European Treasurers Meeting in Krakow.

While it is true that the Society of Jesus in Europe is aging and that vocations are scarce, this does not stop the treasurers of each province from doing their best to care for our elderly. The situation is different in every area of Europe and the Middle East: some countries such as Spain have numerous infirmaries and more than 400 Jesuits of the 950 members of the province are over 80 years of age; in others like Lithuania there are some rooms reserved for the elderly since only 5 of the 34 Jesuits of the province are over 80 years of age.

These discussions were the main focus of the second meeting of treasurers of the European Conference of Provincials in Krakow. The approach wanted to be as holistic as possible including aspects of quality of life, pensions, living environment and religious, among others. The Jesuits have funds for the care of the elderly and health, but we need to encourage the development of campaigns of donation, fundraising and help to care for our sick and elderly. Before the meeting, Fr. Jaime Badiola, Spanish treasurer in the Steering Committee, prepared a useful actual analysis of the situation in each province and in the whole Conference.

The speakers who participated live or by videoconference gave many keys to address the challenges we have in the provinces and regions of the JCEP:  Ms Beata Leszczyńska, director in Orpea Poland, explained the topic: How to manage health care business. Br. Luckas Dmowski Provincial Saint John of God Brothers, together with Dr. Alfonso Cruz, from Spain and Fr. Clement Nguyen SJ, from France, both specialists in health care, participated in a panel about How to take care of our elderly, sharing important criteria and ideas for a adequate care of the elderly (regarding to personal care, design of spaces, management, residence size, etc. and also physical, psychological and spiritual aspects).

With the study of the situation in each province the treasurers declared their desire to continue with an actual analysis that would best help each of our units. Thanks to the presence of the General Treasurer of the Society, Fr. Thomas McClain, and his team, Fr. Antonio Delfao and Fr. Michel N'Tangu, the meeting was in contact with the world Society and the central directives from Rome. At the closing Mass the President of the Conference, Fr Franck Janin, stressed the importance of solidarity between the provinces in the light of the new Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus 

The participants in the meeting stayed at the Ignatianum College and the Writers House. The logistics prepared and the welcoming given by the Southern Polish Province was outstanding. We have to thank both communities and to make a special mention to the Provincial, Fr. Jakub Kolacz, and to the treasurer, Fr. Artur Demkowicz, for the care of the group and the reception at the curia in Krakow.

Finally, to deepen the experience the treasurers they also visited the Wieliczka salt mines. Fantastic.