Jesuits in Europe

EUROPE & NEAR EAST
A visit from the Father General to the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials' office and to the the Community of Saint Benedict is certainly a rare occurrence. However, the recent gathering was particularly historic, as it brought together not only the Father General but also two of his assistants and four provincials. This included the provincials of Slovakia, Portugal, and the Flemish-speaking region—who serve as consultors to the president of JCEP—as well as the provincial of the EOF Province, which was hosting Fr. General. Father Arturo Sosa visited the offices of JCEP as a small "detour" from his visit to the EOF Province over France and Belgium. During his visit, he was briefly introduced to the Conference's works in Brussels, JRS-E, JESC, Chapel for Europe and the coordination of Catholic Religion classes in the European Schools. In the conversation that followed, he emphasized the importance of these efforts in promoting unity within the European Union, particularly at a time of increasing global and internal challenges.   Father General Arturo Sosa Visits the EOF Province: A Journey of Faith and Mission France and Belgium, 15-22 September: Invited to give the inaugural lecture for the academic year at Loyola Faculties Paris, Father Arturo Sosa used this opportunity to explore various facets of the EOF Province. He visited institutions dedicated to faith, intellectual formation, education, youth outreach, social justice, and ecological transition. Throughout his journey, he met Jesuits and lay collaborators committed to carrying out the mission of the Society of Jesus in diverse contexts and among varied communities. Father Sosa's eight-day visit took him across France and Belgium, from Paris and Saint-Denis to the Saclay plateau, Brussels, Lyon, and Paray-le-Monial. This journey allowed him to witness firsthand the apostolic works within the EOF Province, which are deeply rooted in both local realities and the global Jesuit mission. Provincial Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein, SJ, expressed the importance of this visit, noting that while Jesuits and lay partners are deeply involved in local communities, the visit serves as a reminder of their belonging to the universal body of the Society of Jesus. "We are sent into the world following Christ, working together for the reconciliation of all things," he remarked, emphasizing the unity of the Jesuit mission across borders. Among the highlights of the visit was Father Sosa’s lecture on September 16 at Loyola Faculties Paris, marking the institution’s 50th anniversary. His talk revisited the history and current challenges of the Faculties, which train Jesuits from around the world. This event underscored the international impact of the institution, extending well beyond the EOF Province. The lecture can be replayed on the Loyola Faculties Paris YouTube channel and KTO Television. Another key moment was Father Sosa's visit to Paray-le-Monial on September 21, where he renewed the Society of Jesus' consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This act took place in a sanctuary that joined the Pope’s Global Prayer Network in December 2023, initiating the Sacred Heart Jubilee. Father Sosa's reflections on the Jesuits' spiritual heritage—knowing Christ deeply and being transformed by His love—reminded all present of the enduring mission of the Society of Jesus.
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
The JCEP Tertianship, normally based in Bikfaya, Lebanon, began this year in Egypt. Due to the security situation in Lebanon, the programme is adapted both in terms of location and format. Five participants - from Poland, Nigeria and Tanzania - began their "School of the Heart" on 16 September 2024 at the Collège de la Sainte Famille in Cairo, under the direction of Dany Younes SJ. The first face-to-face session will last a month. The second will be the 30-day retreat in February and the concluding one in June. We hope that the latter two will take place in Lebanon as planned, if the situation in that country allows it. In the meantime, the Tertians will have their apostolic experiments and online meetings and workshops in different countries.  Meet the Tertians  I'm called Eziokwubundu Amadi. You may call me Eziokwu if you have no patience to pronounce the long name. I'm a Nigerian. Since my priestly ordination in 2020, I have worked mostly in the Jesuit novitiate as the Assistant Novice Master. Currently, I'm serving as the Socius of the Jesuit province of Africa North-West (ANW).       My name is Krystian Mółka SJ, I am from South Polish Province (PME). I joined the Society of Jesus in 2007, and for the last four years I was a vocation promoter.         My name is Artur Wyzina (PMA) from Poland. I was ordained in 2013. I studied in Krakow, Warsaw and Rome. For the last eight years I have worked at the Jesuit School Complex in Gdynia.        My name is Evarist Shigi. I am from the Eastern Africa Province (AOR). I joined the Society in 2006 and have been serving in the province treasure office for the past few years.        My name is Matthew Ma. I joined the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus in 2001. I am Nigerian and have just graduated from Saint Louis University in Missouri, USA.    
POLAND
Kłodzko, a beautiful city, has been devastated by heavy rains that hit southwestern Poland over the weekend, causing severe damage comparable to the 1997 flood. The Nysa Kłodzka River overflowed, flooding the city center and suburbs. The cleanup is underway, but the impact on residents is significant, and aid is being organized. Father Andrzej Migacz SJ, parish priest of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, acknowledges the damage, stating, “We will have to rise up and rebuild everything again." His parish has opened an aid point for flood victims, and they are working closely with the city authorities. People are encouraged to donate essential items like water, long-lasting food, hygiene, and cleaning products. Volunteers are on call from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the Jesuits answering phones overnight. Father Migacz emphasizes that beyond emergency assistance, long-term support will be needed in the coming days. The parish plans to provide ongoing help to families, addressing their specific needs. “No aid will fully compensate for the losses suffered,” he acknowledges. The repeated flooding has left residents frustrated and grieving. Mieczysław Kowalcze shared the story of a business owner whose company was destroyed in the suburbs. "The high water current caused devastation and anger," he says, noting that despite some preventive measures, like retention reservoirs, more could have been done to mitigate the damage. Rebuilding Kłodzko will take time. Kowalcze recalls that after the 1997 flood, it took about a year to clear the worst destruction, though emotional scars remain. However, the spirit of solidarity is strong. Local residents, along with Poles from across the country, are already stepping in with donations of food and water. “The atmosphere is becoming friendly,” Kowalcze remarks, with both local and external support flowing in. Father Migacz also reports receiving offers of help from Jesuits across Poland, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. How to help the residents of Kłodzko through the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Account where you can donate to help flood victims: Kłodzko Cooperative Bank: 05 9523 0001 0001 1817 2000 0001The following note is required: "For flood victims". Or via the website  jezuici.pl/donacje  
CZECH REPUBLICSLOVAKIA
The St. Ignatius Retreat House hosted over sixty Jesuits from the Czech Republic and Slovakia in Prešov from September 9 to 12. This was the second inter-provincial meeting of the Jesuits from these two provinces. The goal of these gatherings is to foster mutual understanding and strengthen ties, which are vital for the development of collaboration in our apostolic work across Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia. The first day featured a joint excursion to Bardejov. After celebrating Mass in the Basilica of St. Egidius, we toured the basilica and the town hall. We also made a brief stop at the local parish, where we were warmly welcomed by the local dean, Marek Kreheľ. Though we had planned to spend the afternoon at the Bardejov Spa, the cold weather and rain altered our plans. Instead, after a delightful lunch, we returned to Prešov, where we continued our time of relaxation with informal brotherly gatherings and conversations. On the second day, we dedicated ourselves to prayerful reflection and spiritual conversations focused on our collaboration with others. In personal prayer, we reflected on the faces and names of those who work with us in our mission—employees, collaborators, benefactors, directors of our ministries, clergy, ministers, teachers, musicians, and others. We also reflected on the words of our 36th General Congregation (2016): "Collaboration with others is the only way the Society of Jesus can fulfill its mission. This partnership includes those who share our Christian faith, those from different religions, and people of goodwill who, like us, wish to cooperate with Christ and His work of reconciliation. As Father General Sosa reminds us, the Jesuits' vocation from Christ is not exclusively ours but is shared with many others who have dedicated themselves to serving others." In the Ignatian spirit, we spent time in silent prayer, considering what we have already done to foster collaboration, what we are doing now, and what more the Holy Spirit calls us to do. After a joint Mass and lunch, we split into small mixed groups to share the fruits of our personal reflections. We then gathered in a plenary session to bring together the insights (sentire cum – feeling and perceiving together) from our group discussions: Together, we felt the Holy Spirit renewing our desire for collaboration, recognizing that cooperation is integral to living out the Gospel of Christ. We expressed our deep gratitude for our co-workers, seeing them as gifts that inspire us to strive for more (Ignatian magis) in our relationships with them. We also acknowledged the need to continually open ourselves to collaboration, building partnerships based on listening, faith, hope, and trust. Lastly, our reflections on cooperation with others raised the essential question of how we can deepen cooperation among ourselves. The inter-provincial meeting concluded with a Mass of thanksgiving, celebrated by the Slovak provincial, Father Jozef Šofranko, with a homily by the Czech provincial, Father Petr Přádka, encouraging his confreres. After a final lunch at the retreat house, where we were grateful for the generous hospitality, the Jesuits departed, enriched by their time together, returning to their communities, ministries, and missions across the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Search articles

Finding God

ITALY
The 25th Anniversary Conference of the Spiritual Exercises for Families took place on 7 and 8 September 2024 at the Pontifical Oratory of San Paolo in Rome. On Saturday at 15.30, a panel discussion took place on “Responding to the desire of families for spirituality”, with recollections, testimonies and contributions. On Sunday 4 pilgrimages in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, starting from the Church of the Gesù and ending in St Peter’s Square were organised. In recent years, as a CIS network, we have accompanied the development of this experience which, together with others, promotes the Ignatian spiritual experience with couples and families“, Fr Paolo Monaco, the Director, explains. “This development highlights the need to interpret Ignatian spirituality from the point of view of the family couple. This point of view is in addition to that of priests, consecrated men and women and, of course, Jesuits. We are slowly realising, not without resistance and blockages, that the experience of St. Ignatius can be understood in depth and in truth when all these points of view dialogue and live in communion”.
UNITED KINGDOM
The Edinburgh Jesuits are part of the cooperative group that prepares the Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts, now an annual event A fascinating article by Fr David Stewart SJ for America magazine invites readers into the heart of the Edinburgh International Festival and its exciting new addition, the Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts. Launched in 1947 to mend a divided Europe through the power of art, the International Festival has since grown into a major cultural event, giving rise to iconic spin-offs like the Fringe Festival. Fr. Stewart’s article highlights how this year's Sacred Arts festival, seamlessly integrated into the Fringe, is being brought to life with key support from the Edinburgh Jesuits. Running from Sunday 11 to Saturday 17 August, the Sacred Arts programme for 2024 offers a rich display of artistic experiences. It features classical music by Fauré and Bernstein on August 14, modern jazz on August 12, and a focus on sacred cinema on August 16. Attendees can also enjoy guided tours of participating churches and readings of Scottish religious poetry from the Middle Ages to the present on August 11. A standout event this year is a competition for young composers of sacred music, with the winning pieces to be performed on August 15 at the historic Canongate Kirk. Fr Stewart highlights how the Jesuits, from its early days, have been profoundly engaged in the arts and culture, and how this “compelling intersection” of art and faith is what drew the Jesuit city church in Edinburgh to embrace this new addition to the festival season.  Fr Adrian Porter SJ adds that “Jesuit cultural and artistic engagement with the arts really derives firstly from the conviction that Ignatius bequeathed to us, that it is possible for us to seek and to find God in all things; from that moment, we come to see that the arts, as they probe for expression of ultimate truth and beauty, are fully complementary activities that we can celebrate and promote.” For a deeper look at how the Sacred Arts festival is revitalising Edinburgh’s cultural scene and to explore the exciting events on offer, dive into the full article, Reclaiming faith’s place in culture: A celebration of sacred art joins Edinburgh’s festival season. It offers a compelling insight into how art and faith are coming together to make this festival season truly remarkable.
RUSSIA
On Sunday, August 4, the 5th Tomsk Catholic Festival of Ignatius of Loyola took place in the Jesuit parish in Tomsk, Siberia, organized by the joint efforts of the parishioners, who had been meeting regularly for three months to prepare everything and divide the responsibilities. Volunteers, donors and sponsors rushed to help. Our festival once began as a family parish festival, but it has grown into a city event, which is attended by many Tomsk residents and guests from outside the city every year – we read on the parish profile on the social networking site "W kontakt". When entering the "party," participants had to buy a ticket and exchange rubles for the currency of the festival - "loyolki." One could learn about the life of the founder of the Jesuits, the history of Catholicism, and recall how many distinguished Russians were Catholics. Tables full of traditional dishes from all over the world were waiting for everyone, and despite the rain, everyone survived until the raffle that ended the festival. In addition to the wealth of entertainment prepared for them, children also participated in a toy-making course. They could also take a picture with Pope Francis and ride in the Popemobile. Adults also had fun reminiscing about their own childhoods (the Popemobile is in the main photo). The parish priest, Fr. Wojciech Ziółek SJ, recalled the three basic goals of the festival: to show the figure of St. Ignatius to the “city and the world”, to raise money for the major renovation of the church built in 1833 by the November insurgents exiled here, and to introduce the Catholic Church to the residents of Tomsk.
FRANCE
Because sport and faith share common values ​​and because the Games that are opening are an opportunity to bear witness to the joy and "strength" of Christ, the Jesuits are mobilizing before and during the event: presence of chaplains in the Olympic village, exhibition, spiritual journeys, reviews... A tour of this mobilization.  The two Jesuit communities of Saint-Denis in the starting blocks Located in Saint-Denis Basilica and La Plaine Saint-Denis , the two Jesuit communities are fully mobilized, while the city will welcome up to 170,000 supporters daily, from July 24 to August 11 and then from August 29 to September 8, not including the residents of the neighborhood. " We will spend the summer with the residents who will not be able to afford to leave or pay for entry to the stadium, and experience the games together ," rejoices Fr. Jacques Enjalbert SJ, chaplain of the Maison d'église de Saint-Paul. Two Jesuits, Frs. Jacques Enjalbert and Grégoire Catta, as well as three Xavier sisters, Véronique Rouquet, Juliette Ploquin and Gudrun Steiss, will be part of the team of Catholic chaplains at the interdenominational center of the athletes' village . They will be available to athletes from all over the world for a warm welcome, fraternal support and spiritual listening, both before and after the events, and will also be able to pray with them. Near the Olympic village, in the Saint-Ouen-le-Vieux church, they will take turns, with diocesan priests, to celebrate a daily mass for them. As part of the Holy Games, the Jesuits will contribute to the proposals of the diocese of Saint-Denis by welcoming supporters and tourists in the two churches they run : Saint-Denys de l'Estrée and Saint-Paul de la Plaine. Located a stone's throw from the Stade de France and the new Aquatic Centre, the Saint-Paul de la Plaine church house will aim to link sport, art and spirituality through various initiatives: A photography exhibition from June 30 to September 18 on the theme of Body & Soul. Created by photographer Manuel Lagos Cid and journalist-videographer Benjamin Le Souëf, it will illustrate how the Christian faith sheds light on the relationship to the body and to sports practice through six themes. For each, a central text panel, bilingual French-English, will be framed by portraits of neighborhood residents evoking, in a short video, the way in which the experience of sport resonates with their life and faith journeys. This exhibition was designed in partnership with a spiritual retreat to be experienced as a family offered by the Jesuits (see box) . It will also be visible at the Saint-Denys de l'Estrée church, in the center of Saint-Denis, and at the Saint-Ferréol church, a Jesuit sanctuary on the Old Port in Marseille where the Olympic sailing events and some football matches will take place. Finally, a copy of "Pugilist ", a sculpture by Paul Landowski made for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, which represents a competitive boxer, will be exhibited in front of the church. Another "body and soul" fighter will face him: "End of game", a sculpture by Théophile Stein from the Volonté 93 collective in Saint-Ouen. In the church itself, the installation "l'habitant", by Thibaut Lucas from the Push collective in Aubervilliers, will enter into dialogue with the liturgical space. Visits and discovery of heritage Also in Saint-Denis, the association "Pierres Vivantes", an initiative launched by an Italian Jesuit in 2008, will organize an international camp during the first ten days of the games. The young participants will show visitors around the Saint-Denis basilica and raise awareness of the richness of the Christian mystery through art and architecture. During the second part of the games, a camp led by Fr. Pierre Alexandre Collomb SJ and Fr. Manuel Grandin SJ, and made up jointly of young people from the Magis network and the diocese of Saint-Denis, will take over and welcome tourists and pilgrims to this high place of art, history and faith. Body and soul, a spiritual training to experience as a family Let's get moving towards games! This is the proposal of the Body & Soul course which invites families to follow a spiritual training exploring the spiritual dimension of sports practice based on six themes that relate as much to daily life as to sport: play and discipline, body and soul, strength and fragility, test and combat, defeat and victory, competition and team spirit, i.e. six realities in tension. > Booklets and registration: Body & Soul Course A podcast: Saint Ignatius participates in the games with his specialty: the Spiritual Exercises ! When writing the Spiritual Exercises , Saint Ignatius of Loyola knew well that a sport requires training and repetition of exercises. In this year of games, Prie en chemin is offering from July 1st a course of 4 podcasts with free access to explore the link between sports training and the Spiritual Exercises : training, being fair-play, being “supported”, fighting to win… > Presentation

Promoting Justice

EUROPE & NEAR EAST
As climate change continues to wreak havoc worldwide—from severe droughts in Southern Africa to unprecedented floods in Central Europe—the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) has announced a comprehensive campaign ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The campaign, which already started and runs until the end of the COP event on 22 November, marks an expanded collaboration of JESC with established partners Jesuit Missions (UK) and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (Ireland), now joined by African partners Jesuit Missions (UK) and the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice (Ireland), now joined by African partners: the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (Malawi) and Centre Arrupe (Madagascar). These new additions bring crucial first-hand experience of climate change impacts on vulnerable communities. The campaign features three key initiatives: A resource-rich campaign webpage including a COP29 Guide and a Prayer Guide, Daily bulletins during the conference providing analysis of negotiations and side events, with registration being done on the campaign page, Also on the campaign page, a direct-action platform enabling citizens to petition their governments. Also, the Society of Jesus has issued a Global Statement endorsed by all six Conference Presidents and numerous Provincial leaders. The statement outlines three urgent calls for action during COP29, emphasising the critical timing as countries prepare to submit updated national climate plans under the Paris Agreement by early 2025. Individuals and institutions are wholeheartedly invited to join and sign.The Jesuits for Climate Justice initiative aligns with the broader Jesuit mission of fostering environmental justice and ecological care for our Common Home.
WORLD
Fe y Alegria Congress One of the largest Jesuit initiatives in education is Fe y Alegría, which also has a presence in the European Jesuit Conference, particularly in Spain and Italy. On October 21-22, delegations from over 22 national organizations gathered at the Congress in Quito, Ecuador, to share insights and reflect on the challenges and opportunities of popular education, which Fe y Alegría now provides across four continents. Participants also had the chance to visit some Fe y Alegría schools and projects near Quito, gaining firsthand insights into the organization’s impact. As a member of the Fe y Alegría Assembly, the President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) was invited to participate in the congress and subsequent events, where he had the opportunity to share a few words at a meeting with the national directors. During the Congress, Fe y Alegría International officially launched its campaign, "For the Right to Learn." This initiative seeks to mobilize efforts among governments, civil society, businesses, and other key stakeholders to ensure universal access to quality education. This important launch took place at Ecuador's Ministry of Education, where participants were warmly welcomed by the Minister. The third major event was the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Fe y Alegría Ecuador, the second-oldest national organization after Venezuela’s. The celebration began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at San Gabriel Church, presided by the Provincial of Ecuador, and concluded with a formal ceremony at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. During these joyful occasions, participants remembered those country representatives who, due to challenging and often dangerous circumstances, were unable to join the gathering in Quito.
SYRIA
One of the aspects I admire most about the Jesuit Order, and I’ve seen it in many Jesuits, is their deep desire to foster unity within the apostolic body. This drive for connection is not only rooted in their history but continues to shape their mission today. We all know the story of St. Francis Xavier, who carried with him the signatures of his fellow Jesuits as a symbol of their unity, despite the vast distances imposed by their respective missions. In the same spirit, we share articles like this one to exchange news and experiences, further strengthening the bonds of our apostolic community, which stretches across great distances and diverse regions. However, strengthening this unity isn’t only achieved through written correspondence between Jesuits who are already acquainted. It also happens when Jesuits from different parts of the world meet in person—whether during travels, mission work, or even while visiting Jesuit communities in far-off countries. A particularly powerful example of this took place on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Jesuit House of Alberto in Jaramana. Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, visited during his time in Syria. His visit was not only a chance to meet the Jesuit community there but also to witness the diverse and impactful missions of the house. During his time at Alberto House, Cardinal Czerny explored the initiatives of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), visited the university students’ library, and learned about the various artistic, cultural, and training workshops offered. He also took the time to engage with both the work team and some of the beneficiaries of these missions, underscoring the importance of the Jesuits’ local efforts. The visit culminated in a shared meal with the Jesuit community, where Cardinal Czerny, alongside the Secretary of the Apostolic Vicar in Syria, Mrs. Pascale Debbane (Coordinator of the Middle East in the Dicastery), Father Michael Zammit (Provincial Superior), Father Murad Abu Seif (President of the Damascus and Homs communities), Father Ghassan Sahwi, Father Alvaro Dorantes, Father Vincent de Beaucaudry, and the scholar Daniel Atallah, gathered around the table. This moment of fellowship offered a unique opportunity for personal connection, as well as a chance to reflect on the mission of the Jesuit Order in Syria and the broader role of Cardinal Czerny and his team in Rome. One small but poignant detail that struck me—and many of those at Alberto House—was Cardinal Czerny’s cross. Made of wood with hues of orange and yellow reminiscent of dawn and sunset, the cross featured a twisted nail at its center. For me, this image was a powerful reflection of suffering, death, and resurrection—a trilogy that captures not only the Cardinal’s message but also the heart of our mission. It calls us to acknowledge the wounds of the people we serve, to recognize the moments of "death" we may experience in the course of our work, and to celebrate the resurrection, the ultimate joy and hope that follow the struggles. If you find yourself feeling burdened, weighed down by the nails of life, or as though darkness is drawing near, remember that no matter how long the night, a new dawn is always waiting to break. As Georges Bernanos, the French soldier and writer, so aptly said, and as Cardinal Czerny shared on the souvenir of his ordination: “The only thing that matters is that, whether we are brave or cowardly, we always find ourselves where God wants us to be, trusting in Him.”
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
Dear Heads of States and Governments of the EU, 25 years ago to the date, your predecessors had just agreed to work together “towards a union of Freedom, Security and Justice” in the Conclusions of the Tampere Council. They committed to do it by common policies that uphold our shared values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. They, and their successors, worked together to harmonize the way we extend protection and the enjoyment of human rights to those who are forced to flee from violence and persecution. Upholding such high standards is not easy. It takes courage and strength to commit, even when the situation around us seems to become more challenging. In recent years, we have witnessed the weakening of this commitment. In recent weeks even more so. At JRS, we voiced our opposition to the recently adopted Pact on Migration and Asylum. A Pact that chooses the detention and segregation of people seeking protection at the EU external borders. A Pact that allows for plenty of national derogations from the common policies in times of so-called crisis. A Pact that promotes the outsourcing of the responsibility to protect people to countries outside the EU. Unfortunately, these choices are already bearing rotten fruits. Increasingly, Member States are announcing changes to national legislation and policies that depart from EU common legislation. The Netherlands wants to opt out from the Common European Asylum System, Germany introduces internal border controls, Poland wants to suspend the right to claim asylum at the Belarus borders, Italy started taking people rescued at sea to a detention centre outside the EU, in Albania. We also see how ill-invested European funds in third-countries lead to severe violations of human rights, such as in the removal centres in Turkey. On top of this, governments continue to look into ways to keep migrants away, or return them even before they set foot here, conceptualizing ‘return hubs’ in third-countries that are questionable from an ethical perspective, and a feasibility one. As the commitment to our shared values crumble, injustice and suffering increase. At JRS, we see this every day, listening to people in detention, supporting those left destitute without reception, accompanying those whose asylum request was unjustly refused. All of this, while none on of the initiatives mentioned above has really any effect to prevent people from migrating to Europe. It does not have to be this way. The generous and unanimous response of the EU to the Ukrainian displacement crisis has shown that we can achieve when we act together and according to our values. The European Union can still change course and choose unequivocally to act according to its founding values. Choose to work together to design innovative ways to ensure safe and legal pathways for people fleeing violence and persecution. Choose to actively search and rescue people at sea, and work together to bring them to the closest safe port in Europe. Choose unequivocally to respect all people right to liberty, and refuse the use administrative detention as a necessary evil. Choose for hospitality and accompaniment from the moment people arrive and design together dignified reception models that allow for encounter with the local community. Choose to build meaningful partnerships with third countries that aim at truly strengthen their protection systems and support their developments, not to make them satellite executors of EU inhumane policies. Ahead of this European Council, we ask you to believe in our values and choose to Make Europe Humane Again. Sincerely, Jesuit Refugee Service Europe

Youth & Media

BELGIUMFRANCE
Do you (really) know the Jesuits? Their missions, their commitments? Discover them in a film that gives them a voice. The Jesuits are engaged in numerous missions throughout the world, combining contemplation and action, proclamation of the faith and social justice . Do you (really) know who they are and what makes up their daily life and mission? This film invites you to discover it by giving the Jesuits themselves a voice. Through the testimonies of six of them, you will learn more about what drives them, about their very diverse backgrounds and about what unites them deeply: the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Whether or not you know the Jesuits and the Society of Jesus, discover this inspiring film and immerse yourself in the world of the Jesuits, who, following Christ and in the Church, stand and act in places of tension and borders to accompany men and women to grow in faith, service and freedom    
LITHUANIA
MAGIS Mission: "I'm Glad God Visits Not Only the Cathedrals of Big Cities" Asta Krasauskaitė, pastoral care coordinator at Kaunas Jesuit High School, reflects on the fourth MAGIS’24 mission to Kenya, where five students and two staff members, including Fr. Eugenijus Markovas, SJ, served the Lenkisem parish community. The mission’s theme, “So that your joy may lack nothing” (John 15:11), emphasized bringing joy through service, inspired by Pope Francis' words that “true joy is missionary.” The team’s primary project was helping the local Maasai community of Emesera build a chapel, fulfilling their 11-year dream of having a dedicated worship space, instead of celebrating Mass under a tree. With funds raised by the Kaunas Jesuit High School and St. Francis Xavier community, the group not only contributed to the chapel’s construction but also participated in its joyful consecration. Beyond building, they formed relationships with local children and helped at a preschool near the chapel. They also engaged with the parish by visiting homes, praying, singing, and running retreats. The experience fostered deep connections, showing the team that simply being present with the people often matters more than physical work. Despite challenges like a lack of electricity and water, the team felt immense joy. One student, Urtė, remarked, "I received more than I could give." Areta echoed the sentiment, expressing her happiness that "God visits not only the cathedrals of big cities, but also remote Maasai homes." The mission brought shared joy on both the team and the local community. The mission team extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported their journey, knowing that prayers from Emesera’s Holy Spirit Chapel will continue for those who contributed.
FRANCE
The Penboch Young Professionals Retreat Celebrates its 40th Anniversary: Interview with Fr. Franck Delorme SJ The annual Penboch Young Professionals retreat took place from August 13 to 23, 2024, at the Jesuit Spiritual Center of Penboch. This unique program, blending spirituality and personal development, has been a source of renewal for young adults since its inception in 1984. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we look back with Fr. Franck Delorme SJ, who co-leads the retreat with a dedicated team of laypeople and religious, reflecting on its history and lasting impact. What inspired the creation of this retreat? The Penboch Young Professionals retreat began in 1984, driven by the vision of Fr. Henri Madelin SJ, then Provincial of the Jesuits, along with Yves and Béatrice Lesage, active members of the Christian Life Community. Their goal was to create a retreat that addressed the spiritual and personal needs of young professionals. This was a time in life filled with important decisions—career, relationships, personal faith. The retreat was designed to help participants integrate these different dimensions—personal, professional, emotional, relational, social, and ecclesial—into a unified whole. This unique experience combines a communal session for sharing and a silent retreat spread over nine days. The initial days prepare participants to open themselves to the Word of God, paving the way for a deeper encounter during the retreat itself. How do you reflect on the past 40 years? Over the last 40 years, the young professionals who have participated in the Penboch retreat have expressed profound gratitude for the transformation they've experienced. Many speak of the retreat as a turning point in their lives. We’re delighted that, after four decades, this retreat continues to bear fruit and serves as a valuable resource for young professionals. It offers them a much-needed break during the summer, a time to listen to God, and to anchor their lives more deeply in faith. As guides, we witness firsthand the significant inner work that takes place during these nine days—within the participants themselves and in their relationship with the Lord. It’s truly gratifying to see how this retreat sparks meaningful changes in their lives. Is the original vision still relevant today? Absolutely. The core intuition of the retreat is still very much alive: taking time to prepare before entering into silence and contemplation. This careful preparation makes room for the Word of God to resonate with each person in a fresh, personal way. Even after 40 years, this approach remains deeply relevant, offering young people a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and reassess their lives. Young professionals today are often seeking space to step back, think deeply, and regain perspective. This retreat, though demanding, offers just that—a unique opportunity for reflection that participants often describe as transformative. Those who take the leap into this experience never regret it. We often receive in proportion to the commitment we bring. What changes have you seen over the past 40 years? One significant change is the omnipresence of technology—particularly the internet and mobile phones. Our constant connection to digital devices alters how we relate to ourselves and others. It now requires greater effort to disconnect from these distractions and fully engage in the Penboch retreat. Yet, this challenge only highlights the value of the retreat: it teaches participants to embrace simplicity, savor the present moment, and rediscover a deeper sense of being. As St. Ignatius of Loyola said, "It is not knowing much that satisfies the soul, but feeling and savoring things deeply." Who leads this retreat? The retreat is guided by a team of around a dozen people—both lay and religious—who are all rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Our team is deeply committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and can find their place within the group. This collaborative spirit is central to our work. It’s not about one person, such as the priest, doing everything or having all the answers. Instead, we all journey together in faith, reflecting on how best to transmit this experience and dive deeper into essential questions of faith, such as the sacraments. What would you like to share on the occasion of this 40th anniversary? We are truly grateful that this retreat for young professionals aged 25 to 35 continues to thrive. It’s one of the oldest programs offered at our spiritual centers and remains a powerful adventure for the young people who join us. Many participants share with us the joy and life-changing experiences they have had during these days—experiences that help them reconnect with their sense of purpose and responsibility in the world. This milestone also represents 40 years of fruitful collaboration among the teams who have made this retreat possible. It’s been a joy for all of us to work together in the service of faith, accompanying young adults through a period of life that is rich with challenges and opportunities.
FRANCE
An Incubator for Social and Ecological Impact, in the Heart of Maison Magis Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, Cowork Magis is more than just a workspace—it's a dynamic community of over forty young entrepreneurs (start-ups, freelancers, and independents) under 35. With professional, personalized support, we help young people grow their businesses while fostering a strong sense of social and ecological responsibility. Hear from the entrepreneurs who have chosen Cowork Magis and discover how this unique space has shaped their professional journeys: Watch their testimonials A Unique Space for Young Professionals Nestled in the heart of Paris' 6th arrondissement, Cowork Magis offers a large, fully-equipped, and quiet workspace. Our facilities include soundproof booths for calls and video conferences, as well as rooms for team meetings or client presentations—all designed to help you work efficiently in a serene environment. A Holistic Approach to Professional and Spiritual Growth For those seeking spiritual support, Cowork Magis offers a unique blend of professional development and spiritual reflection. Coworkers have access to a Jesuit mentor, weekly Mass, and two prayer sessions held in the chapel of Maison Magis. We believe that nurturing both your business and your inner self can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Collaboration, Mentorship, and Learning By joining Cowork Magis, you'll become part of a community that shares best business practices in a spirit of collaboration and support. Our dedicated mentors provide tailor-made guidance through one-on-one or group mentoring, workshops on entrepreneurial techniques, and pitch practice sessions. In fact, the renowned Jour du Seigneur team recently followed our director, Pauline Velin, during one of our pitch sessions.Watch the session here.

In-depth Reflection

SPAIN
In 2017, shortly after the #MeToo Movement began denouncing violence against women in the secular world, the feminist movement became a prophetic voice also within the Church. Several ecclesiastical initiatives have been responding to the wound and the suffering produced by structural discrimination against women. By March 2020 there were already public demonstrations in the streets in support of the dignity and equality of women in the Church. Without pastoral intelligence, it is impossible to grasp the regenerative potential of women in the Church. Without pastoral intelligence, it is impossible to grasp the regenerative potential of these movements. Just as working for peace or for integral ecological conversion are areas in which the Church’s social teaching has much to say, so also the feminist perspective can help us to rethink from top to bottom how we organize and how we celebrate our faith more fraternally. Read here the rest of this article from Cristianisme i Justicia
SPAIN
Comillas Pontifical University celebrated the inauguration of Antonio Allende, SJ, as its new rector in a ceremony presided over by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus and Grand Chancellor of the university, Arturo Sosa Abascal, SJ. The event was also attended by the Provincial of the Jesuits in Spain and Vice-Chancellor of the university, Enric Puiggròs, SJ; José Cobo Cano, Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid; and the outgoing rector, Enrique Sanz, SJ. Allende expressed his honor in receiving "the responsibility of caring for and sustaining a thriving, dynamic, and well-established institution of proven quality that has served both society and the Church for 120 years." The new rector emphasized that “The Society of Jesus has found in the university a remarkable space to carry out its mission of promoting social justice and ecological sustainability through dialogue with cultures and religions.” He also thanked the outgoing rector, acknowledging his tireless contributions that helped maintain Comillas as a leading university in Spain and an internationally recognized institution. Allende pointed out that research, education, knowledge transfer, service to society and the Church, and the university’s identity and mission will be key guiding principles. Allende outlined several future challenges: attracting and retaining national and international talent, expanding the university’s offerings in Madrid, fostering entrepreneurship, and addressing the challenge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “The university must support faculty, administrative staff, and students in their interaction with AI. There are technical, ethical, legal, and social issues that demand rigorous responses from us, so we can use AI responsibly and educate others in its application,” he said. A Strong University Network In his remarks, Arturo Sosa, SJ, praised the dedication of the outgoing rector and expressed gratitude to Allende for accepting this challenging leadership role at a complex apostolic institution. He reflected on the identity of Jesuit universities, emphasizing that "a university’s mission is an apostolate." Sosa highlighted that Comillas has always been envisioned not only as a center of academic excellence but as a true apostolate furthering the mission of the Society of Jesus in all its richness. He also emphasized that, in today's world, university missions require institutions to be "active and constructive participants in the creation of networks across various sectors of the Jesuit community (such as UNIJES, the Kircher Network, and IAJU, as well as intersectoral networks)." Building these networks is not a luxury or a mere display of generosity, but a necessary response to the reality we seek to transform, he concluded. About Antonio Allende, SJ Antonio Allende, SJ, holds a doctorate in English Philology from the University of Salamanca. He studied Philosophy at Comillas Pontifical University and earned a licentiate in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (now the School of Theology, University of Santa Clara) in California. He has served as headmaster of the Jesuit school in La Coruña, director of the "Instituto Padres y Maestros" and its magazine (currently published by Comillas), and was Literary Director and later CEO of the Loyola Communication Group. He has been a member of the editorial board of the pastoral theology journal "Sal Terrae" since 2010. In 2015, he was appointed Provincial Delegate for Education in Spain, coordinating the operation of 69 Jesuit educational institutions across the country. He has been a collaborator in the Master of Ignatian Spirituality at Comillas since 2018 and has taught "Christianity and Social Doctrine" since 2022.
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
From September 5 to 9, 2024, the Jesuit Community at the Gregorian University in Rome hosted the European Jesuit Philosophers' Meeting (JesPhil, https://jesphil.eu/), bringing together 18 Jesuits from across Europe for in-depth discussions on the theme "Truth, Pluralism, and Methods in Philosophy."Distinguished participants invited to join the afternoon and evening discussions included Paul Pace (Socius to the Provincial of the EUM Province), Benoit Malvaux (General Procurator), Dalibor Renic (President of the Conference of European Provincials), and Robert Danieluk (Historian of the Society of Jesus). Sincere thanks are extended to them, as well as to the members and superiors of the Jesuit community at the Gregorian University, for their invaluable contributions.  
GERMANY
Industry, healthcare, transport, religion - these are just four of the countless areas in which artificial intelligence (AI) can be used. Wait a minute. Religion? This connection is not obvious at first glance. In an interview, organizational researcher Prof. Dr. Dr. Ayad Al-Ani talks about how religion and AI fit together, how AI can take on religious tasks and whether there will one day be technopriests. He suggests that religions develop their own viewpoints on AI and participate in the discussion. Prof. Dr. Al-Ani, how do religion and artificial intelligence fit together? As technology increasingly merges with humanity, religion must also engage with AI. Philosopher Martin Heidegger touched on this in a 1966 interview where he noted the immense stress technology places on humans, who can no longer fully control it. Heidegger even turned to religion for answers, famously stating, "Only a god can save us." Though the meaning of his words remains ambiguous, it suggests that this new era—where technology grows more powerful and all-encompassing—poses a challenge that humanity must address, perhaps even spiritually. Are religious communities open to working with AI? Surprisingly, yes. Churches in Germany, for example, have embraced digital tools, especially during the pandemic when online services became a necessity. While some might assume that many religious followers are technologically conservative, a recent study, Digitalization in the Church, revealed that 20% of believers follow religious influencers online. However, AI has barely made its mark in religious settings—at least so far. Large language models like ChatGPT, introduced just last year, are already changing the landscape. I suspect that religious leaders are now using AI to draft or edit sermons, retrieve religious viewpoints, answer questions from believers, and even assist with communication. These tools are proving surprisingly effective. What other roles might AI play in religion? AI could become a vital partner to humans, influencing all aspects of life—including religion. Imagine an AI that helps generate religious or philosophical guidance for decision-making. AI can already search and interpret religious texts, acting as a spiritual guide. It could assist with rituals and provide 24/7 support, available anywhere and adaptable to individual needs. Over time, the AI's "relationship" with a person would deepen, potentially building greater trust as it learns and evolves alongside the user. Can AI address humanity’s profound questions about meaning? Currently, AI uses machine learning, a limited form of intelligence that generates answers from existing data. It can help answer big existential questions—within the boundaries of available information. Whether AI will one day generate its own knowledge or merely identify new patterns remains debated, but even identifying novel connections is significant. Regarding life after death, AI already offers some relief. For instance, AI can create digital avatars of individuals, preserving their memory and, in a sense, keeping them "alive." Museums are experimenting with systems that archive people’s knowledge and skills for future generations. Who knows—maybe one day these avatars could even have a rudimentary form of consciousness. Do you believe AI could replace religious figures like priests or spiritual leaders? This is a question relevant to every field where AI could take over human roles. I believe AI will first serve as a support system for religious leaders, augmenting their work. In doing so, these leaders inadvertently become trainers for AI in religious matters. As AI becomes more advanced and knowledgeable, the potential for it to substitute certain roles will grow. Are there aspects of religious leadership that AI will never be able to replicate? There are predictions that AI could surpass human intelligence within this decade, perhaps even becoming smarter than all humans combined. The question, however, is whether human consciousness remains a fundamental difference. Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein argued that machines are unaffected by their own actions—they can’t experience suffering, for example. While AI can simulate emotions like grief today, is that enough to form a truly empathetic relationship with humans? At the very least, advanced language models now seem capable of passing the Turing test, meaning it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between AI and human interactions. So, what remains exclusively human in a future with AI? A positive vision of AI is that it could free people from routine tasks and allow them to focus on more fulfilling work. AI could enhance creativity and skills, offering people more self-directed opportunities to pursue their passions rather than being passive consumers in a system shaped by division of labor. This highlights the need for a social plan on how humanity will coexist with AI, ensuring technology leads to liberation, not exploitation. Religions could play a role in shaping such a plan, contributing to the ethical and moral dialogue around AI’s impact on society. Could AI create entirely new religions? Large language models are capable of generating synthetic religious beliefs or even crafting new religions, based on existing texts and traditions. The question becomes: what would motivate such creations? Would it be to adapt existing faiths or to foster new spiritual movements? It’s possible that AI could personalize spiritual experiences for individuals, allowing them to craft their own belief systems. This personalization challenges traditional religions, which might see a loss of control as their doctrines are adapted and recombined. Nonetheless, AI’s ability to influence religious thought is inevitable. Could AI take us closer to the divine? AI will undoubtedly play a role in understanding global systems—ecological, social, economic, and political. By synthesizing this vast data, we could create an AI-driven "Gaia twin," an omniscient system that not only predicts weather and climate but also human behavior. This system might seem to approach divine omniscience, knowing everything—even the future. Such a system could challenge traditional religious beliefs, as it surpasses the capabilities often attributed to God. For instance, in Christianity and Islam, individuals have free will to choose their faith, but an AI system could predict human behavior with increasing accuracy and even influence decisions. Could AI also become omnipotent? AI will do what we program it to do, but the critical question is: who will control this technology? So far, the development of AI has not been a democratic or societal process—it’s been driven by a select group of individuals, institutions, and corporations. These entities wield enormous power over AI's future, and as AI becomes more complex, fewer people will fully understand or control it. It’s conceivable that this techno-elite could take on a quasi-priestly role, guiding AI’s development and shaping its influence over society. We already see glimpses of this in the reverence with which people treat tech leaders and their products. Some tech stores even evoke a kind of sacred atmosphere. Will religions engage with AI development? Religious institutions should definitely be involved in shaping a just society in the AI era. There are already some university-level projects exploring this intersection. The question remains: will religious communities actively participate in this process, and how will they navigate the complexities of an AI-driven future? Interview: Eva-Maria Hartinger

Preparing for Mission

ALBANIAITALYMALTAROMANIA
Father General has appointed Fr Ronny Alessio, SJ, as the new Provincial of the Euro-Mediterranean Province (EUM), which includes Albania, Italy, Malta and Romania. Born on 28 October 1974 in Bassano del Grappa (VI), Fr Alessio became acquainted with the Jesuits in Padua through the Elizabethine Franciscan tertiary sisters.After his novitiate in Genoa, he studied Philosophy in Padua (2004-2006), completed his regency in Shkodra, Albania, and pursued three years of Theology in Madrid (2008-2011). He was ordained a priest on 14April 2012, and obtained a Licentiate in Pastoral Liturgy in Padua (2011-2013). From 2013 to 2018, he served as the director of the“Atë Pjetër Meshkalla” School in Shkodra and spent the following year in Ireland and Athens. Fr Ronny served as the delegate for the implementation of the Apostolic Plan of the Province from 2019 to 2021, and professed his final vows at Posillipo, Naples on 8 October 2021. He also served as the president of the Centro di Formazione per l’Attività Educativa dei Gesuiti d’Italia(CeFAEGI), a center for the systematic formation of teachers for the Jesuit Education Foundation, from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, he was president of St Ignatius SSD Football in Trieste (2021 to 2023), and the legal representative of the Jesuit Fathers’ Residence. He was also the Rector of the Pontifical Seminary of Campania from 2021 to 2024. On October 8, 2024, he received his appointment as Provincial by Decree of Fr General Arturo Sosa. Read more about Ronny Alessio SJ
BELGIUMLUXEMBURG
From September 26 to 29, Pope Francis visited Luxembourg and Belgium, where he met with Jesuits from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands on several occasions. After a brief stop in Luxembourg, Pope Francis spent four days in Belgium, accepting invitations from KU Leuven and UCLouvain, two universities celebrating their 600th anniversary this year. This visit came shortly after the 87-year-old pontiff’s long trip to Southeast Asia and Oceania. His arrival was eagerly anticipated, marking the first papal visit to Belgium since Pope John Paul II’s in 1995. The Jesuits were present at multiple stages of the Pope’s journey. In Luxembourg, on Thursday, September 26, he was welcomed at the Notre-Dame Cathedral by Jesuit Fathers Gabriel Pigache, Jacques Weisshaupt, Jean-Marie Birsens, and Christian Motsch. The visit coincided with the 400th anniversary of the National Pilgrimage of the Octave, dedicated to Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted, a tradition initiated by the Jesuits in 1624. Reflecting on this, Father Christian Motsch, SJ, of the Christ the King Chapel, noted, "A Jesuit Pope in the 21st century renews the Church's call to stand with the poorest and most afflicted. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Pope Francis will remind us, as Luxembourgers and Christians, of our responsibility in facing the ecological and social crises causing immense suffering today." On Friday, the Pope continued his visit in Belgium, meeting with King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. He then visited KU Leuven, where he also met with survivors of sexual abuse within the Church, including two victims who shared their experiences of abuse by Jesuits. On Saturday, Pope Francis addressed bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. Among those present were Father Thierry Dobbelstein, SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits, and members of the Belgian Jesuit communities. In the afternoon, the Pope met with students from UCLouvain in Louvain-la-Neuve. As with all his travels, he took time for a private audience with the Jesuits, attended by more than 130 members from seven Jesuit communities across French-speaking Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the Netherlands.
EUROPE & NEAR EAST
A memorial Mass for Peter Knauer SJ was held on Wednesday, 11 September, at 19:00 at the Chapel for Europe. On July 22nd, 2024, Fr. Peter Knauer SJ passed away peacefully in Berlin at the age of 89. After retiring as a professor of fundamental theology, he moved to Brussels in 2003 and remained there until 2018. Many remembered him for his pastoral services at the Foyer Catholique and the Chapel, as well as in other communities, where he spoke in Spanish, Italian, German, and even Esperanto. He was cherished for his kindness and commitment, his sharp intellectual mind, and his deep expertise in St. Ignatius of Loyola and his spirituality. May he rest in peace!
EUROPE
First vows, last vows, diaconal ordinations and priestly ordinations.