Between 26 and 31 August a meeting of 15 young Jesuits, who are in their first years of ministry before their final profession, was held in Trieste.  The aim of the meeting was to learn about the Society’s activities and the artistic beauty of Friuli and in particular to share the spiritual and apostolic experiences of the various communities of the Province during the lockdown period and especially of the pandemic.

Difficulties and hope during the Covid period

A strong motivation for pastoral activity surfaced during this meeting but owing to the limitations posed by the pandemic it was exceedingly difficult to find ways and means to perform this activity.  A sense of powerlessness was felt when faced with the difficulties of the brethren, and the distance from loved ones who were suffering and living in solitude.

However, surprisingly enough hope and their reflections on the apostolate, community and prayer also emerged: it was certainly an opportune time to come in contact with one’s weaknesses but also with the potential of a shared community life. During these weeks one prayed more intensely for the brethren and faith was questioned more deeply so that based on the examples and words of Pope Francis, one could find adequate words that inspire faith to rely on in the face of these trials so great for all humanity. Finally, there were days when we reflected on the potential created by new technologies and on the even greater need to be an "outgoing Church and Society", to meet and find the faithful in the circumstances of their life, in their homes, encountering their trials and their dreams especially with the help of the internet and social media.

Future challenges

All this led to questioning oneself and the communities on what it means to “be faithful to the mission” and on how our mission can be expressed even better in this particular present time and more generally, in the near future.

We did not only reflect on the present circumstances but as individuals and as an apostolic body we tried to respond to new demands through personal and community initiatives. Starting off again will therefore be a slow process requiring a lot of effort but during this meeting the desire to look at the challenges that face us with a heart of a "contemplative in action" surfaced, knowing that "everything will be fine".