The Spring Assembly of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials took place in Rodizio, just outside Lisbon in Portugal, from 25th – 30th April. 

Only the second Assembly of the Conference to take place in person since the outbreak of Covid-19 in February 2020, the meeting brought together the sixteen major superiors of Europe and the Middle East along with their President, his Socius, and three General Assistants from the Jesuit Curia in Rome to discuss the work of the Conference and some of the challenges facing the Jesuit mission on the continent and in the world. 

The Assembly took place in the St Ignatius Retreat House which occupies a beautiful hillside spot and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the Provincials managed to slip down to the long sandy beach for a morning walk, though not for a swim. 

Ukraine

The tragic situation facing Ukraine was at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Delegates listened to those among them who had faced some of the direct consequences of the war, notably the fresh wave of refugees who had found hospitality in several neighbouring countries. Fr Alberto Ares SJ from JRS-Europe also presented the organisation’s response to the multi-faceted crisis which was unfolding in the east. 

Safeguarding

The superiors also found time to address the question of safeguarding, a priority for all the Provinces and Regions, the work of the Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE) and the European Leadership Programme being run from the Jesuit office in Brussels. There was also an extended discussion on zoom with the conference of African Provincials (JESAM). 

Meeting university students

The Portuguese Jesuits are known for their remarkable tradition of work with young people. After a visit to two important Jesuit sites in the centre of Lisbon, the delegates joined a large group of university students for Mass and an outdoor meal. “It is amazing to see so many young people praying together with such simplicity and joy,” commented one of the delegates. 

Prayer, mutual support and discernment

The final day of the Assembly was devoted to meetings in regional groupings. President of the Conference, Fr Franck Janin SJ, expressed his satisfaction with proceedings: “It is vital for the major superiors of the Society to gather every few months for prayer, mutual support and to discern what the Lord is asking of us in an increasingly complex and suffering world,” he said. “The Jesuits want to accompany young people and the marginalised as a way of responding to Pope Francis’ call to create a synodal Church.” 

Damian Howard S.J., Provincial BRI