A Journey of Faith, Solidarity, and Dialogue

Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, concluded a five-day pastoral visit to the Hungarian Province of the Society of Jesus, a journey marked by deep engagement with local Jesuit communities, educators, refugees, and marginalized populations. The visit, which ran from May 25 to May 30, offered encouragement and insight as Jesuits in Hungary continue their mission in education, social justice, and intercultural dialogue.

The visit began with Father Sosa meeting Jesuit priests, brothers, and lay collaborators across Hungary. In these intimate gatherings, he reflected on the interior peace that confirms one’s vocational choice. "It is God who confirms our vocation with His peace," he said, underscoring the importance of community life and personal discernment in sustaining long-term missions.

In Budapest, Father General visited the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Hungary, where he met with Ukrainian refugees and those who accompany them. He commended the Jesuits' “ministry of presence,” emphasizing that being alongside those who suffer is a vital aspect of Jesuit identity. “Presence is not passive. It is a powerful form of solidarity and action,” he remarked.

A Visit to the Roma Mission

Continuing his journey, Father Sosa traveled to Arló, a village with a large Roma population where Jesuits have been active for the past five years. He witnessed firsthand the community-building and educational efforts taking place there. “From poverty to possibility,” he said, describing the mission’s role in opening doors for marginalized children and families.

Father General also visited the Jesuit high school in Miskolc, where he addressed students and educators. Praising their commitment to integral education, he reminded them of the Jesuit tradition of forming "not only the intellect but also the heart." He encouraged teachers to continue nurturing environments where academic excellence and spiritual growth go hand in hand.

The final leg of his visit brought Father Sosa to Transylvania, where he met with young students. In a stirring message, he called on them to be “witnesses of Christ” in a complex world. “You are not only the future—you are already transforming the present,” he said, urging them to carry forward the values of justice, faith, and compassion.

Father General’s visit to Hungary was a powerful affirmation of the Society of Jesus’ commitment to walking with the excluded, promoting a faith that does justice, and building bridges across cultures and generations. For Hungarian Jesuits and those they serve, it was a reminder that their quiet, consistent work in the peripheries is deeply connected to the heart of the global Jesuit mission.