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s2smodern

Between September 5 and 7, about thirty Jesuits met at Quinta da Esperança—a multipurpose space of the Society of Jesus near Coimbra, primarily dedicated to youth pastoral work—for a conversation about the tensions evident in today’s culture related to the body, affectivity, and identity. Jesuits of different ages and at various stages of formation shared their main concerns and the paths of hope they envision, creating a confluence of perspectives and aspirations.

From early Saturday morning until the conclusion of the meeting on Sunday, the atmosphere was one of open and frank dialogue on a wide range of anthropological and ecclesiological issues: from the biblical foundations that reveal “who the human being is,” to the scope of redemption; from the experience of the sacraments, to the importance of ongoing study of the present moment.

Throughout the various interventions, confidence was repeatedly expressed in the goodness and richness of the Catholic proposal—one that must continually be presented as a path to a beautiful life, articulated clearly while embracing its complexity. Participants also emphasized the importance of nurturing this kind of dialogue throughout the year and the need to accompany those around us with care.

At the end of the three days, there was consensus on the desire to hold similar gatherings in the future, coupled with the conviction that many themes remain to be explored that could bring the Jesuits of the Portuguese Province together again.

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s2smodern