Meeting in Dublin

JUPC (Jesuits in University and Pastoral Care) is one of the groups animated by the presidency of the Conference of Provincials of Europe. This group - just as the network vocation - meets every year with the aim of strengthening the relationship and collaboration in our common mission. From 7 to 10 November this meeting took place in Dublin with the generous help of the Province of Ireland.  The topic was" “How Pope Francis' 'revolution of tenderness' is changing the perception of the institutional Church and how this might impact on our ministry of university pastoral care”

40 people from all over Europe gathered. This year the participation was higher: both in number and in the provinces represented. 

The meeting had four distinct parts:

1. Formation-Inspiration. Jimmy Burns, the author of the book Pope of Good Promise, spoke about how the Pope may give us inspiration through his way of being as well as his past and present life.
2. It was a time for reflection and dialogue in and for our common task. In groups and in the assembly six important topics of our work were dealt with: leadership, contacting with youth, networking, core values of our mission, training of pastoral agents, and new frontiers.
3. There was a time of sharing and taking part in the culture of Ireland with visits to the James Joyce Center, Trinity College, a talk about the Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins and dinner with students of University College Dublin. The students gave us a demonstration of popular Irish music.
4. A space for organization and cooperation. The team of Magis 2016 Poland, shared their reflections and lessons learned from the experience. José de Pablo, as assistant of the President of the Conference of Provincials of Europe, brought us up to date on the steps and challenges of the Society’s mission in Europe looking forward to Synod 2018 “Youth, Faith and Vocational discernment”. Finally, there was some time to think about the way to continue next year. In this area, the steering committee was renewed with representatives of each assistance and the decision was made that next meeting will take place in Manresa (Spain) from 6 to 9 November.

The ministry with young adult university students is going through a time of transformation, although there is much to be done. Magis appears on the horizon as an agglutinating idea of many initiatives, which may include experiences such as those in Poland, or proposals for pastoral activities as well as collaboration with different provinces of Europe. We are living a renewal in this area, and fortunately, there is a greater presence of women. Finally, it is a stimulating apostolate that looks at the future with hope and joy.