Formation delegates met in Soutelo, near Braga, from 20 to 24 November. The reason for going to Portugal was to see the unique way in which the Portuguese Jesuits combine youth work, vocation promotion and formation. Attending the Tuesday Eucharist at the youth centre in Porto, where Mark Ravizza spoke to the young people, and visiting the juniorate in Braga, brought uplifting and memorable conversations and gave an insight into the vibrant youth work of the Portuguese Jesuits.

The theme of the meeting was fragility and vulnerability. Alzira Fernandez, a “spiritual mother” in a seminary and also a good friend of the Society, helped us to reflect on how our contemporary culture has created the phenomenon of “kidults” who avoid commitment, the responsibilities of fatherhood and standing on their own two feet. Tiziano Ferraroni SJ, who has recently written a thesis on the subject, gave a fascinating analysis of how Ignatian spirituality puts us in touch with our fundamental vulnerability, which means openness to others, made possible by the deeper “vulnerability” in our relationship with God. It was easy to relate the theme to the DSS, of which Mark Ravizza gave an insightful reading key. The more we can return to the basics of our Jesuit life, to “normal” Jesuit life, the more we can help the young people who are joining us today.