On July 16th, Hermínio Rico (POR) left Brussels, concluding his five-year mission as Socius and Treasurer of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP). He also served as Superior of the St. Bennedict Community. His role was taken over by Gonzalo Villágran (ESP) on July 9th. 

The Jesuits and lay collaborators of JCEP had the opportunity to bid farewell to Hermínio at JCEP's annual barbecue. We now pause to gratefully revisit his tenure.

The role of a socius of the Conference consists in serving as assistant, councilor and delegate of the president. This includes overseeing administrative operations, organizing General Assemblies, Councils and other Conference events, and developing an intense networking activity  supporting projects and groups common to the different provinces of the Conference.

Since taking up the role in 2020, Hermínio has accompanied the Conference through a range of significant moments: the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the grace-filled journey of the Ignatian Year, the leadership of two Conference Presidents, and the creation of new networks and initiatives. 

Throughout these years, he offered steady, insightful, and generous guidance. His support was especially clear in his accompaniment of networks such as Young Adult Ministry (YAM), Vocation Promoters, Jesuits in University Pastoral Care (JUPC), Jeswebcom, Development Officers, Treasurers, ILP (Ignatian Leadership Programme) and DICAP (Discernment in Common and Apostolic in Common). 

Hermínio’s actions have been marked by clarity, structure, and a deep attentiveness to both people and mission. He embodies a rare quality: the ability to think with vision while remaining firmly rooted in reality—a true contemplative in action.

The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials wishes him the best as he moves on to his new assignment at the Spirituality Centre in Soutelo, close to Braga, Portugal. God bless you Hermínio!