NEWS

10 September 2026 marked the 80th anniversary of the death of Fr Robert-Émile Jacquinot de Besange SJ, a French Jesuit whose pioneering work in China helped establish new ways of protecting civilians caught in the midst of war. To mark the anniversary, several initiatives have brought his remarkable story back into the public eye. His native city of Saintes has unveiled a statue in his memory, while the Centre culturel de Chine in Paris is presenting an exhibition featuring historical photographs and rare documents. A new biography by historian Jean-Luc Pinol has also been published by Ginkgo Editions. This article, originally published on the website of French Speaking Jesuits in Europe, looks back at the life and legacy of this remarkable Jesuit. His story remains particularly relevant today, as the protection of civilians, humanitarian action and peacebuilding continue to be central concerns in a world marked by armed conflicts and forced displacement. Jacquinot’s ability to build bridges across communities and negotiate with opposing forces in order to protect those caught in the middle of war offers a powerful example of concrete commitment to human dignity and peace—values that continue to inspire the mission of the Society of Jesus and its works around the world. In 1937, at the height of the Battle of Shanghai, a French Jesuit priest succeeded in establishing a protected area for civilians in the midst of the fighting. By negotiating with both the Chinese and Japanese armies, Fr Robert Jacquinot de Besange created what became known as the “Jacquinot Zone”—one of the earliest organised safety zones specifically established to protect civilians during wartime. His initiative would leave a lasting mark on the history of humanitarian action and international humanitarian law. From Saintes to Shanghai Robert Charles Joseph Émile Jacquinot de Besange was born on 15 March 1878 in Saintes, France, and died on 10 September 1946 in Berlin. A Jesuit priest, he became a major figure in humanitarian assistance in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He entered the Society of Jesus at a young age and travelled to China in 1913 as a missionary and teacher. Among other responsibilities, he taught at Aurora University in Shanghai, served as a curate at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Hongkou, and was chaplain to the volunteer corps of the International Settlement. A Man at the Heart of the Conflict During the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, the city was devastated by the advance of Japanese forces and hundreds of thousands of civilians were forced to flee the fighting. In response, Fr Jacquinot de Besange undertook an unprecedented initiative. Drawing on his diplomatic skills, his knowledge of Mandarin, English, French and the Shanghai dialect, and his relationships with local authorities, he negotiated with both the Chinese and Japanese armies to establish a demilitarised area dedicated to protecting civilians. The area was located in Nanshi (or Nantao), south of the old city and close to the French Concession. It quickly became a refuge for people fleeing the fighting. The “Jacquinot Zone” Although unofficial, the zone was respected by the warring forces. It was administered by an international committee representing the American, British and French communities, while Chinese police were responsible for internal security. The zone provided essential services, shelter, food and medical assistance to tens of thousands of civilians. Known as the “Jacquinot Zone”, it is widely regarded as one of the earliest modern humanitarian safety zones established in the midst of an armed conflict. From its establishment in 1937 until 1940, it is estimated to have protected and assisted as many as 300,000 civilians. A Model That Inspired Others The experience of the Jacquinot Zone soon inspired the establishment of other civilian safety zones in Chinese cities affected by the war, including Nanjing, where the famous Nanking Safety Zone was created, as well as Hankou, Zhangzhou and Shenzhen. Jacquinot’s initiative demonstrated that, even in the midst of armed conflict, it was possible to negotiate practical arrangements to protect civilians. His work would contribute to a growing understanding of how humanitarian principles could be put into practice on the ground. A Legacy for Humanitarian Protection After his experience in Shanghai, Jacquinot continued his humanitarian commitment until the end of his life. His work was later referenced in connection with the Geneva Conventions and their commentaries, which established important principles concerning the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Today, Fr Robert Jacquinot de Besange remains less well known to the general public than many other figures of the 20th century. Yet his pioneering work helped shape the development of humanitarian protection in wartime. The “Jacquinot Zone” stands as a remarkable example of how one person, working across cultural and political boundaries, could mobilise different communities and negotiate with opposing forces to protect those most vulnerable to the consequences of war. Eighty years after his death, his story continues to raise an important question for those engaged in humanitarian and peacebuilding work: how can we create spaces of protection and human dignity when conflict threatens the lives of civilians? Jacquinot’s response was both practical and courageous—he placed himself at the service of those caught in the middle of the conflict and worked tirelessly to ensure that they were not forgotten.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France from 25 to 28 September 2026 brought together hundreds of thousands of people in Paris, Lourdes and Metz. In the following reflection, Jesuit Father Daniel Régent shares some of the joy and grace he experienced during these days, and reflects on the echoes of the Gospel he witnessed throughout the visit. The article was originally published on the website of Jesuit Province of EOF (Europe Occidentale Francophone). After meeting his disciples on the mountain of Notre-Dame, the Pope came down the Champs-Élysées to reach Place de la Concorde. A great crowd was waiting for him. Small in stature, rather reserved and emotional, yet embracing who he is, he embodied the expectations of the crowd. He blessed children, showed tenderness towards a child with a disability, spoke simple and profound words, and shared the Eucharist. The crowd went home nourished, each person sensitive to the life that was stirring within them. There were 800,000 people, not counting those who were present through their televisions or social media. We are astonished by the Gospel: how can such an immense crowd be drawn and arrive before Jesus, presumably waiting for many hours? How can Jesus speak to and feed 5,000 men, not counting women and children? We look for explanations: touched, the people took provisions out of their bags and shared them. The Gospel does not explain. It communicates the mystery to those who are willing to enter into it. Explanation avoids the path that has been opened. The Gospel in XXL At the end of this week, we experienced the Gospel in XXL. At Notre-Dame, the Pope joined those who are engaged in the Church (8,000 people): “Teach us to pray.” At the Stade de France (80,000 young people), he retraced the spiritual history of France through the faces of its saints, athletes of God; the Pope helped young people to discover the deep roots of their lives. At Place de la Concorde (800,000 people), the boundaries between ecclesial sensitivities were transcended. Non-Christians had come to see. Like Zacchaeus, they were touched. In Lourdes, he recalled respect for life, especially towards the most vulnerable. He listened to victims of people involved in Church missions. Finally, in Metz, following his visit to UNESCO at the beginning of his journey, and in the presence of political leaders from beyond the usual boundaries, he spoke with vigour, as John the Baptist did on the banks of the Jordan, where he baptised. The Gospel introduces us, with simplicity, into the heart of events similar to those that the Pope’s visit allowed us to experience. Like Jesus, after each episode, he withdrew, no doubt to return to prayer and to allow the mystery that surpasses everything to speak in silence to the heart of each person. Thank you, Pope Leo, for this taste of the Gospel that you awakened in us through your visit. You led us to the right place: the events we experienced and the Gospel illuminate one another, bringing a profound joy.

LabOratório is an initiative of the Portuguese province that brings together musicians, parish volunteers and others involved in liturgical music for an intensive week of musical formation, prayer, creativity and community. Since its first edition in 2017, the project has sought to help participants grow not only in their musical skills, but also in their understanding of music as a form of service to the liturgy and to the wider Church community. Initiatives such as LabOratório are important because they invest in the people who animate prayer and worship in local communities, helping them develop their gifts while deepening the connection between faith, beauty and service. The following article, originally published by Ponto SJ, highlights the fourth edition of LabOratório, held this year in Portimão. The fourth edition of LabOratório took place in Portimão, in southern Portugal, bringing together 60 participants from dioceses across the country for a week of musical formation, prayer and community. The move to Portimão marked a new step for the project, which had previously been held in other parts of the country. Organised as an intensive week dedicated to discovering the beauty and purpose of music in the liturgy, LabOratório seeks to equip musicians with both practical skills and a deeper understanding of their role in serving the Church and its communities. The programme combined daily prayer and Eucharistic celebrations with a wide range of practical workshops. Participants developed their vocal and choral skills, explored instrumental ensemble playing and improvisation, learned about choral direction and musical leadership, and were challenged to create new liturgical music. They also took part in labEscuta, a guided listening space exploring works from the classical tradition and the ways composers have given musical expression to Scripture, as well as labPastoral, which invited reflection on the choices and criteria involved in serving music in the liturgy. The week culminated in a final concert, where participants presented new repertoire created for the project, as well as a Taizé prayer open to the local community. Beyond musical training, the experience sought to build a community of people who share a desire to place their gifts at the service of others. Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, including parishes, youth groups and scouting communities, and from ten dioceses across Portugal. Several spoke of discovering that the most important dimension of the week was not simply learning new music, but encountering God through music and through one another. As one participant put it, “music is made with notes, but it gains meaning when it is placed at the service of others.” With the final concert and sending celebration, the week in Portimão came to an end, but the organisers emphasise that the real LabOratório begins when participants return to their communities, carrying new skills, new repertoire and a renewed desire to help their assemblies pray with greater beauty, truth and depth.

Pastoral ministry is at the heart of the Church’s mission, but those who accompany others also need accompaniment themselves. In a context where pastoral workers increasingly encounter complex personal, social and spiritual realities, formation, supervision and a healthy awareness of one’s own limits are essential. For the Jesuit tradition, this question has a particular resonance. Spiritual accompaniment is deeply rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, which emphasise attentive listening, discernment and creating the space for a person to encounter God directly. What does it take to accompany another person well? How can pastoral workers recognise their own limitations and avoid causing harm? And what role do humility, experience — and even humour — play? In the following interview, Fr Sebastian Maly SJ, who leads the Spirituality and Retreats area at the Kardinal König Haus in Vienna and is involved in the formation of pastoral workers and spiritual directors, reflects on these questions. He speaks about the importance of professional training and supervision, the boundaries between pastoral accompaniment and psychotherapy, and the Ignatian attitude of being genuinely curious about what God may be doing in the life of the person being accompanied. Fr Maly, what makes good pastoral care? The question is not easy to answer, because when can pastoral care really be called “good”? Do people who receive pastoral care sin less, are they less sad or more successful in life? Or do more people feel called to become priests or pastoral workers? As with good therapy or counselling, it is not always possible to say immediately whether a conversation has truly helped someone. How, then, do you know that you can help someone through pastoral care? When the healing presence of God becomes accessible to the other person — whether through the human encounter, the conversation or a ritual such as confession. Good pastoral care changes something. The minimum criterion, however, is that it must never cause harm. This is particularly important because abuses can occur in pastoral contexts, including spiritual abuse and sexualised violence. This is an important minimum standard. It is a gift when people place their trust in me through pastoral care, and I have a responsibility to preserve that trust. Of course, this applies to all pastoral workers. But we are ordinary human beings and we make mistakes. It is important to be able to acknowledge those mistakes, including to one another. Why is this difficult for pastoral workers? Many pastoral workers experience uncertainty in their own practice but do not dare to speak about it. This may have to do with a particular self-image: one may be an ordained minister or have received a certain pastoral training, and feel that this should somehow be enough to deal with every challenge. But as pastoral workers, we are always also learners; nobody is perfect. No one should be afraid of allowing others to see what is happening in their pastoral practice. Of course, the seal of confession must always be respected, but supervision provides a protected space where cases can be discussed and where we can benefit from the perspectives of other pastoral workers. Has this uncertainty increased since the abuse cases in the Catholic Church came to light? Since the abuse scandals were exposed, a certain carefree attitude in pastoral ministry has disappeared. In many respects, this is very important. But the changed situation also raises new questions and uncertainties. For example, a pastoral worker may spontaneously embrace someone who is grieving and afterwards wonder whether this was appropriate for that person. We need spaces where pastoral workers can reflect together on questions such as these. What does ongoing formation look like for pastoral workers? Since the 1970s, there has been a process of professionalisation in Catholic and Protestant pastoral care. Practical theology and psychology have worked together, bringing approaches from counselling and therapy into pastoral formation. Since 2010, there has been a particular strengthening of formation around sexualised violence and spiritual abuse. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of consistent standards across dioceses for pastoral formation, as well as a lack of mandatory ongoing formation and supervision for pastoral workers. Why does a pastoral worker also need pastoral care themselves? As a pastoral worker, I am first and foremost a fellow human being and, like everyone else, I have limitations. Receiving accompaniment can help me accept this reality and reflect on difficult encounters so that I can learn from them. If I can accept my own dependence and limitations, I can also accept them more easily in others. Why is awareness of one’s own limitations so important? Pastoral conversations can involve particular dynamics. One example is what psychology calls “transference”: during a conversation, I may suddenly come to occupy a particular role for the other person. Feelings may emerge that are not really about me, but about someone else — perhaps a parent or another authority figure. Conversely, something in the other person’s story may trigger emotions in me as the pastoral worker. Recognising these dynamics is important because they affect the conversation. But I may not always be attentive enough to recognise them. If I myself become emotionally triggered, I may stop listening carefully. I might start giving advice or defending myself. Experience helps us deal with such challenging situations, but whether we are experienced or not, we need to recognise that we listen as the particular person we are — including with our weaknesses. So a good pastoral worker needs knowledge and experience. What else? Training is very important. There are practical skills that pastoral workers need to learn, such as how to conduct a conversation. But there are also attitudes that have less to do with formal training and more with experience. These are things we can only grow into. For example, I consider it important to perceive the person before me as a fellow creature. This requires what the theologian Johann Baptist Metz called Compassion: a solidarity with the other person, including an awareness of their social and family circumstances. It is a solidarity from human being to human being, from one creature to another. Pastoral workers also need humility: an inner attitude that is realistic while remaining hopeful. And they should not lack humour. Humour can help us gain some distance from ourselves and from what we experience, and remind us that we are simply one person among many, trying to carry out our service — sometimes better and sometimes less well. Where are the limits of pastoral care? Pastoral care can create a space for the “divine therapist” to work. But it is not psychotherapy. Someone may come to a pastoral conversation because they are sad and need someone to listen to them. If what they actually need is therapeutic support, pastoral workers need to be realistic about what they can offer and refer the person to appropriate professionals. This does not mean that people experiencing mental illness or a serious psychological crisis should simply be turned away. Particularly when someone is already receiving therapeutic support, faith and spirituality can provide additional resources that may emerge in pastoral accompaniment in ways that are different from psychotherapy. You are involved in training pastoral workers and lead a course in spiritual direction in Vienna with Sr Christa Huber CJ. Is spiritual direction a particular form of pastoral care? Exactly. People seek spiritual direction when they want to deepen their spiritual life or explore particular questions that are worth discussing regularly with a companion. They want someone to accompany them for a particular stage of their journey. Why is spiritual direction so closely associated with the Jesuit tradition? It goes back to the Spiritual Exercises. Ignatius of Loyola himself experienced accompaniment from both people and God. He realised that when I enter deeply into a journey with God — when I pray, meditate and undertake spiritual exercises — I need the possibility of speaking with someone about what I am experiencing along the way. What makes a good companion according to Ignatius? Ignatius says that the person accompanying another should remain like a balance in the middle, so that the creature can act directly with the Creator, and the Creator with the creature. I like to express this thought in a simple way: I do everything I can not to get in God’s way. I try to help the other person come into contact with God, while remaining as restrained as possible so as not to push them in a particular direction — especially when they are discerning a decision. The companion should also have a curious attitude: curious about what God has in store for the person being accompanied. However much formation we receive, we always come back to this attitude: as pastoral workers, we need to be able to step back and marvel at what God is doing and at the ways in which God is at work.

The work of sustaining the Church’s mission also depends on the generosity, stewardship and collaboration of the many people and organisations that support it. This was at the heart of a recent encounter in Rome, where representatives of Jesuits in Britain joined Catholic fundraising professionals to present the Catholic Generosity Report to Pope Leo XIV. The report examines the scale and impact of Catholic giving and philanthropy across the United Kingdom, while highlighting the importance of collaboration between dioceses, religious orders, schools, charities and other Catholic organisations. The encounter also offered an opportunity to reflect on how greater cooperation can help the Church make better use of its resources in service of its mission. Below you will find an article originally publish on Jesuits in Britain website. Two representatives of Jesuits in Britain have met Pope Leo XIV in Rome as part of a delegation presenting the Catholic Generosity Report, a major study of giving, philanthropy and charitable activity across the Catholic community. Fr Keith McMillan SJ, Head of Finance at Jesuits in Britain, and John Green, Fundraising Manager for the British Province and Chair of Catholics in Fundraising, joined fellow Catholic fundraising professionals for the presentation following the Pope’s General Audience in St Peter’s Square. John presented the report directly to Pope Leo, with Fr Keith alongside him as part of the delegation. Fr Keith McMillan SJ and John Green present the report to Pope Leo The report offers a comprehensive picture of the generosity that sustains Catholic schools, charities, religious orders, parishes and social action initiatives, while identifying opportunities for Catholic organisations to work more closely together to strengthen stewardship and philanthropy in support of the Church’s mission. John Green said: “The audience with Pope Leo XIV was a moment of encouragement for everyone involved in Catholic fundraising, philanthropy and stewardship. The Catholic Generosity Report is ultimately about mission. It seeks to understand how the Church’s resources can be used more effectively to serve people, strengthen ministries and support future generations. We were particularly encouraged that the report highlights the value of collaboration between charities, dioceses, schools, religious orders and philanthropists. Many Jesuit organisations contributed to the picture it presents, and we hope its findings will help foster even stronger partnerships across the Church.” One of the report’s central themes is the importance of greater collaboration across the Catholic sector. This reflects the invitation of Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, for Jesuits and their partners to become ever deeper “companions in mission”, learning from one another and working together through complementary gifts and shared purpose. Fr Keith McMillan SJ said: “It was a privilege to present the Catholic Generosity Report to Pope Leo XIV. The report highlights the remarkable contribution of Catholic charities across the United Kingdom, including many Jesuit ministries and schools. One of its strongest messages is the importance of collaboration. As Jesuits, we are frequently reminded by Fr General that we are companions in a shared mission. The challenges facing the Church today cannot be addressed in isolation. We need to learn from one another, share resources where appropriate and work together more effectively in service of the Gospel and the common good.” The presentation highlighted a growing commitment among Catholic organisations to share knowledge, strengthen networks and work together more effectively, helping the Church’s resources to support its mission and serve communities into the future.

The history of the Society of Jesus in Albania bears witness to extraordinary courage and fidelity during one of Europe’s most repressive communist regimes. In 2026, Albanian Jesuits and the wider Church commemorate the 50th anniversary of the imprisonment of Br Gaspër Jubani SJ, who endured torture, forced labour and decades of persecution while remaining faithful to his vocation and to Christ. His story forms part of the broader history of Jesuits who suffered imprisonment and persecution in Albania, and whose witness remains an important part of the memory and spiritual heritage of the Society of Jesus in Europe. This article was originally published by Jezuici.PL and is shared here to mark this anniversary and to remember the courage of those who remained faithful in the face of persecution. On 16 September 2026, Jesuits serving in Albania commemorated the 50th anniversary of the imprisonment of Br Gaspër Jubani SJ (born in 1920). During his imprisonment, he endured brutal interrogation and torture. In April 1977, at the age of 57, he was sentenced to 25 years of hard labour on charges of “treason against the homeland and agitation and propaganda against the people’s power”. Despite the harsh conditions in the labour camps, he remained steadfast and, shortly before the final collapse of the regime, regained his freedom. He died a short time later, in 1992. A solemn Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Shkodër to commemorate the life and witness of this courageous Jesuit, whose story is less well known than those of the Jesuits who were killed during the first years after the Second World War. Among them were Fr Giovanni Fausti SJ and Fr Daniel Dajani SJ, who were executed, while Br Gjon Pantalija SJ died in prison as a result of torture. Like Br Gaspër, several other Jesuits endured decades in Albanian prisons and labour camps, including Fr Pjetër Meshkalla, Fr Mark Harapi, Fr Gjon Karma, Fr Anton Saraçi, Fr Giacomo Gardin, Fr Anton Luli and Fr Gjergj Vata. Despite the cruelty they experienced, they remained faithful to Christ. The poster inviting people to the commemorative Mass carried a message that captures the meaning of their witness: “Truth cannot be imprisoned, faith does not go out, and the testimony of the martyrs lives forever. He remained faithful to Christ until the end.” The remembrance of Br Gaspër Jubani and his fellow Jesuits is therefore not only a look back at a painful chapter in Albania’s history. It is also an invitation to remember the power of faithfulness, courage and hope in the face of persecution—and the enduring witness of those who refused to abandon their vocation even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Society of Jesus is deeply committed to fostering a culture of safeguarding. In the current Apostolic Plan of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), the major superiors pledged to promote this culture within their communities and works by sharing training, resources, and best practices. This commitment also includes the ongoing formation of the major superiors themselves. As the Universal Apostolic Preferences remind us, we are called to “help eliminate abuses inside and outside the Church, seeking to ensure that victims are heard and properly helped, that justice is done, and that harm is healed.” With this in mind, JCEP organized a webinar on safeguarding, held on 3 September 2026, with more than 15 major superiors and their socii participating. This session focused on the sensitive and complex topic of communications and crisis management, both externally and internally, during and after the process. The keynote speaker presented practices and experiences of the Irish Province, while three other contributors shared insights and experiences from different provinces and regions across Europe. A central theme running through all the presentations was the importance of transparency and accountability, whilst acknowledging the sensitivities and the pitfalls around communicating abuse within and on behalf of the Society of Jesus. Participants highlighted the need to uphold and prioritise justice for victims while respecting the dignity of every person, acknowledging that abuse leaves lifelong consequences for all involved. The discussions also underscored the need for superiors to have expert support, clear guidelines, and well-defined protocols in place, as well as the strength and professionalism of accompanying teams and companions.

We are sharing an emergency appeal published in the infosj.es, the news channel of the Spanish Jesuit Province, calling for solidarity with the communities affected by the devastating floods in Nepal. Through their partners on the ground, the Jesuit network is accompanying those affected and supporting an emergency response focused on their most urgent needs. On 26 August, severe flooding struck Nepal and the neighbouring Tibetan region, causing widespread damage to homes, bridges and other infrastructure. In Nepal, the floods particularly affected the Rasuwa district, including the communities of Timure and Syabrubesi, before moving south along the Trishuli River. Thousands of people continue to face the consequences of the disaster. According to the latest information available, at least 903 people have died in Nepal and a further five in Tibet, while more than 4,000 people remain unaccounted for on both sides of the border. Damage to roads, communications and electricity supplies is making search-and-rescue operations and access to some affected areas particularly difficult. The emergency is also having a significant impact on access to education. Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has reported damage to 20 schools in the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Across the country, the United Nations estimates that at least 69 educational facilities have been destroyed or damaged, affecting around 19,000 children and young people. In response to the scale of the disaster, Entreculturas and Alboan, two organisations within the Jesuit social and educational network in Spain, have launched an emergency response to support affected communities and help address their most urgent needs. In Nepal, they are working with the Nepal Jesuit Social Institute–Fe y Alegría (NJSI-FyA), an organisation that emerged following the devastating earthquake that struck the country in 2015. During the earthquake response, almost 45 public schools were repaired or rebuilt, and since 2021 Fe y Alegría has had a formal presence in Nepal, supporting education and community development in rural areas. In the first days of the current emergency, NJSI-FyA has been coordinating with local authorities and other organisations, gathering information about the situation of affected communities and assessing damage to roads and schools. Teams are also carrying out direct assessments on the ground to identify the most urgent needs. These assessments have highlighted priorities including food, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, healthcare, protection and continuity of education. There is also an immediate need for mattresses, blankets and sheets, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, clothing, essential medicines, menstrual hygiene products and first-aid kits. In Dhading, an initial emergency response is already being organised, including the distribution of essential relief materials. So far, schools linked to NJSI-FyA have not suffered major direct damage from the floods. However, in districts such as Dhading, where NJSI-FyA operates two schools, and Sindhupalchowk, damage to roads and interruptions to electricity and communications are making travel and contact with some families difficult. The Jesuit network in Nepal continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with local authorities and other organisations to shape a response based on the needs identified on the ground. The focus is not only on the immediate emergency but also on accompanying communities throughout the different stages of recovery. The effects of a disaster of this scale will last well beyond the first days, and rebuilding communities and infrastructure will require time, resources and sustained support. Entreculturas and Alboan will continue working with their partners in Nepal to respond to emerging needs and accompany communities as they recover. Their appeal is for continued solidarity so that assistance can reach the people and communities most affected. Support the emergency response in Nepal:emergencias-sj.org – Nepal emergency appeal

IIn the heart of Cairo, in the popular neighbourhood of Al-Matariya, the Al-Farah Centre has spent the past 16 years accompanying children and young people through education, personal development and community activities. Welcoming both Muslim and Christian children, the Centre seeks to offer a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, discover their talents and grow in confidence, while receiving the educational support that is often difficult to access in their homes and schools. Every year, between 60 and 120 children and young people benefit from the Centre's programmes. They are accompanied by a team of eight young volunteers who provide both educational support and personal guidance. In this way, Al-Farah is not simply a place for additional lessons, but a space of encounter, formation and encouragement for children growing up in a densely populated urban environment. Supporting children in their education The Centre was established around 16 years ago and has since been entrusted to several Jesuits: Fathers Ehab Samir, Magdy Nazmy and Fawzy Nasry, as well as Brother Rady Mounir, SJ. One of the Centre's main objectives is to support children in their education while contributing to their personal development. This role is particularly important because all the children attend public schools, where classes can be extremely crowded, sometimes reaching around 70 students. Al-Farah therefore provides additional support to help children understand and keep up with the official school curriculum, particularly in the core subjects of Arabic, English, mathematics and science. Experience has shown that individual attention can make a significant difference, helping students understand their lessons, successfully complete their examinations and develop the ability to study independently. For many of the children, these are skills they have little opportunity to develop at home, where living conditions can make it difficult to find a quiet environment or sufficient time for study. The Centre therefore seeks not only to help them with their immediate schoolwork, but also to equip them with tools that can support them throughout their education. Formation beyond the classroom Education at Al-Farah goes well beyond academic support. The Centre also seeks to develop children's skills and abilities, introduce them to the cultural and historical heritage of their country, and foster a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their society. Through an integrated programme combining educational, cultural, formative and recreational activities, the Centre encourages children to discover their potential and prepares them to become responsible citizens and, in time, leaders who can contribute positively to their communities. The Centre operates five days a week, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During the school year, each afternoon is divided into two study sessions, with time for breaks and play. The Centre also provides a snack once a week, as well as a substantial hot meal two or three times a year. During the mid-year and summer holidays, the programme takes on a broader and more recreational character. Children participate in educational and cultural activities, sports, competitions, formative and cultural film screenings, games, excursions, celebrations and activities designed to help them discover and develop their talents. For the past three years, the Centre has also organised weekend programmes for students in the preparatory and secondary school stages. These weekends provide a particularly valuable opportunity for young people to explore their identity, discover more about themselves and develop their personalities. Discovering talents and creating opportunities Al-Farah also welcomes artistic and performance groups that work with the children to help them discover and develop their talents. The children are then given the opportunity to put these talents into practice by participating in the Centre's end-of-year celebration. Twice a year, the Centre also organises fairs where families can purchase gifts, clothing and school supplies at symbolic prices. These initiatives provide practical support to families while creating another opportunity for the Centre to remain closely connected to the local community. A shared mission The work of Al-Farah is made possible primarily through financial support from students at the Franklin School in France, particularly through the school's Journées Missionnaires (Missionary Days). The religious order also contributes part of the Centre's funding, while additional support comes from financial and in-kind donations. At its heart, Al-Farah is an apostolic, social and humanitarian initiative rooted in the everyday reality of a popular neighbourhood in Cairo. Its work may be modest in scale, but its impact reaches far beyond the classrooms and activities it provides. After 16 years of accompanying children and young people, the Centre has considerable potential to grow and to serve many more of the children and young people who come through its doors. Its experience demonstrates how sustained educational support, personal accompaniment and opportunities for discovery can help young people recognise their own abilities and build a more hopeful future. Brother Rady Mounir, SJ

What began 20 years ago as an English-language initiative has grown into an international family of teams helping people pray in more than 15 languages. This year, representatives of the different language editions of Pray As You Go gathered in London to celebrate two decades of the initiative, share experiences and explore new ways of collaborating. Among them was May Naguib, representing the Arabic edition, “Fi Tareeqi Osalli” (On My Way, I Pray). Her reflection offers a glimpse into a gathering marked by prayer, cultural diversity, friendship and a shared desire to make Ignatian spirituality accessible to people around the world. We are share here this testimonial. On 8 September, Pray As You Go teams from different languages and parts of the world gathered in London for a meeting that combined collaboration with the celebration of 20 years since the launch of the English edition. Over the years, the initiative has expanded and is now available in more than 15 languages while new languages continue to join. For me, the week began with a personal celebration, as it coincided with my birthday. On the first evening, the organisers surprised me with a celebration in which participants from different countries shared food and desserts representing their cultures. It was a very special way to begin our time together. The programme opened with a workshop on the importance of donations and on sustaining and developing the ministry. The different language teams then shared their experiences, including the reach of their editions, the number of users, and the volunteers and staff involved in preparing the content. We also took part in workshops on social media, marketing, the use of artificial intelligence, and ways of deepening faith and Ignatian spirituality among young people.  The Arabic experience received a great deal of interest and warmth. I felt a genuine desire among the other teams to collaborate and offer support, which increased my gratitude for this ministry and for being part of such a large family. We also discussed new ideas for developing the service and reaching more people. One particularly meaningful moment was the participation of Fr Cristóbal Fones SJ, International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating on the preparation of monthly Arabic-language content connected with the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions. His love of music was also a wonderful gift: his playing and singing during our prayer together were truly special, and I felt privileged to hear him perform live. The gathering was not limited to workshops and discussions. On the second day, we discovered London through a kind of treasure hunt, which brought me together in a team with participants from the German edition in Switzerland, as well as the Dutch, French and Cantonese editions from Hong Kong. As we explored the streets and landmarks of the city, including Big Ben, getting to know one another became much more spontaneous. Differences of language and culture became an opportunity for laughter, sharing and friendship. We took many photographs along the way, preserving memories of our time together. On the day of the anniversary celebration, we met Fr Peter Scally SJ, the person behind the original idea for Pray As You Go. We listened to the story of its beginnings: how, 20 years ago, he started working on the initiative on his own, spending long hours preparing the recordings. Others gradually joined him, and the idea continued to grow until it became what it is today. Afterwards, we took part in a Mass of thanksgiving to mark the 20th anniversary of the initiative. We were not simply present as guests, but participated actively in the celebration. I had the privilege of proclaiming one of the intercessions in Arabic before the congregation. For me, the gathering began with a celebration and ended with a celebration. At the end of our days together, we prayed and each person shared what they were taking away from the experience. When it was my turn, I summed up what I had felt through one image: “A large family speaking the same language… but in different languages.” We came from different countries, cultures and linguistic backgrounds, but we discovered once again that we belong to one mission: we pray together, learn from one another, and care for one another.  

Across Europe, Jesuit and Ignatian schools live out a shared educational tradition in remarkably diverse contexts. A recent visit to five schools in Germany by JECSE Director and JCEP Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Agnieszka Baran, offered an opportunity to discover how this common mission takes shape in different communities, while also highlighting the experiences, challenges and creative responses that schools can share with one another. From Berlin to Dresden, Bonn, Mainz and St. Blasien, the visits revealed the richness of Ignatian education today—and the strength that comes from being part of a wider European network united by a common vision of education, accompaniment and the formation of young people.  JECSE Director Agnieszka Baran Visits Schools of the Ignatian Network in Germany How is Jesuit education lived out today in practice? How do schools respond to the challenges of their particular contexts, and what can they learn from one another? These were the guiding questions as Agnieszka Baran, Director of the Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE), together with Gabriele Hüdepohl, Delegate for Schools of the Central European Province of the Jesuits, visited five schools of the Ignatian network in Germany. The journey took them to Canisius-Kolleg Berlin, Benno-Gymnasium Dresden, Aloisiuskolleg in Bonn, Maria-Ward-Schule in Mainz, and finally Kolleg St. Blasien. At each school, meetings with school leaders, teachers, students, and pastoral teams provided valuable insights into the life and mission of the school communities. While each school has developed its own distinctive profile, all are united by a shared commitment to the Jesuit educational tradition and its Ignatian roots. At Benno-Gymnasium in Dresden, the visitors were particularly impressed by the school’s culture of openness. Its modern architecture, with open learning spaces, encourages encounter, collaboration, and a variety of learning approaches. As a Catholic school of the Diocese of Dresden-Meissen, Benno-Gymnasium carries out its mission in a largely secular environment. At the same time, the school is deeply committed to international partnerships and solidarity projects. The collaboration with Jesuit Volunteers as well as the support of educational and social initiatives especially in Africa, helps students experience firsthand that global solidarity and service are integral dimensions of Ignatian education. At Canisius-Kolleg Berlin, conversations with students from the Pedro Arrupe Integrated Secondary School and members of the Ignatian Student Community (ISG) provided insights into two aspects of the college that are unique in the context of our schools. The encounters highlighted how important the sense of being seen and of belonging are for personal development and academic success, and how strongly participation and community shape the profile of both the school and the college. Particularly striking  was the way the young people actively assume responsibility in youth work and help shape the life of the college themselves. Aloisiuskolleg in Bonn presented itself as a school in a period of transformation. Meetings with the school administration, the board of the of the Ignatian School Foundation and the student representatives focused on  questions of  future development as a companion school, the implementation of cura personalis  and shared responsibility. It became clear how earnestly the school community is striving to shape change while at the same time preserving its Ignatian character as a guide for the future. Maria-Ward-Schule in Mainz offered a distinctive perspective. As one of only two girls’ schools within the European Jesuit network of schools, it combines in a unique way the educational traditions of Mary Ward and Ignatius of Loyola. The shared commitment to the holistic formation of young people, personal freedom, responsibility, and faith shapes every aspect of school life. The visitors were also impressed by the large and dedicated pastoral team, which plays an essential role in accompanying students and nurturing the school’s spiritual character. The final stage of the journey brought the visitors to Kolleg St. Blasien. As a boarding school, it occupies a special place within the network. Here, education, community life, and personal accompaniment are closely integrated. The visitors gained insight into a learning and living environment that offers young people opportunities for growth, community, and discernment far beyond the classroom. Across all five schools, one common concern emerged clearly: how to keep the question of God alive for young people today. Ignatian pedagogy is grounded in the conviction that God can be found in all things and therefore also in the experiences of everyday life. The pastoral teams spoke about their many efforts to provide students with opportunities to encounter this perspective through personal accompaniment, liturgies, retreat experiences, social outreach projects, and spaces for reflection on questions of meaning and purpose. These conversations highlighted that the spiritual dimension remains an indispensable element of Ignatian education. The aim is to help young people discover that God can be found in their own lives and that faith can offer a meaningful framework for understanding and shaping their future. The visit also demonstrated the strength of the European and Global Jesuit Network of Schools . Schools learn from one another, share experiences, and develop common responses to the challenges of our time. Despite their different contexts and priorities, they are united by the conviction that education is about more than academic achievement. It seeks to form young people who are capable of taking responsibility for themselves, for others, and for the world. For Agnieszka Baran, the journey became a vivid experience of Ignatian education in all its richness and diversity. The visits showed how each school contributes its own particular gifts while remaining part of a larger mission and community. It is precisely this combination of diversity and shared purpose that gives the Ignatian school network in Europe its unique strength.

We are highlighting the Gyökerek Camp, an initiative of the St Ignatius Jesuit College in Budapest that has been offering disadvantaged young people from Hungarian communities beyond the country’s borders the opportunity to travel, discover new experiences and build meaningful relationships for more than two decades. We have adapted this article from the website of the Hungarian Jesuits to share the story of a programme that puts care, inclusion and community at the heart of its work with young people. Every summer, the voices of around forty young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across Hungary’s neighbouring regions fill the otherwise quiet building of the St Ignatius Jesuit College in Budapest. Teenagers from Transylvania, Transcarpathia, southern Slovakia and Vojvodina come together for the Gyökerek Camp, one of the College’s longest-running initiatives. Now in its 23rd year, the camp offers young people who might otherwise have little opportunity to travel or attend a summer camp the chance to discover Hungary, experience new places and build friendships across borders. Organised voluntarily by former and current members of the College and their friends, with the support of the Jesuit Province of Hungary, the ten-day experience is also a deeply meaningful one for the organisers themselves. The camp combines a rich programme of excursions, cultural experiences, games and outdoor activities. This year, participants visited the House of Music Hungary, the Budapest Zoo and the Capital Circus, explored Buda Castle and the Basilica of Esztergom, and visited Tihany Benedictine Abbey. They also toured the Hungarian Parliament and Matthias Church, travelled by chairlift and summer toboggan, crossed Lake Balaton by ferry and took a boat trip on the Danube. Yet beyond the many adventures, one of the camp’s greatest strengths is the community that develops among the young people and the volunteers. Despite meeting for only one camp, participants from different countries quickly form friendships, discover shared interests and become a close-knit group, while everyone contributes in their own way to the life of the camp. At the heart of Gyökerek Camp is a spirit of personal attention and genuine care, reflecting an important dimension of Jesuit spirituality. Many of the young people arrive from difficult circumstances, but the camp offers them an opportunity to begin afresh, to connect with others and to experience themselves as valued, welcomed and loved. Evening prayer, together with the opening and closing Masses, gives the camp an explicitly spiritual dimension, with Jesuits also joining the young people and organisers during these celebrations. In this way, Gyökerek Camp is about much more than a summer holiday: it creates a space where young people can discover belonging, encounter others across borders and experience the care of a community that sees and values each person.

The University of Deusto, an institution which belongs to the European Network of Higher Education Institutions, Kircher Network, officially opened its 140th anniversary celebrations on 24 September, coinciding with the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year. From its beginnings on 25 September 1886, when it welcomed just 115 students, the university has grown into an international institution with more than 12,500 students. Nearly 10% of them are international students from 50 countries. This evolution reflects the consolidation of a university model centred on people, committed to social transformation and attentive to the challenges facing the world today. How can a university celebrate 140 years of history while remaining firmly focused on the future? For the University of Deusto, the answer lies in renewing its commitment to knowledge, service and the formation of people capable of contributing to a changing world. The anniversary celebration therefore looked both backwards and forwards: giving thanks for Deusto's history while asking how its Jesuit identity can continue to shape its contribution to society in the decades ahead. The ceremony began with the presentation of the Academic Report for the 2025–2026 academic year by Secretary General Stella Solernou, who reviewed the institution's main achievements over the past year. Deusto recorded more than 16,000 enrolments during the academic year, including 3,549 new undergraduate, master's and doctoral students and more than 1,000 international students. The year also marked a historic milestone with the graduation of the first cohorts of students from the Bachelor's degrees in Medicine and Nursing. The report highlighted the university's research activity, with 300 projects underway and almost 600 scientific articles published, as well as its commitment to inclusion through more than €2.6 million in university-funded scholarships benefiting 1,341 students. It also highlighted the launch of the global research alliance GRAJU. During the In Memoriam section, the university community paid tribute to members who died during the academic year, including José María Guibert, former Rector of Deusto. Recovering the intellectual apostolate The central moment of the ceremony was the Inaugural Lecture, entitled “Knowledge that Serves, Wisdom that Opens the Future”, delivered by Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus and Chancellor of the University of Deusto. His address was followed by remarks from Rector Juan José Etxeberria. Both interventions emphasised that celebrating 140 years should not become an exercise in satisfied contemplation of the past. Rather, the anniversary should provide an opportunity to renew the university's service to society through what Father Sosa described as “creative fidelity”. For Father General, the distinctive contribution of a Jesuit university today is to offer “knowledge that seeks truth amid the noise, wisdom that directs power towards the common good.” A university, he argued, may be technically outstanding and yet spiritually impoverished if it fails to ask whom its knowledge serves — and whom it leaves out. In his lecture, Father Sosa reflected on what he described as the current crisis of knowledge, which is threatened by two forms of pathology. On the one hand, there is a disregard for truth, fuelled by misinformation and superficial thinking. On the other, knowledge itself is increasingly captured and concentrated in the hands of a few, particularly through the control of data and algorithms. Against this backdrop, he argued that a Jesuit university should become a “school of depth”, promoting an intellectual apostolate that does not seek to dominate but rather to understand with ethical rigour. The university's task goes beyond transmitting information: it must help students move towards wisdom and discernment. This means learning to ask not only what technology can do, but when, how, why and for whom it should be used. This question becomes particularly important in the age of artificial intelligence, which, Father Sosa stressed, must remain at the service of human dignity, justice and the development of sound judgement. Such an approach should shape both education and research. Academically, Deusto seeks to offer an integral formation that develops people who are competent, conscious, committed and compassionate. Accompaniment is therefore central: students are encouraged not only to ask what professional career they want to pursue, but also what kind of person they want to become and what kind of world they wish to help build. The same perspective should guide research towards the common good, particularly in areas such as social justice, care for our Common Home and the ethical challenges of technological transformation. “Truly transformative research does not look down upon the poor and excluded; it learns to look at reality from their perspective and, whenever possible, together with them.” For Father General, this approach requires universities to remain open and connected, working in partnership with public institutions, businesses and civil society while combining strong local roots with a genuinely universal horizon. He also highlighted Deusto's 140-year journey and the commitments set out in its new Strategic Plan as an opportunity to renew the Ignatian tradition: building a more inclusive community, promoting open science, developing an agile organisation and embracing a creative fidelity that forms professionals and citizens capable of transforming the world responsibly. Addressing Deusto's students directly at the end of his speech, Father Sosa encouraged them: “Do not settle for being users of an education; become protagonists of a meaningful life. Humanity needs the intelligence you possess, but also your compassion, your inner freedom and your ability to work with others.” Deusto's strategic challenges: the 2027–2032 Plan Building on this framework, Rector Juan José Etxeberria emphasised that the anniversary is a call to renew Deusto's commitment to service and to remember that excellence cannot simply be measured by accumulated achievements or institutional self-satisfaction. In this context, Deusto's historic motto, Sapientia melior auro — “Wisdom is better than gold” — takes on renewed significance as the university discerns how it can help transform society. The Rector noted that the transformations facing society today are different from those of 140 years ago, but are no less decisive. While it is impossible to predict every change that lies ahead, universities can decide how they respond to those changes, which principles should guide them and whose needs their institutional capacities should serve. The new Strategic Plan for 2027–2032 will therefore carry the title “Deusto: Tradition that Builds the Future.” The title expresses the conviction that tradition can provide criteria for responding to new circumstances. “The future is not written: we must discern it and build it. And the Plan will have meaning if it is translated into concrete commitments to people and society.” Among the main commitments outlined by the Rector is a strong emphasis on lifelong learning. This seeks to provide demanding academic preparation and a university experience that helps people discover their vocation and build a meaningful life project, combining academic rigour, accompaniment and ethics at undergraduate level as well as through continuing and executive education. The Plan will also promote research focused on major societal challenges, with particular attention to human development, social justice, the ecological transition, health, social cohesion and the responsible use of technology. Scientific impact, in this vision, should ultimately be measured by its capacity to improve people's lives. Another priority will be the development of an open and inclusive university. Deusto plans to strengthen its international partnerships, including through the global network of Jesuit universities IAJU, the European University Alliance UNIC and UNIJES — the network of Jesuit universities in Spain. It will also expand scholarships and opportunities for access among vulnerable groups. At the same time, Deusto will continue to strengthen its local collaboration and impact, aligning its work with the development strategies of the Basque Country and the Basque University System. This includes active collaboration around the new University Law, the Science, Technology and Innovation Plan 2030 and the Basque University Plan 2027–2030. The anniversary celebration therefore offered more than an opportunity to look back at Deusto's history. It provided a moment to reflect on what it means to be a Jesuit university today — and on how education, research and intellectual life can remain at the service of people and society. As Rector Etxeberria concluded: “When we reach 2032, it will not be enough to count projects. We will have to ask ourselves whether we have accompanied people better, whether our knowledge has helped address social challenges and whether Deusto has served with greater depth and generosity. That is the measure of a living institution: not the years it has accumulated, but the future it is capable of building.” The ceremony concluded with remarks from the Lehendakari of the Basque Government, Imanol Pradales. This was followed by a Eucharistic celebration at Bilbao's Santiago Cathedral, presided over by Joseba Segura, Bishop of Bilbao.

Education has long been a pillar of Jesuit pastoral mission. As the new academic year begins, Jesuit education in Spain and Portugal - which are part of JECSE, the European Network of Jesuit Schools - alone serves more than 100,000 students, supported by a large network of schools and educators. We are sharing the following article, originally published by INFO SJ, the news website of the Spanish Jesuit Province, highlighting some of the priorities and initiatives shaping the new academic year. Jesuit schools across Spain are beginning the 2026–2027 academic year, welcoming nearly 100,000 students and 8,500 educators and staff across a network of 67 schools and other educational projects in Spain, as well as two Jesuit schools in Portugal. This year, Jesuit Education in Spain will place particular emphasis on educational inclusion and digital transformation in the service of education, while continuing to strengthen the shared identity and mission of its educational network. Pastoral formation will receive particular attention in Primary Education, with an assembly bringing together pastoral coordinators and pastoral workers from this educational stage to reflect on how to develop meaningful pastoral processes for younger children. In a world marked by war, social exclusion, intolerance and individualism, the network is seeking to reaffirm its commitment to hope. The theme for the new school year is “Rise and walk: Reconciled by God in a wounded world”, inviting students to reflect on the consequences of their choices, embrace their own vulnerability and discover in God's mercy a call to conversion, healing and service to others. The new academic year also brings a change in the coordination of formation within the network. Pedro Valente, formerly the Education Delegate of the Portuguese Province, has taken on responsibility for coordinating formation, succeeding Miguel Poza, who concludes eight years in the role. Formation is considered a key element of Jesuit education, supporting educators in their professional development while strengthening the shared identity and educational vision of the schools. As Jaime Badiola SJ, Delegate for Education of the Society of Jesus in Spain, explained, educating children and young people means working together with families to “build lives with a meaning beyond themselves.” Key Dates for the Year Ahead Several major initiatives are already marked on the calendar. From 15–19 February, the annual Buen Trato y Cuidado (“Good Treatment and Care”) campaign will promote safe, respectful and caring environments throughout the educational community. The initiative forms part of the wider Safe Environment framework of the Society of Jesus, which seeks to foster environments where children, young people and adults can live, learn and participate safely. Later in the school year, the Second Jesuit Schools Forum will bring together students in the final years of secondary education and vocational training from different schools. Following the success of the first edition in Madrid in 2025, the forum will offer young people an opportunity to live together, share what they have learned and encounter social realities that encourage them to engage with the wider world as active citizens. The first edition brought together more than 80 students from almost 60 schools, with contributions from Jesuit schools, universities and social organisations. Finally, from 7–9 July, Bilbao and the University of Deusto will host the Jesuit Education Conference, the biennial gathering of leaders from the network's schools and educational foundations. Around 250 leaders are expected to take part, reflecting together on the direction of the educational and evangelising mission of Jesuit schools and seeking to strengthen a shared vision for the future.

At 25 years of age, the Newman Institute remains one of the youngest Jesuit institutions of higher education. As the only Catholic institution of higher education in the Nordic countries, the Institute received official accreditation from the Swedish Government in 2010. Today, it offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes in theology, philosophy and culture, welcoming a diverse student body in a country where Catholics represent a small minority. “Small is beautiful,” says President Philip Geister, SJ. “As a creative minority in a secular but open-minded Swedish society, the Newman Institute can make a substantial and distinctive contribution to public debate through its academic profile.” The history of the Jesuits in Sweden is marked by a long absence: after being banned from the country for centuries, they returned only in the mid-19th century. Their contribution to intellectual and cultural life, however, soon took shape. In 1920, the Jesuits launched Signum, a cultural and intellectual journal whose work helped lay the foundations for the establishment of the Newman Institute in 2001. The 25th anniversary is therefore not only a celebration of the Institute’s achievements, but also of a longer Jesuit tradition of intellectual engagement and dialogue in Sweden. We congratulate the Newman Institute on 25 years of commitment to Jesuit higher education and wish its community continued inspiration and success in its mission. The Newman Institute is part of several higher education networks of the Society of Jesus, including the Kircher Network at the European level (under the JCEP) and the International Association of Jesuit Universities at the global level. As a result, the Newman Institute—despite being a small center—is connected with Jesuit institutions worldwide and benefits from their shared resources and educational programs.

The International Relations Officers of the Kircher Network play an important role in strengthening international cooperation among Jesuit higher education institutions, facilitating the exchange of good practices, developing joint initiatives and identifying opportunities for collaboration across the network and beyond. Their meeting in Krakow on 6–7 July provided an opportunity to reflect on ongoing cooperation and explore new ways of connecting institutions, particularly through Erasmus+ programmes and other international initiatives. The Kircher Network’s International Relations Officers gathered in Krakow on July 6–7, hosted by Ignatianum University, to share experiences, exchange good practices, and explore new opportunities for collaboration across the network. The meeting highlighted lessons learned from Erasmus Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) and advanced preparations for the 2027 Erasmus BIP Student Study Week in Brussels, “Ignatian Leadership and Citizenship for a United and Inclusive Europe in a Time of Uncertainty.” Participants also discussed future joint initiatives, including Erasmus opportunities on AI in international education, a possible faculty and leadership formation BIP inspired by the Canisius Formation Course, and strengthening Erasmus+ cooperation with Saint Joseph University of Beirut. The gathering also included updates on Kircher Network and IAJU initiatives from Dr Susana Di Trolio, Executive Secretary of the Kircher Network, and a presentation of the European Leadership Programme (ELP) by Lucia Trubenová. Organised by the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) in Brussels, ELP is JESC’s flagship programme, bringing together young professionals from across Europe for leadership formation inspired by the social and spiritual tradition of the Society of Jesus.

The rapid changes shaping societies around the world pose new questions for the mission of the Society of Jesus and for all those who share in it. From 7 to 11 September, Father General’s Extended Council gathered in Rome to pray, listen and reflect on these realities under the theme “Changes in the world: a challenge for our life-mission.” Bringing together perspectives from different regions and contexts, the meeting offered an opportunity to discern how the Society and its companions might respond to a world marked by conflict, political uncertainty, social divisions, disinformation and profound transformation. The following reflection gives an insight into the conversations, voices and prayer that shaped those five days. The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials was represented by its president Dalibor Renić SJ. What happens when you spend a week praying, reflecting and listening to people who are living the fast-paced changes in our world? This question was at the heart of Father General’s Extended Council which convened in Rome from 7 – 11 September to pray and reflect around the theme: “Changes in the world: a challenge for our life-mission”. For five days, the members of the Extended Council and the General Curia engaged with witnesses – Jesuits and lay people alike – living and working in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia Pacific and the United States as they shared about the pressures shaping their societies, how these changes affect their work and mission, and what they believe the Society of Jesus may be called to in response. There was also an important change in the way some sessions with outside speakers were organized. Rather than limiting these encounters to members of the Extended Council, several sessions were opened to other members of the Curia, allowing them to broaden their own experience of the realities facing people around the world. A world that is constantly changing The opening day began with a time of prayerful reflection as participants tackled the personal question of where they stand what they feel as they consider the major changes taking place in the world. Subsequent sessions saw the Extended Council listen to perspectives from political and economic hotspots, especially from regions experiencing high levels of tension, conflict or strategic competition with global implications for security, trade or diplomacy. The speakers joined mainly by video, but the distance did not hinder them from bringing their experience of the world into the Aula. Moisés Naím shared his reflections on the rise of “charlatans”, manipulation, disinformation and the ways in which people can be misled. Fr David Neuhaus spoke from his experience in Middle East particularly Palestine/Israel. Fr Rigobert Minani brought the perspective of the Democratic Republic of Congo bringing the participants into contact with the political, social and human realities of Central Africa, and with the challenges these realities pose for the Jesuit mission. Shashi Tharoor offered an Indian perspective, while Marites Vitug spoke from the Philippines. Cardinal McElroy, in conversation with Fr Samuel Sawyer, brought the discussion to the experience of the United States. Together, the speakers described a world marked by conflict, political uncertainty, manipulation of information, social divisions and rapid change. Yet they also pointed to opportunities for hope and the possibility of a brighter future. These realities offer a lot of food for thought, and connected with the grace which the Council prayed for throughout the meeting: “to be ready to listen to one another and to the Spirit as we reflect upon the major changes affecting our world.” Across the sessions, the format remained consistent. There was time to listen, ask questions, personal prayer, the Eucharist, and sharing in groups. The final day brought the different voices together after four days of presentations and conversations. The participants gathered the fruits of their conversations into deep prayerful reflection in view of better carrying out the mission to which Jesuits and their companions are sent: to serve a world that is changing, to stand with people living through those changes, and to seek reconciliation and justice in the places where they are most needed.

From September 16 to 18, the first JCEP Consult of this apostolic year took place at the JCEP Office in rue des Trévires 3, Brussels. Presently, the members of the consult are Shane Daly SJ (HIB), Attila András SJ (HUN), Ronny Alessio SJ (EUM), and Gonzalo Villagrán SJ as JCEP Socius. Half the members were new in the office so there has been an important renewal in the Consult this year. The consultors met with the JCEP President, Dalibor Renić SJ, to address several issues regarding the present moment of the Conference. They were joined by Francisco José Ruiz SJ, President of the Deusto University Board of Trustees, who is facilitating the drawing of the new apostolic plan for the Conference. During this meeting, the JCEP Consult addressed different issues like a new job description for the Conference Formation Delegate, the commission on the new guidelines for Superiors and Directors of Works, healthcare solidarity among provinces, personnel needs at the Conference, the schedule of the next General Assembly, and the 2027 JCEP budget. A significant amount of time was dedicated to planning the process for drafting the 2027–2032 Apostolic Plan, which will start at the next General Assembly in Dublin in October. This process is conceived as a time of spiritual conversation and discernment in common among provincials, as was the case with the last apostolic plan. The Consult of the JCEP, like any provincial consult, is a space of discernment within a small human group where the main apostolic challenges and initiatives in the Conference are read together—seeking God’s will in them—in order to offer advice to the JCEP President. Many of these issues are then brought to the General Assembly of Provincials for confirmation and final approval. The Consult is composed of the provincials acting as moderators in each of the three Assistancies in the Conference (Western Europe, Central-Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe) plus the Socius of the JCEP, who are called and gathered by the JCEP President.

The following article, originally published by Jezuici PL, reflects on the 46th anniversary of the August Agreements (Porozumienia Sierpniowe) and the birth of the Solidarity movement in Poland. Signed in August 1980 between the communist authorities and striking workers in several Polish cities, most notably at the Gdańsk Shipyard, the agreements recognised a number of workers’ demands and paved the way for the creation of Solidarity, the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc. The movement would become a major force in the peaceful challenge to communist rule in Poland and, ultimately, in the wider transformation of Central and Eastern Europe. The anniversary celebration at the Jesuit Shrine of the Holy Name of Jesus in Łódź therefore became an opportunity not only to remember the historical role of the Church and Christian faith in the struggle for freedom, but also to ask what the legacy of Solidarity means for Poland and its society today. On 31 August 2026, Poland marked the 46th anniversary of the August Agreements, the historic accords signed in 1980 between the communist authorities and striking workers in several Polish cities, most famously at the Gdańsk Shipyard. The agreements paved the way for the creation of Solidarity (Solidarność), the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc, and became a decisive step in Poland’s eventual transition away from communist rule. The anniversary was commemorated at the Jesuit Shrine of the Holy Name of Jesus in Łódź with a Mass for the homeland celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Zbigniew Wołkowicz, bringing together politicians, trade unionists, clergy and representatives of local and national authorities. The parish priest, Fr Krzysztof Ołdakowski SJ, called on those gathered not simply to remember the ideals of 1980, but to keep them alive and translate them into the realities of today. In his homily, Bishop Wołkowicz highlighted the Christian roots of the Solidarity movement, recalling the role of the Church and the teaching of Christ in giving people the courage and strength to challenge a communist system that at the time seemed impossible to overcome. He emphasised that Christian solidarity means standing alongside people who are weak or oppressed, sharing their struggles and helping them find a way forward. The anniversary also became an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of solidarity today. Bishop Wołkowicz pointed to unity despite differences as one of the greatest challenges facing Polish society, recalling how people with different views were once able to come together around a common cause. He encouraged Christians to become instruments of unity wherever they are, while remaining particularly attentive to the most vulnerable. Although the political circumstances of 1980 belong to history, the challenge of building a society marked by solidarity, fraternity and concern for others remains very much alive.

First vows, last vows, diaconal ordinations and priestly ordinations.