On March 1, a memorial day was held at the Loyola Faculties in Paris to remember and acknowledge the suffering endured by those who were attacked by Jesuits in France and Belgium and to allow the Jesuit Province of French-speaking Western Europe to reiterate its shame and desolation, as well as its commitment to the service of truth and justice.

This day was initiated by Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ, Provincial, together with victims involved in processes launched with the Commission for Recognition and Reparation (CRR) in France since 2022 and with Dignity in Belgium since 2011.

“It was essential that this step of recognition and this joint approach take place. We’ve been receiving testimonies for about ten years, and it is important that we, victims and witnesses, as well as Jesuits, commemorate the attacks suffered—together.”
Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ

The day was designed for and with the victims of Jesuits: a group of about twelve people, victims and Jesuits, had been meeting since October 2024 to prepare this memorial, guided by two independent professionals in a co-construction process. Through these meetings, the memorial day took shape, centered on the voices of the victims and utilizing various forms of expression—particularly art—to try to express what is often beyond words.

All victims of Jesuit violence were invited. On March 1, around thirty victims attended, accompanied by about twenty relatives. The morning brought together 80 people: the victims, their relatives, and Jesuits in leadership positions. Victims who chose to do so shared their testimonies through texts, poems, drawings, photos—punctuated by musical interludes. It was a difficult time, because “speaking means reliving the attacks,” but necessary because, as Damien, a victim and member of the collective, reminded everyone: “We know that our words will free others to speak.”

A shared meal followed. In the afternoon, the gathering expanded to about 40 additional participants—superiors and members of Jesuit communities from France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, along with partners (CRR, CORREF, COREB, CEF, CEB).

A prayer service was held at the Church of Saint Ignace in Paris. Before the altar, the Gospel of Saint Matthew echoed: “Woe to him through whom scandal comes.” Throughout the day, art offered moments of respite and beauty. In the heart of the church, a dancer in white performed a choreography set to Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater.

Highlights:

• Sister Samuelle, mosaic artist and survivor of abuse by former Jesuit Marko Rupnik, presented her mosaic work made from slate, gold leaf, and small stones: “Mosaic lets us piece together what has been broken—not to restore it as it was, but to reorganize it, giving it a different life.”
• Victims shared powerful testimonies, lit by candlelight, describing the control, suffering, and perversity of their abusers—and the devastation wrought upon their lives.
• Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, wrote a letter read aloud, expressing “shame and confusion at what men of the Church, Jesuits or associated with our institutions, have done to innocent people,” and for those who failed to act at the time to prevent, punish, or support victims.
• A conversation followed with Christine Boucabeille (victim), Patrick C. Goujon SJ, and Guilhem Causse SJ, reflecting on the weight of silence. Goujon noted: “Silencing the cry is the worst suffering for the victim.”

In conclusion, Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ addressed the victims and their families:
“I present to you, trembling, a request for forgiveness. This request imposes no response. If the irreparable cannot be fully repaired, may these words—and the words and actions of today—help make your wounds bearable. The wounds do not fade, but I hope they heal.”

He emphasized the importance of prevention, stating:
“It’s not just ‘Blessed are those who mourn with,’ it’s also ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.’ In recent years, our prevention policy has evolved significantly to make Jesuit institutions as safe as possible. I know the work is not finished, but I am committed to continuing it—through awareness-raising, training for all involved, open reception of complaints and testimonies, and cooperation with judicial authorities.”