A visit from the Father General to the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials' office and to the the Community of Saint Benedict is certainly a rare occurrence. However, the recent gathering was particularly historic, as it brought together not only the Father General but also two of his assistants and four provincials. This included the provincials of Slovakia, Portugal, and the Flemish-speaking region—who serve as consultors to the president of JCEP—as well as the provincial of the EOF Province, which was hosting Fr. General.
Father Arturo Sosa visited the offices of JCEP as a small "detour" from his visit to the EOF Province over France and Belgium. During his visit, he was briefly introduced to the Conference's works in Brussels, JRS-E, JESC, Chapel for Europe and the coordination of Catholic Religion classes in the European Schools. In the conversation that followed, he emphasized the importance of these efforts in promoting unity within the European Union, particularly at a time of increasing global and internal challenges.
Father General Arturo Sosa Visits the EOF Province: A Journey of Faith and Mission
France and Belgium, 15-22 September: Invited to give the inaugural lecture for the academic year at Loyola Faculties Paris, Father Arturo Sosa used this opportunity to explore various facets of the EOF Province. He visited institutions dedicated to faith, intellectual formation, education, youth outreach, social justice, and ecological transition. Throughout his journey, he met Jesuits and lay collaborators committed to carrying out the mission of the Society of Jesus in diverse contexts and among varied communities.
Father Sosa's eight-day visit took him across France and Belgium, from Paris and Saint-Denis to the Saclay plateau, Brussels, Lyon, and Paray-le-Monial. This journey allowed him to witness firsthand the apostolic works within the EOF Province, which are deeply rooted in both local realities and the global Jesuit mission.
Provincial Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein, SJ, expressed the importance of this visit, noting that while Jesuits and lay partners are deeply involved in local communities, the visit serves as a reminder of their belonging to the universal body of the Society of Jesus. "We are sent into the world following Christ, working together for the reconciliation of all things," he remarked, emphasizing the unity of the Jesuit mission across borders.
Among the highlights of the visit was Father Sosa’s lecture on September 16 at Loyola Faculties Paris, marking the institution’s 50th anniversary. His talk revisited the history and current challenges of the Faculties, which train Jesuits from around the world. This event underscored the international impact of the institution, extending well beyond the EOF Province. The lecture can be replayed on the Loyola Faculties Paris YouTube channel and KTO Television.
Another key moment was Father Sosa's visit to Paray-le-Monial on September 21, where he renewed the Society of Jesus' consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This act took place in a sanctuary that joined the Pope’s Global Prayer Network in December 2023, initiating the Sacred Heart Jubilee. Father Sosa's reflections on the Jesuits' spiritual heritage—knowing Christ deeply and being transformed by His love—reminded all present of the enduring mission of the Society of Jesus.
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