On September 22, 500 teachers, educators and members of the administrative staff of Jesuit schools in French-speaking Belgium met for a day in Liège. Why? To think about and experiment the Universal Apostolic Preferences which guide the mission of the Jesuits and their organisations in the world. 

“Apostolic Preferences are well known to Jesuits, but probably less so to our school staff. That is why we wanted to present them and to think together about how to implement them and how to bring them to life”, underlines Thomas Debrux, delegate of the Provincial for schools in French-speaking Belgium. 

Fr. François Boëdec, Provincial of French-speaking Western Europe (EOF), invited the participants to remember the beauty of their mission as educators. He presented the Universal Apostolic Preferences and what they mean for the schools: “Apostolic Preferences are a horizon for Jesuits all over the world and also for you, collaborators in mission. They can be experienced whether one is a believer or not. 

‘Accompanying young people in the creation of a hope-filled future’ is the third preference. It is about showing young people that tomorrow is worth living, even if it is not always easy. 

The world needs women and men who live their life as a mission.” 

The day ended with a video of Fr. Arturo Sosa sj, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who highlighted what unites Jesuit organisations present throughout the world: 

“As a global network of organisations in more than 70 countries, we can greatly contribute to the creation of a more fraternal and united world, where our students can truly become people for and with others and Creation. » 

Jésuites EOF