Seven years is a long time in the life of a network. The last meeting of people working in development at the level of the provinces had been in 2018, in Drongen. During the pandemic and after, there were some online gatherings. Meanwhile, there were a lot of changes in personnel and a good number of new offices are now starting. Time was ripe to re-launch the network.

The need to meet was strongly felt. 12 out of 16 provinces were represented, and only one active development office could not be with us in London, for the 3-day meeting, from March 27th to the 1st of March. In two cases, the Treasurer of the province accompanied the Development Officer. The General Treasurer addressed the group online and the Assistant General Treasurer, Jean-Baptiste Ganza, was there in person, as well as the President and the Socius of the Conference.

The main goal was to let people know each other, create a sense of community and open ways for future mutual support and collaboration. Most of the time was dedicated to presentations of each one of the offices and its perspectives in the frame of a SWOT analysis. The history of these meetings in the Conference and the letters of Fr. Generals on the topic were also introduced.

The atmosphere of the meeting was cheerful and optimistic. Commitment and enthusiasm with this particular mission was shared by all, in spite of the challenges of exploring something new in many parts and in contexts not always favourable. It was a consoling and encouraging experience of interprovincial collaboration, confirming the importance of the Conference level networks.

A Steering Committee of 3 persons was created, and a date set for the next annual in person meeting, at the end of February 2026, in Madrid. Furthermore, the group decided to try a one-hour online meeting every two months.

A final word of gratitude to John Green of the British Province Development Office and Keith McMillan, the Provincial Treasurer, for hosting the meeting and for guiding us in interesting outings in London.

Herminio Rico sj
JCEP Socius/Treasurer