NEWS

The Jesuit European Committee for Secondary Education brings together Jesuit secondary schools across Europe, fostering collaboration, shared vision, and innovation in education. As part of the broader mission of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, JECSE plays a key role in strengthening the Jesuit educational apostolate, ensuring that schools remain places where academic excellence and human formation go hand in hand, and allowing them to have an actual European stance --  a key level given the influence of the European Union in Education – beyond the particular provinces and a voice in a more globalized educational reality. At the heart of this mission lies JECSE’s Ignatian Leadership Programme, an initiative designed to form school leaders—both Jesuit and lay—in the spirit of Ignatian pedagogy. Rooted in discernment, service, and reflection, the programme equips participants with the tools to lead institutions in a way that is both professionally effective and deeply aligned with Jesuit values. JECSE reports us about the beginning of another edition of the Ignatian Leadership Programme. 13 school leaders from 9 different countries travelled to Portugal in early March, to begin their JECSE Ignatian Leadership Programme (ILP). This first module (of three) took place over a week in the beautiful coastal setting of Rodizio. The course was facilitated by Ms Agnieszka Baran (JECSE director), Mr Paul Yperman, Mr Brian Flannery and Fr Bart Van Emmerik SJ who were ably assisted by Débora Duarte from the JECSE office working on logistics.  As the various groupings of participants arrived and were collected from the airport excitement and anticipation of what lay ahead began to build. For those of us that arrived early in the first group, we got to see what Rodizio had to offer, with a walk of the surrounding area, including along the beach.  The full group met at 6pm on Monday 9th of March with a tour of the house, dinner and our first introductory session. It was really interesting to learn about other people’s contexts and school settings. Later we had our first ‘social’ session, where participants we invited to bring a sample of food or drink from their country. We enjoyed everything from Albania biscuits, Italian Cannoli and Polish sausage to a local Portuguese wine, Belgian beer and Irish whiskey.  Tuesday morning began early for some with the optional walk along the beach led by Bart at 7:30am. After breakfast we had 4 working sessions on Leadership and Self-Assessment, Managing our inner states, Communication and Examen in Leadership and Discernment, as well as our first ‘small group’ reflection and mass. A busy day left everyone tired and with a lot to think about. The fatigue was however lifted again at our 2nd social gathering.  On Wednesday morning, after an even earlier beach walk for some, we discussed Power and Roles and Emotional and Social Intelligence followed by further small group reflections. That afternoon, we were brought to the beautiful city of Sintra and we took a guided tour of Palacio da Pena – a must on any visitors to-do list! We enjoyed some local cuisine followed by the traditional ILP dinner round of speeches.  Thursday’s focus was around communal discernment as well as personal and group reflections. We also look looked at working in teams and conflict management.  This was followed by an interview by Brian Flannery with Fr Lourenco Eiro SJ, a veteran of the ILP programme and currently the director of the Jesuit Youth Centre in Lisbon. The group would unanimously agree that his story and his journey were truly inspiring and added great depth to the reflections that followed. After mass, celebrated by Fr Eiro, we prepared for our final social and attempted to get through the remaining bounty of international delicacies.  On Friday morning we drew the threads together on all that we have explored over the past week, and while exhausted, we also felt uplifted. The various travel groups made their way to the airport, and thankfully everyone reached their destinations without complication. A key feature of the week was the opportunity for participants to work in smaller groups, allowing for deeper discernment and more personal sharing. These groups will continue to meet online in advance of the second module in October..  Overall, the week-long module 1 of the ILP was a truly enriching experience, and one that will certainly stick with us. We cannot wait for everyone to meet up again for Module 2 in Krakow next October.  We’d like to offer a huge thank you to the organisers and facilitators of the course and also to our fellow participants for accompanying us on this journey.   

Across Europe, the formation of Jesuits remains a vital and demanding journey, shaping men who are called to serve in a wide range of ministries with depth, freedom, and discernment. Rooted in the dynamic integration of spiritual, intellectual, human, and apostolic dimensions, Jesuit formation seeks to form not specialists from the outset, but companions in mission—capable of responding generously to the complex realities of today’s world. In a context marked by cultural diversity, secularization, institutional mistrust, and new pastoral challenges, formation also becomes a privileged space to cultivate interculturality, accountability, and a renewed sense of belonging to a universal body. At the European level, this mission is carried forward by the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, where collaboration across provinces enriches both the experience and vision of formation beyond the limited reality of each province, and helps Jesuits in formation to develop a more universal and European understanding of the Jesuit Charism. In this context, we spoke with János Lukács SJ, the JCEP Secretary for Formation.  In this interview, he reflects on his personal journey, the essential elements and challenges of Jesuit formation today, and the priorities shaping its future in Europe. His perspective highlights the delicate balance between structure and personal accompaniment, contemplation and action, as well as the opportunities and tensions of forming Jesuits within an increasingly intercultural and rapidly changing world. Ultimately, his insights point to a formation that is not only rigorous, but deeply human—rooted in authenticity, discernment, and hope. 1 JCEP – To begin, could you tell us a bit about your personal background? What experiences, encounters, or questions shaped your journey into the Society of Jesus? János Lukács SJ: Although I trained as an engineer in Budapest, a deep vocational crisis led me to volunteer in a L’Arche community in London. This experience had a profound impact on my sense of humanity and faith. My first contact with the Society of Jesus was attending Mass at the Jesuit church in Brixton, even though the idea of joining had not crossed my mind at that time. 2 – Formation is at the heart of Jesuit life. How do you understand Jesuit formation today, and how did your own experience of formation shape your vocation? Jesuit formation seeks to bring together the human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic dimensions of life, enabling Jesuits to avoid being strained and dispersed by competing demands and to embrace their vocation with coherence and generosity. I joined the Society in 1991, shortly after the collapse of communism and the reinstatement of Jesuit life in Hungary. We were fortunate to have a holy man as our novice master. Of a group of twelve novices, two of us remain in the Society to this day. Our formation focused on the fundamentals of spiritual and community life. My subsequent studies in Paris allowed me to experience the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral richness of Jesuit life. Later, a master’s programme in spirituality in Boston enabled me to reflect on formation more systematically. I was then preparing to become a novice master. 3 – Jesuit formation is often described as long, demanding, and deeply transformative. What are its essential elements, and what makes it distinctive in the Church today? Some praise Jesuit formation, while others say it is not sufficiently transformative. There is certainly room for improvement. The essential elements are the Spiritual Exercises, community life, mission experiences, and intellectual formation. What makes Jesuit formation distinctive is the constant interplay between contemplation and action, where each experience is discerned and deepened. 4 – How does formation prepare Jesuits to serve in different ministries—such as education, social justice, pastoral work, or intellectual life—rather than specializing too early? A broad exposure to different ministry experiments tends to prevail over early specialisation. Moving through varied cultural, ecclesial and social contexts helps one to develop a universal outlook and the capacity to serve where the need is greatest. However, there are trade-offs. The intellectual and educational ministries, in particular, require long-term commitment rather than colourful experiences. 5 – Formation is not only academic or practical, but also deeply human and spiritual. How do you ensure that these dimensions remain central in a structured and sometimes demanding formation process? Nothing can be “ensured”. A lot depends on the individual companion. But giving priority to spiritual direction, community life, and regular times of reflection amid academic and pastoral demands tends to help. Personal accompaniment is key in helping each Jesuit to integrate experiences at a deeper level. 6 – The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials brings together Jesuits from many countries and cultures. How does the Conference and European perspective on formation enrich it? What is the added value of such an international perspective on Jesuit formation? The variety of perspectives, cultures, and ecclesial experiences broadens understanding and nurtures a sense of belonging to a universal body. At the same time, challenges such as alienation, loneliness, and the tendency to choose online relationships over genuine community life can increase. But it remains fascinating to discover that there is a French, a British, a Spanish, Polish or Italian way of seeing the world and interpreting our spirituality. 7 - The different crises related to the abuses in the Church generates mistrust and distance with the institution, how to treat these issues constructively in Jesuit formation? The PCCP office at the General Curia takes a science-based approach. Safeguarding programmes introduced a long time ago can now be evaluated in terms of their actual impact. In religious communities, the most effective measures proved to be a healthy community life, trusting relationships and genuine accountability towards the superior. Therefore, creating a safe environment is not an additional obligation, but rather a natural expression of our identity. While explicit safeguarding programmes are important, simply increasing their number will not produce lasting results on its own. 8 – What are the main priorities currently shaping Jesuit formation in Europe? Are there new themes or concerns that are becoming more prominent? Interculturality, safeguarding, affective maturity, the capacity to accompany others in an increasingly complex world, discernment in common, and collaboration with lay partners have all become priorities. Enhancing our engagement with the Constitutions and other sources to deepen the appropriation of our charism and identity has also risen among the top priorities. In my view, addressing this latter challenge is unique in that it will provide us with the key to overcoming many current weaknesses in Jesuit formation. 9 – What gives you hope when you look to the future of Jesuit formation in Europe?  What gives me hope is the depth, generosity, and authenticity I see in many young Jesuits today. 10– Finally, what message would you like to share with young Jesuits in formation today—or with those who might be discerning a vocation? Stay close to Christ, demand exigent formation, and know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

D‍ear Friends, Some twenty years ago, for the prayer cards of my first Mass, I chose the image of The Resurrection by Matthias Grünewald. This Easter, that powerful scene returned to mind. In it, Christ’s resurrection holds together both drama and deep joy. He stands serene, bearing his wounds, and yet he is victorious, with action and power. It is a struggle, a true clash. But the forces of violence — the night, the tombstone, the armed guards — are overcome by the radiance of his gentle face and by a pure, warm, unquenchable light. The contrast is all the more striking when we recall that this image forms part of an altarpiece portraying one of the most harrowing crucifixions in all of art. This Easter, I had planned my annual visit to the JCEP Tertianship program in Lebanon. The journey had to be postponed. I remain hopeful that it will soon be possible, as it was after the crisis two years ago. Yet I must admit that my reflections on world peace feel heavier this time. There is a particular sense of helplessness in watching conflict give way to further conflict, amid a growing disregard for international law and for the suffering of innocent people. Someone recently asked whether the Jesuits would issue a statement in response to these circumstances. Whether we do or not, the Second Vatican Council, the General Congregations of the Society of Jesus, and the recent Universal Apostolic Preferences all clearly and consistently affirm positions that stand for solidarity and justice, against these patterns of isolationism and political cynicism. These commitments will not change. Grünewald’s image does not invite passive waiting, as though Christ will one day resolve everything without us. He is indeed the great light at the centre. But behind him, scattered across the dark sky, shines a multitude of stars. Those stars are each one of us. They are our small, personal resurrections — moments when the light of Easter breaks through and becomes a light for others. The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials wishes you an Easter season filled with peace and hope! Dalibor Renić SJ JCEP President

On March 10, an international meeting of friends of the Society of Jesus took place at the Chapel of the Resurrection in Brussels—a work of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP). The event consisted of a Eucharist for alumni of various Jesuit institutions and individuals linked to the Society. The service was presided over by Dalibor Renić, President of the JCEP, accompanied by the directors of the Conference's works (JRS, JESC, and the Chapel of the Resurrection) and members of ST. Benedict Jesuit community, the community linked with JCEP. Special thanks should be given to Benoît Willemaers who worked for hours preparing the sandwiches and drinks that were offered during the meeting, and to him and the staff of the Chapel of the Resurrection and of JESC for arranging everything in place. The gathering was attended by around 60 people, most coming from different European countries where the Society of Jesus maintains an apostolic presence. The event was disseminated also by different Jesuit Alumni Associations to the various alumni chapters of Jesuit Universities in Brussels, as well as by the personal networks of the Jesuits working in the JCEP. This initiative is part of the JCEP's effort to activate the Society's contact networks in Brussels and around the European Union—an area that falls outside the scope of specific provinces but where a presence is highly necessary. While there are a significant number of alumni and friends of the Society in these circles, there had been no formal accompaniment of these people by the Society until now. This event creates a space for support and relationship-building, as well as a connection to the Jesuit mission