place, which, albeit in an increasing minority situation, lasts until today. I travel back to Innsbruck with a rucksack full of rich experiences which still needs to be unpacked and I am deeply grateful to God for the time in Brussels. 

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Finding God

WORLD
The Women's Commission in the process of attentive Listening for Justice and Equity On International Women's Day 3 years ago, Father General Arturo Sosa created the Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women in the Society of Jesus. Its responsibility is to 1) evaluate the appropriation of General Congregation 34’s Decree 14, “Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church & Civil Society”; 2) evaluate the participation and position of women and the structures of collaboration at all levels in institutions of the Society of Jesus and its apostolic works; and 3) make recommendations to the different levels of leadership in the Society of Jesus to strengthen the mission of the Society with the active participation of women. Where are we at TODAY?  This year, the global Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women of the Society of Jesus has been actively engaged in attentive listening. This process involves carefully taking in the experiences and perceptions shared by women and men, including religious women and Jesuits, across the six conferences.  One of the notable activities in 2023, was a comprehensive review of the global survey results conducted by the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC), of the Ateneo de Manila University located in the Philippines. The survey gathered the participation of around 1,400 collaborators regarding their perceptions of the role and responsibilities of women in Jesuit institutions and activities, how these perceptions of women translate into current practices and ways forward in Jesuit institutions, and what recommendations the Commission can present to the Superior General of the Jesuits to improve the participation of women in Jesuit institutions. Based on the richness shared by the survey participants, the Commission members determined that attentive listening should continue and deepen to nurture their reflection and communal discernment to respond to the call of Father General. Consequently, in the next months, the Commission will prioritize listening and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and those that should be deepened, especially from women. The members of the Commission aim that all these voices with profound experience and wisdom of the global community will be the compass to guide their recommendations to Father General to strengthen the Society’s mission through the active participation of all partners, particularly women, through just and discerned practices as our way of proceeding.  Prayer and Reflection  By Jenéne M. Francis original publication by JIVAN Magazine  The Women’s Commission invites you to take a moment of prayer and deep reflection as we continue the work for a more equitable world for all women in our world. The Women’s Commission itself is an example of discernment in common, responding from the movement of the Spirit. Therefore, we invite you to take a moment and pray with us by reflecting and discerning individually or with your colleagues, and your own holy noticing. Jesus says to us, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev 3:20, 22 NIV) One of the first steps of discernment is to pray for interior freedom to be able to hear the Spirit. Recall when you first heard about the Women’s Commission. Did your ‘heart leap for joy’?  Or did the doors of your heart start to swing closed with anxiety or fear? As you consider the Commission’s mandates now, what about the survey and discernment process increases your sense of hopefulness for the role and responsibilities of women in the Society of Jesus? You might also be experiencing some resistance. Pray for the graces you need to name and surrender what might get in the way of listening to what women want to tell you about their lived experiences as friends and companions in the Lord.   
UKRAINE
On Saturday, February 24, on the second anniversary of the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, an ecumenical service was held in Poznań in the Jesuit church. The prayer was led by Fr. Bishop Jan Glapiak (Catholic Church), and the homily was delivered by Fr. mitrat Ivan Dziuba (Orthodox Church of Ukraine). The Orthodox Ukrainian community meets regularly for prayer in the Jesuit church. Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Consolation. The Poznań Jesuit community also has an office of the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Vinea Foundation, which provides psychological assistance to refugees. The Catholic temple has been the center of a war chaplaincy for refugees from Ukraine belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (CPU) for over a year. In addition to the Orthodox liturgy celebrated in the church, the Jesuits, together with their Polish and Ukrainian collaborators, organize many cultural events in the Jesuit Gallery located next to it.
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
Fr António Sant’Ana SJ was appointed European Coordinator of the Pope’s Prayer Network by Fr. Dalibor Renić SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials. He will be the European Assistant of the International Director
IRELAND
Alan McGuckian SJ, the newly appointed Bishop of Down and Conor was the main celebrant at the annual Mass in honour of Blessed John Sullivan SJ, in St Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner St, Dublin 1, on Saturday 17 February 2024. He was joined by the Chruch of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Dr Michael Jackson, Niall Leahy SJ PP of Gardiner St, and fellow Jesuits. It was a truly ‘special occasion’ for the large numbers who attended, according to Iva Beranek, the Parish Manager at the church. Read her full report of the day below. On Saturday, 17th February 2024 we had a beautiful Annual Mass in honour of Blessed John Sullivan SJ. The church was full with people who came from various parts of Ireland. Someone who hasn’t been in our church for years told me, “I have never seen the gate towards the tomb open, so I went in”. There was a real sense of a special occasion taking place. Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ was the celebrant. In his homily, he said he had something in common with Blessed John because they both spent some time serving in Clongowes Wood College. Speaking about his own experience at the school the bishop explained that, “The best way to serve the pupils would be to get to know them, to enter into their culture and earn their trust, in order to share the Gospel worldview with them. You would take an interest in their games, go to their plays, listen to their concerts”. However, the bishop continued, “John Sullivan it seems never did any of that.” And yet, “they flocked to him when they were in trouble; emotionally or spiritually”. Bishop Alan recalled that “Everybody he ever met seemed to know that this shabbily dressed, rather odd, extremely pious priest was full of compassion for them; certainly anybody who was weak, sad, lonely, sick or a sinner, knew that John Sullivan loved them.” A new painting of Blessed John Sullivan outside the Mater Hospital was presented for the first time and was blessed at Mass. This stunning work of art by painter Will Nathans shows Blessed John with his bicycle and rosary beads and it highlights his dedication to serving those who were sick. It will be hung in the newly refurbished John Sullivan room in the parish. We are also grateful that the Lloyd family, Blessed John’s closest living relatives, came from London to share in this special occasion with us.

Promoting Justice

EUROPE & NEAR EAST
Between 28th February and 2nd March, 12 representatives of the network of Jesuit Social Centres in Europe gathered in Dublin for a three-day in-person meeting. The gathering aimed to develop a deeper common understanding of the issues at stake in the upcoming European elections, to share initiatives and identify possible collaborations. The question of preserving democracy in view of growing polarization and extreme views was at the centre of attention. Inputs from two experts, on the topic of interaction between migration and politics in Ireland and on impact-oriented communication, helped to deepen the debate. The meeting was also the occasion for the participants to discover the realities, challenges and accomplishments of Jesuit social works in Ireland, through meetings with the teams of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (JCFJ) and of JRS Ireland. The participants also met with the Irish Provincial, Fr. Shane Daly, for a common Mass. Contributing to the success of the session was the outstanding Irish hospitality, orchestrated by the director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, Kevin Hargarden, and the entire JCFJ team. To all, “go raibh maith agaibh” (“thank you” in Irish, literally “may good be at you”!) 
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
On February 21st, we inaugurated our campaign at Atelier 29 in Brussels. This hybrid event captivated an audience of over 150 attendees. Filipe Martins, SJ, the director of JESC, and Alberto Alemanno, the founder of The Good Lobby, unveiled the core motivations and objectives steering our coalition. Béla Kuslits, the Senior Ecology Officer at JESC, presented our trio of policy proposals:  An Interinstitutional Agreement safeguarding the rights of Future Generations. The appointment of a Commissioner for Future Generations, serving also as Vice President. The incorporation of a Future Generations Impact Assessment within the Better Regulations Guidelines. Following these insightful introductions, a panel discussion featuring eight coalition members delved into the social and political hurdles confronting our campaign. The dialogue highlighted the varied insights coalition members contribute to this advocacy endeavor, with a special focus on the pivotal role of youth organizations. The event concluded with a networking reception, where engaging conversations with our guests sparked promising opportunities for broadening our collaborative efforts.
UKRAINEEUROPE & NEAR EAST
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the organizations of the Jesuits have served and accompanied 100.765 people fleeing violence. Coordinated by JRS Europe and the Xavier Network, in collaboration with NGOs and local partners, the Society of Jesus has provided emergency aid, shelter, psychosocial support, education, and integration, among other services.  “Since day one, we have been accompanying refugees fleeing the war with a coordinated holistic response in Ukraine, neighbouring countries, and across Europe. While it might not be on newspapers covers anymore, this crisis is still unfolding, and we are committed to provide long term support”.  “Our hearts are filled with hope from the many testimonies of both refugees and host communities that embrace solidarity and integration. They continue to show us that in a context full of pain, stress and sorrow, hope is still alive. We are immensely thankful to the continuous solidarity of many generous people, foundations and organizations who trust in the work of the Society of Jesus”.  As the emergency continues, the needs of the refugees have evolved, and the response has adapted. While during the first year more than half of the support activities were aimed at short-term and emergency aid, in 2023 that has dropped to 17%. Meanwhile, medium-term activities, such as housing and education, have more than doubled from 20% to 52% in 2023. However, the biggest increase was in long term accompaniment, more than tripling from less than 10% in 2022 to 31% in 2023.  The One Proposal, which was presented in July 2022 after an in-depth needs assessment, encompasses a wide range of services to be provided to an originally projected 73,168 people over the course of 3 years. Since then, it has been continuously revised and expanded with yearly needs assessments.  It addresses the needs of forcibly displaced Ukrainians across Europe, from immediate humanitarian response and emergency assistance in Ukraine and its neighbours, to long-term programmes to promote and integrate refugees. Therefore, it will benefit internally displaced people, refugees of Ukrainian nationality and refugees of other nationalities, displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.  The report, as well as dozens of stories of the people being helped through the One Proposal, are available at jrseurope.org/en/project/the-one-proposal/. You will find a summary and testimonies in the attached factsheets. You can also find more information about how to donate and/or take action to help refugees and other forcibly displaced people.  We remain united in working together on this common response in Ukraine, as well as on other common projects where we accompany, serve and advocate for so many refugees and forcibly displaced people across Europe.
WORLD
Take a look at these images that cry out the injustices of our world. These unjust situations engender all kinds of suffering: violence, attacks on democracy, desertification, malnutrition. Inspired by the Gospel and united through Jesus Christ to those who suffer from injustice, the Society of Jesus is committed to social justice every day and in every part of the world. A message from the Secretariat for Social Justice and Ecology.

Youth & Media

EUROPE & NEAR EAST
“Safeguarding children and adults is about transforming human relationships, from violence to dialogue, from abuse to equity, so that social interactions become the best shield to prevent abuses.” (Jeyaraj, Guiney & Racionero-Plaza 2023). The Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE), together with the Zentrum für Ignatianische Pädagogik (Centre for Ignatian Pedagogy - ZIP), has been working in recent years to support schools in our region in this transformation. Through online trainings, conferences and consultancy, we support the development of a culture of protection in our institutions. In March 2022, we were pleased to invite representatives from our schools to come together to reflect on important safeguarding issues at a conference entitled “Protecting Minors in Our Schools: Preventing and Responding to (Sexualised) Violence”. Over 130 representatives from Jesuits schools in 23 countries gathered in Ludwigshafen, both in person and online, to discuss this crucial topic. Following the post-conference video, we are pleased to offer now the book: “Protecting Minors in our Schools. Preventing and Responding to Sexualised Violence”.  It is a collection of  contributions prepared by the keynote speakers of our Safeguarding Conference in Ludwigshafen (2022). The articles presented here start with  outlining the context of the problem and move on describing in detail specific safeguarding issues.  Proposed responses to the current challenges in this area cover model solutions and practical suggestions for their implementation. We hope that this book will be an impulse for further reflection on safeguarding, an inspiration for improving existing policies and protocols and designing new prevention schemes.  It is our objective to sustainably strengthen a culture of protection in our Jesuit and companion schools.  
ALBANIAITALYMALTAROMANIA
Everyday Jesuits has been renewed and has become the official vocation channel of EUM Jesuits. The contact person for the project is Andrea Picciau, vocation promoter, together with a team of some scholastics and brothers. “This account serves as a window,” Fr. Andrea explains, “to share information about the life of the Society, about us Jesuits, about Ignatian spirituality, and at the same time opens a door giving the opportunity to young people to knock, ask and find someone who is ready to listen and accompany them.” Contributions of the program include videos and posts about the daily lives of Jesuits of various ages and experiences, video testimonies of their vocation, introducing Jesuits at work in different apostolic activities, contributions of reflections on vocations and Ignatian spirituality, presentation of the saints of the Society, and much more. The project is set in 4 languages, those of the Euro-Mediterranean Province, which includes Italy, Albania, Romania and Malta: a total of 384 Jesuits in 40 different works. Follow Everyday Jesuits on Instagram
AUSTRIAGERMANYLITHUANIA
Gabriele Hüdepohl is the new delegate in the Central European Province of the Jesuits for the order's schools. As the first laywoman and the first woman, she has cross-border responsibility for the development and cooperation of a total of twelve schools in the province: three Jesuit and four network schools in Germany, two network schools in Austria and three Jesuit schools in Lithuania. An interview with her about the brand essence of the Jesuit schools, why good decisions are becoming increasingly important for young people and how they learn to take a balcony perspective on their lives. Ms. Hüdepohl, what attracted you to this task? Gabriele Hüdepohl: I am a teacher and I was a school principal for a long time. So I'm staying with my dream job, if you will: the school, the students. For me, accompanying young people on their path of world exploration and education is one of the most exciting areas of responsibility that exists in our society. In my new role I now take a different perspective on it. That appealed to me. What are the challenges, what do you have planned? I would like to network the twelve schools in the countries of the Central European Province even more closely and also expand them to include additional schools. The connection and exchange between the German-speaking schools in Germany and Austria and the schools in Lithuania is certainly a challenge, but one that I find very exciting. The aim is for schools to find support and strengthen and further develop their profile. We work closely with the Center for Ignatian Pedagogy in Ludwigshafen. Is it possible to strengthen the profile of Jesuit schools without - or with fewer and fewer Jesuits? What does without mean? Jesuits as teachers, as pastors, or in running schools? In Belgium, priests have long been represented almost exclusively on school supervisory bodies. This is definitely not optimal. The schools nevertheless remain unmistakably Ignatian. Of course, Jesuits should and will continue to be heavily involved in our schools - as much as possible in view of a shrinking order. However, the Ignatian educational tradition and Jesuit principles are so strong and valuable that they have an impact far beyond the order. There are many women and men who know Ignatian spirituality, live it and shape the schools. Our schools have a unique profile in the educational landscape in the educational tradition and spirituality of the Jesuits. And that is exactly what we want to promote and strengthen: that our schools maintain and expand their brand core even with priests who are less active there. Perhaps to put it a bit old-fashioned: in the service of a world worth living in for everyone. What exactly is that, the specifically Jesuit educational profile? Education has been part of the DNA of the Society of Jesus for centuries - alongside the transmission of faith. The transfer of knowledge and personal development are closely linked. The aim is for the students to not only be well prepared for their lives, but also to leave our schools as young people who are able to make distinctions, make decisions and take responsibility. What does that mean specifically? In my opinion, what particularly distinguishes the Jesuit schools are four aspects: On the one hand, we strengthen students in the experience of their dignity. On the other hand, our goal is not for the students to learn as much as possible, but rather for them to always think about the meaning of what they have learned, to study it in depth, to question it and to reflect on it, entirely in the Jesuit order tradition. Thirdly, it is important to us to focus on justice in the small and large world, be it when it comes to grading or the issue of poverty. And fourthly, we want to keep the question of God alive. Of course, the points mentioned do not only apply to our schools, so they are not exclusive, but they are crucial for us. Would strengthen, what does that mean? The students are taken seriously. For example, student rights are important to us; they are also informed about them and receive support if their rights are violated. Violations of dignity are noticed and discussed, including by classmates and teachers. And then, of all places, abuse happened in Jesuit schools. Yes, terrible, shameful. I was the headmistress at Canisius Kolleg in Berlin when the cases there became known in 2010. Would you say the workup is complete? The processing in schools and in the church is certainly not finished. The well-known cases of the past in our schools can probably be described as largely closed in terms of clarification, documentation and, I hope - as best as possible - reparation. But of course the topic is not closed there either, because many people, former students, have to live with their experiences and many suffer severely from the consequences. In the same way, the topic remains part of the history of the schools, and it is very important to us that we remember it, even if it is a terrible one. It reminds us to remain attentive to the fact that sexual violence occurs, at school, among peers, but also in families, in sports clubs, on the Internet. And that we prevent attacks there in the future as far as possible through prevention concepts, further training, contact persons and an open culture in schools and that we definitely do not look the other way, but rather intervene. Regarding your fourth aspect – keeping the question of God alive – is this possible in an increasingly secular world? Of course not in the form that we are asking anyone to confess, but in fact many students and their parents choose a Jesuit school precisely because the question about God is asked there. Ignatius believed that God can be found in all things, and that this is ultimately the basis of spirituality and pedagogy. Our students encounter this again and again in their everyday school life; they should be able to deal with it and find an answer for themselves - instead of pushing aside, dismissing or ignoring the question of God, which is so important for being human. In the Jesuit schools there are both pastoral care offerings as well as intellectual and spiritual offerings that create space for questions and arguments, for religious experiences. Times - places of silence, for example: silence, which is the basis for being silent together, listening, listening to yourself, allowing yourself to be touched, giving time for questions to develop. Whether experiences, whether intellectual suggestions lead to a personal question about God, whether they provide answers, everyone has to answer that for themselves, in all freedom. There is another aspect: being able to speak, knowing about religion, my faith, and being able to provide information about it - even to people who believe differently. I think this is very important, especially in our time when we live together with people who often have foreign religions and worldviews. What kind of generation is in the Jesuit schools today? Can you describe them? It's hard to say, I see very different facets. There are very interested, curious students who want to discover the world and are committed to helping others. However, we can also sense how these young people have been burdened during the years of the pandemic: many of them being at home, alone, at an age when they actually want to conquer the world. And then the many wars and crises also put a strain on young people. Many are worried about the future. This generation has a lot of opportunities, especially if they are well educated. There are so many that it even overwhelms students. The upcoming decision about what you want to study scares some people. It is all the more important that our students learn to differentiate - and decide that they can develop self-confidence and confidence. Decisions that they make, especially after school, as they become more and more independent, are important, give their lives a further direction, and have consequences that they and others have to bear. And that is also part of the Jesuit profile: the Jesuits have very good tools for making good decisions, for discerning spirits, as Ignatius called it. Can children and young people do this? We try very consciously to train this. Normally, a school is very well structured: one subject follows another, one task follows the next, you don't have to think about it. That's why we allow interruptions in our schools, and consciously build them into everyday school life, in which it is possible to calm down, reflect, explore feelings, and contemplate. Instead of always being in the middle of the action and driven by it, the students should learn to take a balcony perspective on themselves, as I like to call it: i.e. looking from above at what is actually happening on the dance floor of my life, what and how Am I dancing there and with whom? And then also the inside perspective: How does that feel? The exams also serve this purpose, they are formats for looking back, alone in the evening, together at the end of the week, the school year or at oasis days: Who did I meet? What touched me? Where do I encounter resistance? What am I grateful for? What inner voices do I hear? These considerations are important for your entire life and can be lived and practiced throughout your life, with or without a religious connection - so to speak, the Jesuit school for your entire life.
SPAIN
Reflection and action to strengthen religious formation For two days, from January 11 to 12, twenty-five people belonging to the EDUCSI commission, the Pastoral subcommittee and the pedagogical commission participated in a meeting, known as tripartite, in Madrid. The focus of the meeting was to delve deeper into Identifier 1 of the “A Living Tradition” document: the firm dedication of Jesuit schools to being Catholic and offering deep faith formation in dialogue with other religions and worldviews. The day, which began with a presentation by Antonio Roura, director of the magazine Religión y Escuela, focused on the subject of Religion in the school network. Roura provided a historical and contextualized approach, exploring the legal and jurisdictional framework proposed by the LOMLOE. In this first section, educators were encouraged to detect theological nuclei for religion classes. After this first part, the meeting continued with group work in order to share concerns and barriers present in the centers. After a time of prayerful reading, Thursday afternoon focused on sharing some positive experiences from schools in the EDUCSI network. The day concluded with a very constructive group reflection. Friday morning began with a meditation guided by Diego de Kisai Haro sj, followed by debates on central axes and challenges to strengthen the teaching of the subject of religion in Jesuit schools. culminating in an enriching assembly of interdisciplinary dialogue.

In-depth Reflection

EUROPE & NEAR EAST
Kircher Network and its partner high school institutions are offering a diverse range of Training Opportunities: Study Week in Granada: Christian and Muslim relations  The Kircher Network's HEST cluster on Christian Muslim Relations is hosting a Study Week in Granada focusing on "Christian and Muslim Relations: Bridging Intercultural Societies for Peace in Turbulent Times." This program emphasizes fostering dialogue and understanding between Christian and Muslim communities, drawing from Al-Andalus’ history amidst global tensions. It is vital for students in theology, humanities, and political sciences to address challenges and promote conflictnational T resolution and harmony in today's world. It will take place from June 30th to July 6th and applications are open for Kircher Network’s students of the mentioned faculties. The expenses will be covered for the first 12 applications. Read More Course on identity and mission of Higher Education Institutions We invite you to check the website of the new course on the identity and mission of Jesuit Higher Education Institutions organized by the Kircher Network. This course aims to offer an introductory immersion experience and hybrid formation for our faculty, leader administrators, and staff who want to gain a foundation in Ignatian identity and the Jesuit higher education mission. Following the Ignatian Pedagogy traditions, the course seeks to be an integral experience comprising intellectual, interiority, and relational approaches. We envision the course as an educational endeavor and an exceptional opportunity for regional networking, fostering mutual understanding among the participants The course, conducted in English, comprises three-day sessions in Vienna and three online meetings. It will start in September 2024, with an introductory webinar followed by three-day in-person sessions at the Society of Jesus’ Kardinal König Haus in Vienna (October 28, 29, and 30), and two follow-up webinars on Ignatian Leadership in November 2024. Read More II International Symposium on Secularity The II International Symposium on Secularity “Do we need religion? Contributions of spirituality and religion to the post-secular and communitarian societies" will take place at Sankt Georgen University (Frankfurt), from the 30th to the 31st of May 2024. Read More    
SPAIN
This course offers the opportunity to deepen the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola, both as an inspiration for authentic Christian living in contemporary society in the Church, and as a means for the spiritual formation of individuals and groups. The course is aimed at all those connected with the Ignatian charism, the broad Ignatian family (Jesuits, members of other religious institutes and lay people). An important feature of the course is the community experience from the diversity of the Ignatian family, living in the place where Ignatius himself spent an important part of his life, Manresa. It will take place from 20 April 2024 to 2 June 2024. More information here
SPAIN
Cristianisme i Justícia, our Jesuit European Social Centre in Barcelona, has published within its Papers collection a reflection on artificial intelligence and the ethics questions that this tool opens.  At the end of 2022, ChatGPT was released to the general public; it is a software program trained to reproduce human language and to answer any question it is asked. The fact that this software has learned to offer non-predetermined responses, thanks to the vast amount of information fed into it, has put the expression artificial intelligence (AI) on everyone's lips. We now have a tool capable of composing everything from an unpublished romantic poem in the style of Goethe to an academic paper comparing two authors who have never previously been studied together— and doing so better than 99% of mortals! A program like this raises many questions for us: Is AI really intelligent? Where is its novelty? What will be the consequences of its being widely used? Will it help to improve our world? What can we expect? The author is Xavier Casanovas, Mathematician and PhD in philosophy. He is currently a professor at IQS-Ramon Llull University, where he is part of the Chair of Ethics and Christian Thought.  This Paper is available to download in English here
SPAIN
On January 26 and 27, the Meeting of the Spanish Jesuits working in Universities took place at the Santa Rafaela María de las Esclavas del Sagrado Corazón Exercise House in Madrid. These meetings have progressively gained in duration and specific weight, which speaks of the ties that are being woven between UNIJES, transversally to the institutions, and that allow us to discover ourselves as a Jesuit apostolic community at the service of the mission. university. In this case the title of the meeting was “How do we dream of the presence of UNIJES in the future?” and I wanted to connect with the work that is being done at the provincial level to think about the presence of Jesuits in different works in the future, in the context of demographic decline that is ours. The Meeting was attended by some 31 Jesuits from the different institutions of the Sector (from Comillas, Deusto, Loyola, IQS and ESADE), in addition to the delegate of the Sector, Ana García-Mina, and several guests.  The meeting began on the afternoon of Friday the 26th, after the introduction of the delegate, with a talk by the Provincial Father, Enric Puiggròs SJ, in which he invited the group to think about the sector looking to the future. In this key, the Provincial highlighted the essentiality of the intellectual mission for the entire apostolate of the Company, the need to make sustainable the network formed by the institutions of UNIJES (in this sense he highlighted three areas: Theology, I+M-Pastoral and governance ), the need for creativity to think about the presence of Jesuits in the sector in the future, and the existence of four vectors to each find its place (research, teaching, identity and mission and government). After the Provincial's presentation we discussed these contributions in small groups and in a subsequent larger meeting with him. The morning of Saturday the 27th was dedicated rather to receiving a friendly view from outside of the Jesuit presence in the works of UNIJES. Thus, first of all, a round table took place on this topic of the presence of the Jesuits, made up of professors from our institutions: María Aláez (Deusto), Xavi Casanovas (IQS), Julio Jiménez (Loyola). At this table, based on each person's experience, they reflected on the importance of a close presence to accompany the staff, the need to always maintain in the university mission the intellectual dimension of search and love for knowledge, and the need of applying criteria from the Constitutions to choose priority presences, which frequently leads to taking care of the governance of works or being a reference in transversal groups. All the interventions inevitably pointed to the need on the part of the laity to develop greater proactivity in the evangelizing dimension and in the identity and mission of the centers. Secondly, that same morning we had a second round table, this time with students from our centers on the same topic. María de Álava (Deusto), Gabriela Herráiz (ESADE) and María Larrú (Comillas) participated. At this table, in a relaxed and spontaneous way, we reviewed different important topics about the Jesuit presence, receiving echoes from these three students: the presence of Ignatian values ​​in the life and teaching of the centers, the value of accompaniment and the concrete presence of the Jesuits, the current reactions of students to the Ignatian and believing offer that is offered, the difficulties in considering a vocation to the Society of Jesus, the accessibility of the Jesuits, their visibility or the languages ​​used to transmit what is Ignatian. In short, it was a very rich and illuminating meeting on a problem – that of the presence of the Jesuits in the Sector – that urges us to seek solutions and activate our creativity. At the end of the meeting, in the final evaluation, the realistic, as well as creative and hopeful, outlook that had helped us develop the meeting stood out strongly. Likewise, it was an experience of brotherhood and gratitude to have been able to receive a friendly external view of us through the teachers and students who spoke to us. The meeting was also the first moment in which the new UNIJES delegate, Ana García-Mina, met with the Jesuits of the sector. Everyone expressed their gratitude to Ana for her availability and we were able to appreciate her good work and creativity in designing the meeting.

Preparing for Mission

WORLD
Over the course of the last few days, two important steps have been taken in the cause for beatification of Fr Pedro Arrupe (1907-1991), 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus. On the 19th of February last, after five years of work, the Historical Commission (formed by Gianni La Bella, Monica Borsari, Robert Danieluk, SJ, Massimo De Giuseppe and Carlo Luongo) was sworn-in on the work they had accomplished which allowed the Commission to submit their collected material to the ecclesiastical tribunal of the Vicariate of Rome. Together with the accompanying report, there are almost ten thousand pages of unpublished texts of Fr Arrupe and printed material relating to his life and his reputation for holiness. On 29 February the members of the same tribunal visited the church of the Gesù in Rome, where Fr Arrupe’s tomb is located. The purpose of the visit was to fulfil the last of the requirements for a beatification process: the verification that the Servant of God is not being unduly worshipped. This can occur when the Servant of God is presented with outward signs that he is already publicly venerated as a saint (e.g. with the typical halo around his head) or is considered as such in liturgical celebrations. All other types of private devotion and the spontaneous spreading of his reputation as a saint are permitted. This is done by the court visiting his grave and verifying the result of its inspection. The “declaration of non-cult” attests that what is prescribed is being fulfilled in the case of Fr Arrupe. These two conditions are combined with the interrogation of witnesses and the reading, by a team of theologians, of the subject's published works in order to verify that they are in accordance with the “faith and customs” of the Church. This work has been ongoing since the official start of the case on 5 February 2019. This will complete the objective of this diocesan phase of the process, which is the collection of information about the Servant of God, both through texts and oral statements. Moving forward, what remains is for the tribunal to organise all materials and inspections concerning Fr Arrupe and prepare them for a public closing session at the seat of the Vicariate, St John Lateran. Though the date of the session is not yet known, it would normally take place within several few months’ time. And afterwards? After the closure, all the materials are sealed and sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, where they will be opened shortly afterwards and their contents will be checked to certify that the diocesan canonical process has been carried out correctly. This is the beginning of the so-called “Roman phase” of the cause, essentially devoted to the drafting of the Positio on the Servant of God by the Postulation General, ready to be examined and judged by the Church.
ALBANIAITALYMALTAROMANIA
The Jesuit charism between two burning issues. How can we make the governance structure of the Euro-Mediterranean Province effective in the current context and challenges? This question was taken up two years ago by Provincial Fr. Roberto del Riccio SJ and the Consult considering important challenges that were clearly developing. The challenges “Some internal challenges include,” Del Riccio SJ explains “the fact that the province comprises four territories, the decrease of Jesuits, in the face of a greater demand for presence, and the apostolic involvement of so many non-Jesuits who in the territories are working where Jesuits are no longer present and will never be.” Other external challenges include: “walking with young people, listening deeply to their desires, accompanying them wisely and enabling them to enter the Christian community; the many situations of injustice, which cause hardship and poverty; the environmental issue and ecological transition; caring for communities-families, parishes, groups; leadership formation at all levels, especially giving support to the clergy.” “We are between two burning issues,” the Provincial, Fr. Roberto Del Riccio SJ highlighted, “on the one hand to be creative in fidelity, and on the other to identify what challenges us to find new ways to govern more effectively for mission.” The new structure The process of discernment and re-evaluation, carried out with the Emmaus Mission Study Centre, has produced a new governance structure for the EUM Province, which was introduced this morning in Ciampino during the work of the Assembly. “We opted for a vertical model with apostolic decentralization in order to keep the Provincial at the centre, as per our way of proceeding, favouring involvement at all levels, through networking of those involved in providing responses to the same needs.” Among the networks already in operation are the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality for the promotion of the Spiritual Exercises, the Jesuit Education Foundation for schools, and the Mag+s network established in December for youth realities. Resonances The model, which will now begin its implementation, has been resonating in working groups. Among the points that emerged was the beauty of perceived vitality, of re-centering apostolic action. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the networks as dynamic realities, determined by the challenges and their complexity, the value of the differences between territories, the care of relationships, the dialogue with the institutions, the synergy with the laity. A work in progress, to be tested The phase of experimentation is now beginning. “This is the time, where we have to ask ourselves, if the Spirit confirms us, in the choices we make, as our way of proceeding envisages,” Fr. Del Riccio highlights.. “We are in a work in progress, called to evaluate the process as it progresses.”
AUSTRIAGERMANYSWITZERLANDLITHUANIA
Father General Arturo Sosa has appointed Fr Thomas Hollweck as the next Provincial of the Central European Province of the Society of Jesus (ECE). Fr Hollweck is 56 years old and was born in Germany. He studied theology in Eichstätt and Rome before joining the Society of Jesus in 1992 while he was a candidate for the priesthood in the diocese of Eichstätt. After novitiate, he worked as a university chaplain at the University community (KHG) in Munich. This was followed by postgraduate studies in Spiritual Theology in Madrid. He returned to Munich in 1998 and was ordained to the priesthood a year after. Among the many responsibilities he has had over the years, Fr Hollweck has served as the appointed ecclesiastical assistant of the CLC (GCL) in Germany, spiritual director and priest chaplain. He also served as consultor to the Provincial of the German Province of the Society of Jesus (2010-2015). When the Central European Province was founded in 2021, he became its first novice master as well as the delegate of the Provincial for young people and vocations. In 2021, the first Provincial Congregation of the ECE elected him as Procurator for the 2023 Congregation of Procurators in Loyola. He succeeds Fr Bernhard Bürgler who has been the Provincial of the Central European Province since its foundation. Fr Hollweck will take office on 31 July 2024.
EUROPE
First vows, last vows, diaconal ordinations and priestly ordinations.