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The Chapel for Europe, one of the apostolic works directly dependent on the JCEP, located in the heart of Brussels, is an ecumenical place of prayer and encounter, offering a space for spiritual reflection, dialogue and Christian presence in the European capital. It brings together people from different Christian traditions and backgrounds, fostering unity and a shared commitment to the European project. On 6 October, the Chapel celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of welcoming visitors and contributing to the spiritual and ecumenical life of Brussels. We are pleased to share this article, brought to us by Bernd Günther, Director of the Chapel for Europe. When, in the 1980s and 1990s, the European Union was reshaping an entire district of Brussels with its buildings and institutions, an initiative was launched by European leaders and the Jesuits to ensure that churches would also form an integral part of this new Europe. ‘Europe needs a soul,’ remarked Commission President Jacques Delors at the time. The small chapel, attached to a former convent, was already falling into disrepair. It was acquired and renovated at great expense. It was then consecrated in September 2001. Twenty-five years on, we look back and look ahead. Jérôme Vignon, the Chapel’s first president, once again highlighted the founding vision. Fr Bernd Günther SJ, the Chapel’s current director, noted that the core principles of the Chapel’s mission have lost none of their significance: Engaging with Europe, spirituality and pastoral care for the Europeans in Brussels, and ecumenism have been key priorities since the very beginning; over the years, interfaith cooperation has been added to these. The future of the Chapel, of Europe and of the Churches will also be shaped by these challenges. However, it was not the speeches that defined the evening, but the ecumenical prayer involving Protestant, Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox bishops and church leaders. Lively music, heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving and a great blessing for the future made the celebration a deeply moving occasion. Twenty-five flowers, brought by people from various groups and phases within the Chapel community, were woven together into a single colourful bouquet, bearing witness to the Chapel’s diversity and vitality. The evening brought together people from the Chapel’s early years with the young people who now attend its services and activities. A closing reception, filled with many encounters, seemed to go on forever.

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. Any visit by the Pope to a country provides a strong boost to the faith life of its people. For this reason, the local Jesuit province invests resources and energy to facilitate the presence of Jesuits and laypeople during such visits. In this case, the visit held special significance for the JCEP, as the Pope delivered a speech on Europe in Metz, near Robert Schuman’s hometown. We therefore expect to feel that continuing impulse in the activities of the JCEP. 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.

The Jesuit Refugee Service Europe (JRS Europe) is a work of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), coordinating and supporting the JRS network across Europe. Rooted in the mission of the Society of Jesus, JRS accompanies, serves and advocates for refugees and forcibly displaced people, working to uphold their dignity and rights. Through its national offices and partners, it promotes hospitality, inclusion and solidarity across the continent. On 27–28 October 2026, JRS Europe brought together colleagues from across its network in Brussels for its Regional Coordination Meeting (RCM). Over two days, participants reflected on shared values, exchanged experiences and explored how the mission of JRS can be put into practice in a European context marked by displacement, social polarisation and growing challenges to hospitality. Hospitality, shared values and the power of personal stories were at the heart of JRS Europe’s Regional Coordination Meeting (RCM), held in Brussels on 27–28 October 2026. The gathering brought together colleagues from across the European network for two days of reflection, exchange and learning around our shared mission to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people. This year’s RCM offered an opportunity to explore how our values translate into practice: in the welcome extended by local communities, in support for people experiencing displacement, and in the stories we share. The meeting opened with a reflection led by Dalibor Renić SJ on the mission of the Society of Jesus in Europe and its significance for the JRS network today. This set the scene for “Sacred Intersections: Four Faiths, Nine Values, One Mission”, a retreat drawing on four religious traditions and JRS’s nine core values, led by Bianca Albu, Christoph Klotz, Sara Jouhari, Raymond Parcon SJ. Through prayer and reflection, the session invited participants to consider the role of interfaith dialogue in a polarised world. During the afternoon, participants explored the message at the heart of Paths of Hospitality: “Hospitality opens the door to peace.” A visit to the Museum of Migration placed personal stories at the centre of the programme, offering a way to engage with the experiences of people who have crossed borders and helped shape the city. A tour of Molenbeek and Matongé continued this encounter with two of Brussels’ most multicultural neighbourhoods. The day concluded with dinner at the JRS Europe office, creating time for informal conversations and connection across the network. The second day turned towards organisational developments and key areas of JRS’s work. Gavin Braschi introduced JRS’s new global organisational structure, followed by a panel with Sophia Pierre-Antoine on mental health and psychosocial support. The discussion considered the place of this support within JRS Europe’s mission, particularly through the One Proposal response to displacement from Ukraine. Advocacy was another central focus. A round-table session facilitated by Mariza Koronioti featured representatives from Centro Astalli, JRS Serbia, JRS Germany and JRS Malta. Together, they discussed pressing advocacy issues, connecting national perspectives with the network’s work at European level. Hospitality returned to the centre of the programme through a World Café facilitated by Carola Jiménez. Drawing on experiences of Communities of Hospitality across Europe, the session created space to exchange approaches and learn from the different ways JRS offices bring people together. The final workshop, facilitated by Vincenzo Chiaiese, explored communication and new narratives in a polarised Europe. It invited participants to reflect on how JRS can engage different audiences and communicate experiences of displacement, welcome and solidarity. Across the two days, the programme connected reflection with practice and local experiences with a shared European mission. From personal migration stories to discussions on advocacy and communication, the meeting provided space to consider how the JRS network can continue building relationships and communities rooted in dignity, participation and hope.    

The Xavier Network (XN) is an international network of Jesuit Mission Offices and organisations working in development, humanitarian aid and social justice. Bringing together Jesuit organisations from across Europe and North America, it promotes collaboration, coordination and solidarity in support of Jesuit missions and communities around the world. As a work of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), it plays an important role in strengthening the Society of Jesus’ international response to global emergencies. On 14-16 October, Xavier Network members gathered in Nuremberg, Germany, for their bi-annual meeting, hosted by the Jesuitenweltweit team at the Ukama Centre for Social & Ecological Transformation. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the network’s shared mission, review its impact and discuss ongoing responses to humanitarian crises, including the emergency in Venezuela. Our bi-annual meeting was hosted this October by the Jesuitenweltweit DE (Germany) team in the Ukama Centre for Social & Ecological Transformation in Nuremberg. Thirteen Jesuit Mission Offices and NGOs were represented from Austria, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United States along with the European Secretariat for Social Justice and Ecology, Filipe Martins SJ. The meeting was an opportunity to thank Jenny Cafiso, Director of Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), for 31 years of service to the Society of Jesus. In a celebratory This Is Your Life–style interview, John K. Guiney, S.J., Director of Irish Jesuits International, walked through key moments in Jenny’s service: eight years with Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) International (1995–2003), 23 years as Director of CJI, and three years as Chair of the Xavier Network (XN). Jenny was presented with a book of photographs from the projects and teams she accompanied over three decades of support and commitment. The meeting continued with a reflection on our investment in the Global South with XN members raising €74 million in 2025, serving 525,300 participants. 40% of our international aid in 2025 was facilitated on the ground by our strategic partners, JRS and Fe y Alegria.  33% of our international aid was allocated to Latin America, with 25% being allocated to Africa. Salvo Maraventano, JRS International Lead Programmes & Planning, reflected upon the JRS response to accompany, serve and advocate for refugees and displaced people in the Global South, presenting the Country Planning process for 26 countries to be co-funded by the XN. Alfredo Infante Silvera SJ, Jesuit Venezuela Provincial led a discussion on his Province’s response to the Venezuela Earthquake, which the country was very much unprepared for. “Venezuelans are experiencing a deep grief. This grief is very Christian, but also a paradox. The pain of innocent people, and the suffering moments of the crisis, give an opportunity to grow, to change. In the middle of the catastrophe and pain, we are able to see a lot of good things. Me – I feel partly broken but also full of hope.” The XN has continued its Venezuela emergency response since the earthquake struck in August. “At this time, people are still sitting outside collapsed buildings, waiting for services to come help them lift the fallen concrete so they can retrieve their loved ones still trapped under the rubble and give them a proper burial,” said Asunción Taboada, Xavier Network Emergencies Coordinator.

Cristianisme i Justícia, whose director is José Ignacio García SJ, is a Jesuit centre for theological and social reflection based in Barcelona, part of the Conference's network of Social Centers, a network coordinated by Filipe Martins SJ, Secretary for Social Apostolate at the Conference. Cristianisme i Justicia dedicates to promoting dialogue between faith and justice in response to today's social, political and cultural challenges. Through publications, public lectures, training programmes and digital resources, the centre encourages critical reflection on issues such as social inequality, migration, ecology, peace, democracy and human rights, drawing on the Ignatian tradition and Catholic social teaching. Its mission is to help Christians and all people of goodwill engage thoughtfully with contemporary issues and contribute to building a more just, compassionate and sustainable society. The English edition of Faith and Justice: Celebrating Our Roots, issue 243 of the Cristianisme i Justícia booklet collection, by Jesuit Patxi Álvarez de los Mozos, is now available on the Cristianisme i Justícia website. Published fifty years after the 32nd General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, the booklet revisits the origins, significance and continuing relevance of Decree 4, which placed the service of faith and the promotion of justice at the heart of the Jesuit mission. Álvarez de los Mozos traces the historical and ecclesial context in which this commitment emerged and reflects on the profound impact it has had on the Society of Jesus. The faith-justice mission was not understood as something limited to the social apostolate, but as a commitment affecting the whole Society and all its ministries, including education, pastoral work and intellectual reflection. The booklet also looks at how this commitment has developed over the past fifty years and why faith and justice remain inseparable today. It offers an opportunity to revisit a fundamental part of contemporary Jesuit identity and mission, and may therefore be of particular interest to Jesuits and to all those who work and collaborate in Jesuit institutions and apostolic works. The booklet can be read and downloaded here:https://www.cristianismeijusticia.net/en/faith-and-justice-celebrating-our-roots    

The annual in-person meeting of the JCEP Safeguarding Coordinators took place this year in Ljubljana, Slovenia from the 5th to the 7th of October. Twelve of the sixteen Provinces were represented, along with the accompaniment of the JCEP Socius and the JCEP safeguarding coordinator. The first day was an important opportunity for us all to share from our respective Provinces some of the most important and interesting safeguarding initiatives that have been ongoing throughout the year, as well as a sharing of local and broader safeguarding challenges. Although the safeguarding coordinators meet 3-4 times per year online, the in-person meeting is a critically important sharing experience, where safeguarding issues are explored on a much deeper level, and we as individuals get to enjoy the mutual support of our network in the physical presence of our safeguarding colleagues. This year’s meeting was a very productive and fruitful one, cultivating a greater sense of collaboration and community. The main topic for discussion was the risk of Spiritual Abuse and how to establish safe spaces and relationship for personal spiritual growth. It was beneficial for us all to spend quality time together sharing experiences and insights on the subject, culminating in the production of a discussion note on spiritual abuse.  We thank Dr. Lisa Oakley, Professor of Safeguarding and Knowledge Exchange in the Division of Psychology at the University of Chester, for her academic expertise and continued support to the work of our safeguarding coordinators on this emerging, and complex, safeguarding issue. We also express our sincerest gratitude to Fr. Hans Zollner, SJ., Director of the Institute of Anthropology at the Pontificia Università Gregoriana, who joined us in person in Ljubljana. Fr. Hans led us on a very inspiring and motivational journey into safeguarding through the lens of Ignatian Spirituality. We very much appreciate your insights and your support. And finally, many thanks to the Province of Slovenia for hosting and facilitating this year’s meeting.

The Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE), , a network under the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, brings together Jesuit schools across Europe and the Middle East, fostering collaboration, formation and the sharing of good practices in the field of Jesuit education. It works to strengthen the Catholic and Ignatian identity of Jesuit schools and support their shared educational mission. JECSE helps Jesuits schools and educational organizations in the Conference to develop a more universal understanding of the mission and a sense of co-responsibility among them. On 6-9 October 2026, JECSE brought together Primary School Heads from across its network in Ariccia, near Rome, for a gathering entitled “Sharing the Best We Have: Faith, Community, Mission.” Building on the reflections of previous international gatherings, the conference explored how school leaders can nurture their own faith, foster communities of belonging and bring the Ignatian mission to life in their schools. In this article, Agnieszka Baran, Director of JECSE and Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education of JCEP, reflects on the gathering and its key insights. How can Jesuit schools remain deeply rooted in their Catholic and Ignatian identity while welcoming children and families from diverse backgrounds? How can school leaders nurture their own faith, build communities of belonging, and ensure that their mission comes alive in everyday school life? These questions accompanied the Primary School Heads of the JECSE network during their gathering at Casa Divin Maestro in Ariccia, near Rome, from 6 to 9 October 2026. Under the theme “Sharing the Best We Have: Faith, Community, Mission” primary school leaders from across Europe came together to reflect, pray, share experiences and strengthen their common commitment to Jesuit education. Continuing the journey begun in Jogjakarta The conference builds on the reflections initiated at JESEDU-Jogjakarta 2024, where members of the Jesuit Global Network of Schools gathered to explore what it means to educate for faith in the 21st century. The global seminar invited Jesuit educators to deepen their Catholic identity while engaging in mature dialogue with other religions, cultures and increasingly secular societies. For JECSE, these questions continue to inspire reflection across the European network. The new cycle of thematic conferences, “Sharing the Best We Have: Faith, Community, Mission,” brings the insights of JESEDU-Jogjakarta into the everyday realities of our schools and leadership teams. The journey began with the Secondary School Heads in Málaga in October 2025, followed by Pastoral teams in Loyola in February 2026. Now, Primary School Heads bring their own perspectives, reflecting on how pres-secondary education nurtures faith, belonging and a shared sense of mission. The cycle will continue in 2027 with a gathering for Pedagogical Leaders. Primary education has a distinctive place in this conversation. It is often where children first experience school as a community, begin to develop their understanding of belonging and relationships, and encounter questions of meaning, values and faith. Families, too, may be discovering for the first time what makes a Jesuit school distinctive. This gives primary school leaders both a particular responsibility and a valuable contribution to make to the wider mission of the network. Mission: rediscovering what brings us together The conference opened with a reflection on mission, the shared purpose that gives Jesuit schools their common Ignatian identity. Fr Nicola Bordogna SJ, representing the Fondazione Gesuiti Educazione (FGE), the Jesuit Education Foundation of the Euro-Mediterranean Province, officially opened the gathering and helped launch the conversation on what it means to remain faithful to this identity in a rapidly changing world. Remaining faithful to our mission requires more than preserving traditions; it calls us to communicate our values authentically through relationships, educational choices and the daily life of our communities. Jesuit schools welcome children and families with different religious backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. This diversity raises important questions: How can schools remain rooted in the Gospel while ensuring that every child feels welcome? How can they share the richness of the Catholic and Ignatian tradition while respecting the freedom of each person? Rather than offering easy answers, the gathering created space for honest reflection on these questions and on both the opportunities and challenges facing Jesuit education today. Faith: making room for interiority and encounter The second day turned towards faith, inviting participants to look inward and reconnect with their own spiritual lives. In the demands of school leadership, time for silence, prayer and personal reflection can easily become secondary. Yet Ignatian spirituality reminds us that authentic leadership begins with the capacity to listen: to ourselves, to others and to God. Anne-Marie Turroques and Christine Jeay guided participants in exploring interiority and what it means to lead from a place of personal authenticity. Through guided reflection and group sharing, school leaders were invited to consider how greater awareness of their own inner lives can help them accompany others with greater attentiveness and compassion. Francisco Machado then led an Ignatian prayer workshop, offering participants opportunities to explore concrete ways of developing their personal relationship with God. The day offered a valuable reminder that faith is not simply part of a school leader's professional responsibility. It is also a personal journey that needs time, nourishment and care. The capacity to accompany others grows from the willingness to attend to one's own spiritual life. Community: listening, discerning and deciding together On the third day, the reflections on faith and mission came together in the theme of community. Personal faith and interior growth are not ends in themselves. They invite us to turn towards others, build relationships and contribute to communities shaped by the Gospel. For school leaders, this also raises a practical question: how can the ways we listen, communicate and make decisions reflect the values we seek to promote in our schools? Fr José Olea SJ introduced participants to spiritual conversation and communal discernment, two important practices in the Ignatian tradition. These approaches encourage people to listen deeply, share their experiences honestly, remain open to different perspectives and seek together where the Spirit may be leading a community. Participants then explored how these practices might be implemented in their own schools. Small-group conversations allowed them to reflect on real leadership challenges, learn from one another's experiences and consider how decision-making processes can become more participatory and discerning. The programme also included networking tables, offering further opportunities to exchange experiences and explore how to bring what we had learned back to our Provinces and schools. A communal Examen, led by Roberta Camilleri, offered a moment to look back on the day's experiences, recognise what had been meaningful and consider what might be carried forward. These moments of shared reflection highlighted an essential aspect of Ignatian leadership: community is not simply a structure within which a school operates. It is something leaders continually build through the way they listen, accompany others and make decisions together. Learning through encounter and shared experience Throughout the gathering, presentations and workshops were complemented by prayer, personal reflection, small-group conversations and informal encounters. This combination is central to JECSE's formation approach: creating space not only to learn new ideas, but also to experience the values and practices being discussed. The presence of colleagues from different countries and educational contexts offered participants the opportunity to discover both the richness of their diversity and the purpose they share. The challenges facing primary schools may take different forms across Europe and the Middle East, but the commitment to accompanying children and families, nurturing hope and living the Ignatian mission creates a strong foundation for mutual learning. Bringing the experience back to our schools The conference concluded with a pilgrimage in Rome, offering participants a final opportunity to reflect on their shared journey and reconnect with the spiritual roots of their educational mission. As the school leaders return to their communities, the invitation is to carry these reflections into everyday practice: to protect time for prayer and interiority, to create spaces where genuine listening can take place, and to involve colleagues more deeply in discerning the direction of their schools. “Sharing the Best We Have: Faith, Community, Mission” is more than a conference theme. It is an invitation to consider what we, as Jesuit school communities, are called to share with the children, families and educators entrusted to our care. Faith, community and mission cannot be separated. Our mission gives direction to our work; faith nourishes our personal commitment; and community enables us to live that commitment together. By listening to one another, learning from different experiences and making room for God's presence in our decisions, we can continue to build schools that are faithful to their identity, open to the world and deeply committed to the flourishing of every child. The journey begun in Jogjakarta continues — in our schools, in our relationships and across the JECSE network — as we seek to share the best we have in the service of young people and the common mission of Jesuit education.

The European Schools are a network of educational institutions established to provide multilingual and multicultural education, primarily for the children of staff working in the European institutions. Bringing together pupils from different nationalities, languages and cultural backgrounds, they seek to foster a shared European identity while respecting the diversity of their communities. The Society of Jesus has been involved in coordinating Catholic religious education in the European Schools since 1962, following a request from the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels. Today, this mission is carried out by the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) with the coordination of Ms. Annie Thumelaire. She accompanies and coordinates the teaching of Catholic religion across the schools. On 3 October 2026, students, parents, teachers and members of the educational communities of the Brussels European Schools gathered at the Chapel of Collège Saint-Michel for their annual opening Mass. Presided over by Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, the celebration brought together the community in a spirit of joy, simplicity and care for Creation. The following article was brought to us by Annie Thumelaire. A new school year marked by joy, simplicity and care for Creation Since 1962, at the request of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, the Society of Jesus has accompanied and coordinated Catholic religious education in the European Schools. Today, this mission is entrusted to the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and forms part of a long tradition of presence and service to young people. Through education and the transmission of faith, it allows us to contribute to the formation of young people who will be called upon to play a role in shaping Europe's future. It was in this spirit that, on Saturday, 3 October, students, parents, teachers and members of the educational communities of the Brussels European Schools gathered at the chapel of Collège Saint-Michel to celebrate the opening Mass for the new school year of Catholic religious education. It was a wonderful moment of encounter and communion, allowing everyone to begin the new academic year by placing at the heart of their mission what brings them together: faith, fraternity and the desire to grow together. This year, we were delighted to welcome His Excellency Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, who presided over the celebration. His presence among us was a precious sign of our communion with the Holy Father and the universal Church. Through his mission as the Pope's representative, Archbishop Auza made tangible the universal Church's closeness to the European Schools and to everyone working within them. He was joined by several Jesuit priests who concelebrated the Eucharist: Fr Gonzalo Villagrán, Socius to the President of the Conference of European Jesuit Provincials; Fr Bernd Günther, Director of the Chapel for Europe; Fr Franck Janin, Superior of the Saint-Michel Community; and Fr Tommy Scholtès, Rector of Saint John Berchmans Church, the magnificent church that welcomes us each year for our opening Mass. Learning from St Francis The celebration was held under the inspiration of St Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary of death is commemorated this year. In his homily, Archbishop Auza invited everyone to welcome the new school year with a simple and trusting heart, following the example of the "little ones" mentioned in the Gospel. He also recalled how St Francis teaches us to look upon Creation with wonder and to care for our "common home". Referring also to Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si', Archbishop Auza emphasised how the example of St Francis continues to challenge us: caring for Creation is inseparable from caring for the most vulnerable, seeking peace and recognising our responsibility towards one another. Beginning the school year with the Eucharist, he reminded us, means turning towards the One who accompanies us and gives us true joy. This joy does not depend solely on our successes, results or achievements, but springs from our relationship with the Lord. It was a particularly beautiful way to begin the new school year: learning to give thanks, welcome joy and recognise the gifts entrusted to us. When a young voice becomes a prayer: a moving testimony of trust One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was undoubtedly the performance of the song "Oceans" by a young S7 student. Before singing, she explained that she wanted to offer the song as an expression of gratitude to God for the way He had accompanied and supported her through some particularly painful experiences she had recently faced. In the silence of the chapel, her voice became a genuine prayer. It was a simple yet deeply moving testimony of trust and hope, touching everyone in a very personal way. Through her voice, an entire generation of young people was also able to express its trust, vulnerabilities and hopes. Students' prayers come to life The chapel itself reflected the students' active participation. It had been decorated with drawings, crafts and creative works made by the young people during their religious education classes, inspired by their prayers and personal intentions. Displayed throughout the celebration space, these creations gave a visible presence to the students' voices and reminded everyone that this Mass was truly their celebration: that of an entire community coming together at the beginning of a new school year. A celebration reflecting the diversity of Europe The diversity of the European Schools was expressed throughout the celebration through the different languages, readings, songs and active participation of the students. This multilingual and intercultural dimension gave the Eucharist a very special character. It reminded us that our differences are not an obstacle to unity; on the contrary, they can become a source of richness when embraced through a shared desire for encounter and communion. A community united in joy A special activity was organised for the youngest children, allowing them to experience this celebration centred on St Francis and Creation in an age-appropriate way. After the Mass, parents, students, teachers and friends gathered for refreshments and fellowship. It was a simple and welcoming opportunity to extend the joy of the celebration and begin the new school year together. May this school year be marked by joy, simplicity and care for Creation. And may we, following the example of St Francis, learn ever more deeply to give thanks for the wonders around us and to care for one another.

At the beginning of the school year, around 350 students and animators from Colégio das Caldinhas and Colégio São João de Brito came together for a three-day pilgrimage from São Pedro de Moel to the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré in Portugal. More than a physical journey, the experience offered an opportunity for prayer, reflection, fellowship and spiritual growth, as participants discovered the value of walking together and supporting one another along the way. Colégio das Caldinhas and Colégio São João de Brito are part of the Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE), the network connecting Jesuit schools across Europe. JECSE is one of the apostolic works of JCEP. In this article, Liara Gomes, an 11th-grade student at Colégio das Caldinhas, shares her personal reflections on the pilgrimage and the moments that made it a meaningful journey of faith and community. At the start of this school year, from October 2 to 4, approximately 350 high school students and animators from Colégio das Caldinhas and Colégio São João de Brito accepted the challenge to set out and walk together toward the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré. For three days, we walked the route from São Pedro de Moel to the Shrine, on a pilgrimage that was much more than just a hike! It was an invitation to step outside our comfort zone, to leave behind some of our certainties, and to seek a deeper meaning in what we experience. The pilgrimage guide asked us to look inward, to understand what drives us, what holds us back, and what so often robs us of our peace. It all began by the sea, where students from the two schools met. We celebrated Mass and had lunch in small groups, and it was there that the first bonds began to form between people who, until then, might not even have known each other. It was also on that day that we prayed the Rosary for the first time. Amid prayer, conversation, and fellowship, we began to realize that this journey would be made as much with our feet as with our hearts. The second day was probably the hardest. The trails were more challenging, and there were moments when our bodies truly felt the weight of the kilometers. But it was precisely in the midst of that exhaustion that some of the most beautiful moments took place. At the end of the day, we stopped by the sea to pray as the sun set. The sky was changing colors, and a special silence fell—the kind where you don’t need to say a word to feel that you’re not alone. In that moment, the beauty of nature became an invitation to contemplate and recognize God’s presence along the way, even when the journey is difficult. During one of the prayers that day, we heard “Fragilidade,” a song by Fr. Duarte Rosado, S.J., with profound and very beautiful lyrics. After such a demanding day, the idea of acknowledging our frailties—rather than hiding them—took on a very special meaning for all of us: “Não queiras a perfeição / Escolhe antes a bondade” [“Do not seek perfection / Choose kindness instead.”] After the prayer, we still had a ways to go to the sports hall where we would spend the night. It was there, upon arriving at the sports hall, that we experienced one of the most symbolic moments of the entire pilgrimage: we washed one another’s feet. The gesture recalled Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and taught, in all its simplicity, the value of caring for others. Allowing someone to wash our feet—and doing the same for another person—was almost like a way of saying, “I’m here to care for you, and I accept that you care for me.” The day ended with another Mass, in an atmosphere marked by fatigue, but also by the feeling that, despite the difficulties, we were growing ever closer together. On the last day, we were invited to experience part of the journey in a different way. For a while, we walked alone, in silence, with space to pray and contemplate nature. After two days spent constantly in the company of fellow pilgrims, group leaders, and Jesuits, that silence gave us the opportunity to look inward and reflect on what each of us was carrying within. That day’s route was also long and demanding. We crossed through wooded areas and once again faced moments of great difficulty—which for many may have been the hardest part of the pilgrimage—and perhaps for that very reason, finally arriving at the Shrine held such special meaning. We prayed the Rosary one last time, in small groups, and when we finally caught sight of the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazaré, our weariness gave way to joy. We had arrived! On the steps of the Shrine, we sang and prayed together, entrusting the journey we had made to Our Lady! Later, we celebrated Mass at the Shrine—which was also open to anyone who wished to join us—and this brought our journey to a close. We believe it wasn’t just the kilometers that brought us closer to our destination—it was also the conversations, the silences, the shared fatigue, and all the little ways we helped one another along the way. We realized that going on a pilgrimage is much more than just reaching a destination. It is about acknowledging our weaknesses, learning to trust others, and discovering that the journey becomes easier when undertaken in community and unity. This pilgrimage strengthened our faith and helped us understand that walking together can profoundly change the way we view ourselves, others, and God. Liara Gomes, 11th-grade student of Colégio das Caldinhas

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. The presence of the Near East Province of the Society of Jesus in the JCEP opens the Conference to these fascinating pastoral, social and interreligious realities, and enriches it enormously. 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

The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) is pleased to share the news of the appointment of three theologians from JCEP theological institutions to the Holy See International Theological Comission: Michel Fédou SJ, French Jesuit and professor in Facultées Loyola Paris; Prof. Berhard Knorn SJ, German Jesuit professor at Sankt Georgen Graduate School for Philosophy and Theology (Frankfurt), and Fr. Ángel Cordovilla, Priest of the Diocese of Salamanca (Spain) and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Comillas Pontifical University (Madrid) to the Vatican's International Theological Commission (ITC). On 19 October 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed them for a five-year term, recognising their longstanding contribution to theology in the Catholic Church. The International Theological Commission brings together theologians from different countries and theological traditions to study major doctrinal questions and advise the Holy See, particularly the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. With them there will be another Jesuit in the ITC: Paul Béré SJ, Jesuit biblist from Burkina Faso teaching currently at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. This appointment is also an opportunity to recognise the important contribution of Jesuit theologians and Jesuit theological institutions to the intellectual and theological life of the Church. This contribution is a constant one, in this sense, Among the members of the ITC for the last 5 years there were also other three Jesuits from institutions in the JCEP.  Michel Fédou         Berhard Knorn         Ángel Cordovilla      

Founded two years ago, the Institute has recently launched its own website, providing information about its research, academic activities and upcoming initiatives. In this article, we take a closer look at its growing work, including its international conferences and the upcoming fifth edition of the “Philosophy of Religion in the East and West” conference, which will take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in May 2027. Kyrgyzstan is part of the Province of Northern Poland (PMA), one of the 16 provinces and region which constitute the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP). Among the Jesuit initiatives in the region, the Central Asia Research Institute “Faith and Reason” has been working to promote Christian scholarship, encourage academic dialogue and strengthen the intellectual engagement of Catholics in Central Asia. The Central Asia Research Institute “Faith and Reason”, founded two years ago, has started a website – cari.education. The Institute’s efforts to popularize Christian scholarship and its academic initiatives continue to grow. Only this year, the Institute co-organized an international conference in Rome dedicated to issues of ontologism and sophology in Italian and Russian religious thought; its representatives participated in an international conference in Almaty (Kazakhstan). Meanwhile, during the summer, the 6th edition of the Summer Theological School was held, offering a three-year intellectual formation program for Catholics from Central Asia countries. Registration has also opened for a major academic initiative planned for next year. In May 2027, the 5th conference in the series “Philosophy of Religion in the East and West” will take place in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). This small anniversary will be an opportunity to return to the place where the conference was conceived and where its first edition took place. It was in 2022 that Sister Professor Teresa Obolevitch, together with Father Remigiusz Kalski, S.J., and Father Rafał Bulowski, S.J., proposed the creation of a new space for the exchange of ideas. From the very beginning, the initiative has brought together scholars of the philosophy of religion from many countries in Europe, Asia, and Australia. In subsequent years, the conference was hosted twice by the Orthodox Church in Almaty (Kazakhstan) (2024, 2026) and in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) (2025). After five years, the conference will come full circle, and once again the main organizers will be Catholics in Kyrgyzstan – more specifically, the Jesuit Central Asia Research Institute “Faith and Reason”. We invite anyone interested in participating in the conference to visit the Institute’s website, where you can find the necessary information (available in English and Russian). The deadline for submitting abstracts is December 31

The third edition of the Canisius Formation took place in Loyola from 19 to 23 October. As the Kircher Network’s flagship course on Identity and Mission, the programme offers participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Jesuit identity and the mission of higher education. The Kircher Network is the regional network of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), bringing together Jesuit universities and higher education institutions across Europe and Lebanon. As a network operating under the auspices of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), it plays an important role in strengthening cooperation among Jesuit higher education institutions and connecting their work with the broader apostolic priorities of the Society of Jesus in Europe. The following article was taken from the website of the Kircher Network. The Kircher Network recently concluded the third edition of the Canisius Formation, its flagship course on Identity and Mission designed for faculty, researchers, and university leaders across Europe and the Near East. With 16 participants taking part in this third edition, the program has now reached a milestone of approximately 50 professors, researchers, and academic directors formed through this initiative. Advancing Strategic Goals & Promoting Solidarity The Canisius Formation aligns directly with Priority 3 of the Kircher Network Strategic Plan: “Facilitating training initiatives and exchange of best practices and know-how to strengthen the hallmarks of Jesuit higher education.” By fostering shared reflection, deep discernment, and collaborative learning, the program plays a key role in promoting a vibrant culture of solidarity across our member institutions. Speakers & Organizing Committee The program benefited from the leadership and coordination of its Organizing Committee: Susana Di Trolio (Executive Director of the Kircher Network), Gonzalo Villagrán SJ, Pep Maria SJ, and Lidia Fioravanti. Together with the organizing team, key experts and spiritual guides led dynamic sessions on Ignatian spirituality, institutional leadership, and discernment: Fr. José García de Castro, SJ (Universidad Pontificia Comillas) guided participants through Ignatian spirituality and self-knowledge as foundational tools for personal and academic leadership. Elisa Pérez Avellán, alongside the key speakers and facilitators, contributed to the academic and spiritual formation modules of the program. Fr. Fernando Ponce León, SJ (PUCE / President of AUSJAL) shared insights on global Jesuit higher education and leadership in complex contexts. Fr. Tiziano Ferraroni, SJ (Pontifical Gregorian University) reflected on Ignatius of Loyola’s role as General in Rome, extracting institutional lessons for contemporary university management. Fr. David McCallum, SJ (Discerning Leadership Program), together with Prof. Ramón García and Prof. Esteban Mogas (ESADE Business School), facilitated modules on Ignatian leadership and communal discernment. Institutional Collaboration & Visit to Deusto A highlight of this third edition was a visit to the University of Deusto (Bilbao, Spain), providing participants with first-hand experience of Ignatian leadership in practice within a historic Jesuit university campus. This edition brought together representatives from 12 member institutions: Université de Namur (Belgium) Ignatianum University in Krakow (Poland) Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Spain) Universidad Loyola (Spain) Saint Joseph University of Beirut (Lebanon) Pontifical Gregorian University (Italy) The Newman Institute (Sweden) Saint Louis University Madrid (Spain) Faculty of Theology of the Catholic University of Portugal – Braga (Portugal) National College of Ireland (Ireland) Facultés Loyola Paris (France) Collegium Bobolanum (Poland) Through continued reflection and networking, the Canisius Formation continues to build a strong community of educators committed to shaping compassionate, competent, and socially responsible leaders for today’s world.

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.

The Jesuit presence in Türkiye falls under the responsibility of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), which accompanies and supports the Society of Jesus' presence in the country. The Jesuits have a community in Ankara, where they engage in pastoral work and collaborate closely with the local Church, contributing to its life and mission. From 1 to 4 October 2026, the Jesuit community in Türkiye had the honour of welcoming Fr Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, and members of his team. The visit coincided with the conclusion of the celebrations marking 25 years of Jesuit presence in Ankara and provided an opportunity to reflect on the community's history, strengthen relationships with the local Church and look towards the future of its mission. The following article shares highlights from this meaningful visit. From Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October, the Jesuits in Türkiye had the joy of welcoming Fr. Arturo Sosa and his team, comprising Frs. Victor Assouad, Cipriano Diaz Marcos, Ricardo da Silva, Dalibor Renic and Marek Cieslik. This is the third time we have welcomed with gratitude a Superior General in this way since the foundation of our community in Ankara on 1 October 2000, following visits by Fr. Kolvenbach in 2006 and Fr. Nicolas in 2011. Fr. General and his team spent the first two days of their visit in the south of the country, where they were welcomed by our brother bishop, Antuan Ilgıt. On arriving in Adana, they were then able to walk in the footsteps of Saint Paul in Tarsus, before continuing on to Iskenderun, where Antuan resides without his cathedral, as it collapsed during the earthquake that struck the region in February 2023. The following day, they travelled to Antioch, a city which had been completely devastated by that event, where they witnessed life gradually returning to the area, before flying to Ankara that evening. In October 2026, the Jesuit community concluded the celebrations marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of its presence in the capital of the Republic of Turkey (and the Society’s third presence in ‘Asia Minor’ over the past few centuries), providing an opportunity to take stock and look ahead to the future. On Saturday morning, we gratefully reviewed our history with the Generalate team and reflected on the various milestones that have marked our presence in Turkey over the last quarter of a century, before considering the most recent of these and the promises it holds, following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. A visit to the Apostolic Nuncio, Mons. Marek Solczynski, enabled us to broaden our perspective on the Church in Turkey, whilst the festive lunch gave the Generalate team the chance to discover the country’s culinary culture with enthusiasm. In the afternoon, after some time spent reflecting further on what had been discussed that morning, we spoke with a number of friends and collaborators who shared their perspectives on our work and that of the local Church, before celebrating a Mass of thanksgiving together to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of our presence in Ankara, on the feast day of Saint Francis Borgia. Sunday was devoted to the feast day of the parish entrusted to the Society in Ankara and dedicated to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Following a meeting with our bishop, Mons. Massimiliano Palinuro, the Generalate team met with a group of young Turks who shared with them what had led them to seek baptism. The celebration of the feast of Saint Thérèse with the bishop and the entire local Turkish-speaking Christian community late in the morning allowed the Generalate team to appreciate the wonderful vitality that animates it and which was overflowing everywhere, far beyond the walls of our chapel! The reception that followed gave everyone the opportunity to meet Fr. General and chat with him in a relaxed atmosphere. At the end of this visit, the Jesuit community felt confirmed in its presence in Turkey and is beginning a new pastoral year with a renewed fire.

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 Extended Council, which gathers three times per year, includes among its members the presidents of the Conferences of Provincials. 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.

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