Again, the JCEP Assembly was held online, from the 19th to the 21st of April, with morning and afternoon two-hour sessions. Planning for the future was the big story line this time.

One third of the Assembly was dedicated to finalising the Conference Apostolic Plan. A process of discernment that started two years ago was concluded: nine calls, each one further concretised in specific objectives, set now the direction for the apostolic workat the Conference level in the next few years, pending the formal approval by Fr. General. Sandra Chaoul, from Lebanon, facilitated the whole two-year process with competence, patience, and grace. We are all grateful for her work.

The long-term future of our mission depends greatly on the young men joining the Society of Jesus now. A process of discernment regarding the Novitiates in the JCEP was launched, starting by looking to identify the fundamental criteria for a quality Novitiate,which may provide the best possible formation for the mission of the Society. Some statistical data and a short introduction by Mark Ravizza, the General Counsellor for Formation, initiated the reflection and conversation.

The structure of the future, already present, new Central European Province was introduced by its new provincial, Bernhard Bürgler in a way that raised a lot of curiosity.

Another big topic was Safeguarding. Saoirse Fox, Delegate for Safeguarding and Professional Standards of the Irish Province, presented the conclusions of her study of the situation of Conference in these matters, developed in the last months through interviews with those responsible in each province or region. Different possible ways forward were proposed, in terms of structures at the Conference level, with the goal of better helping each other in the promotion of a consistent culture of protection.

There was time to listen to Peter Rožič, JCEP Delegate for Social Apostolate, presenting the Congress on Justice that will take place in Loyola in March 2022; and to Krystian Sowa, Director of the Chapel for Europe (with Sabina González, fundraiser and communications manager), who presented this JCEP Work in Brussels. The presentation and approval of the Accounts 2020, issues related to the financing of the Networks of Jesuit Schools (JECSE and Educate Magis) completed the agenda.

Last but not least, a good time was devoted to spiritual conversation, which, together with the many opportunities to discuss the issues in small groups, continues to strengthen the sense of community and shared mission. That was manifest in the warm welcome to the new member of the Conference, Roberto Del Riccio, provincial of EUM, and, at the conclusion, the farewell to the four provincials who are soon finishing their mandates: Christian Rutishauser, Swiss Province, Tomasz Ortmann, North Poland, Vidmantas Šimkunas, Lithuania-Latvia and Jan Roser, German Province. Hopefully, these bonds will be reinforced next time with an Assembly where we can meet face to face, we pray for that.

Herminio Rico sj.
JCEP Socius