The International Jungmann Society for Jesuits and Liturgy, a worldwide group of Jesuit liturgists, held its 9th biennial congress in Rome June 15-17. Twenty-three Jesuits from fourteen countries were able to attend in person as well as about fifteen virtually, in different parts of the world.

The theme of this congress was the connection between liturgy and the four universal apostolic preferences (UAP) of the Society of Jesus. In his address the Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal-named Roche invited us to take an active part in liturgical formation in the Church. John Baldovin (UEA), president of the Jungmann Society 2019-2022, took up the expression of the Vatican II: Liturgy as the “summit and the fount” of the Church's life to emphasize the connection there can be between liturgy and our community or institutional life. Thus, if the UAP are called to permeate our life-mission, the liturgy can become a place of source and recapitulation.

Important conferences were held during this congress: John Dardis (HIB) showing how the liturgy lived by Father General's Council had been a source for discerning the UAP; Cardinal Michael Czerny (CAN), prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development insisting that the liturgy helps us to move from the "I" to the "we" and for example a "we" with migrants and the excluded; Erik Oland (CAN), provincial, pointing out the parallels in attitudes between the liturgy and the Spiritual Exercises; Msgr. Kevin Irwin, of the Diocese of New York, seeking to develop a theology of the liturgy after Laudato Si'. The theme of journeying with youth could not be considered, but it should be done a future congress.

Pascual Cebollada (ESP), General Postulator and in charge of liturgical matters at the General Curia, also encouraged us to promote fruitful liturgies and good formation within the Society. Finally, Father General presided at the final Mass of the Congress: in his homily, he insisted, following the Holy Father, on the pre-eminence of community prayer and discernment to live the UAP well.

Jérôme Guingand SJ (EOF), president of the Jungmann Society 2022-2024