From 7 to 10 March, 19 Jesuits, all active in accompanying retreat courses, met at the Retreat House Hoheneichen to reflect on the retreat work of the Central European Province. Provincial Bürgler and the delegate for retreats, Fr Stefan Kiechle, welcomed those present. They all presented their work and the Order's retreat centres in detail. A confrere from Sweden was connected online. The participants then named the challenges facing the order, such as rising costs and thus the financial scarcity of the houses, the changing ecclesiastical landscape and the decreasing number of Jesuits who accompany retreats.

Among other things, the continuing and sometimes increasing number of participants in the courses, the deep spiritual paths that many people take in our retreat centres and the very good ecumenical cooperation were highlighted. In the two "future workshops" in Frankfurt and Innsbruck, many young adults go on retreats to discover their vocation and make plans for their future lives. In a kind of collegial consultation, the Jesuits present also exchanged views on best practice in retreat work and on current issues such as advertising, cooperation with others and the training of companions. The conference was very encouraging and groundbreaking for everyone. It will take place again after some time.

Stefan Kiechle SJ