The new year in Egypt began with two significant events, continuing a tradition observed annually at the start of January. We bring this article to you, as these celebrations reflect the global dimension of Jesuit mission and offer inspiration on how fostering spiritual bonds, family life, and ecclesial partnership can strengthen Jesuit communities across the continent.

The first celebration was the reception of the Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church, together with several Catholic bishops, at the Holy Family School in Fagala. The occasion coincided with the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, celebrated by the Society of Jesus and by the whole Church at the beginning of each year—a spiritual tradition long cherished by the Jesuits in Egypt.

The gathering opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac, Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church. In his homily, the Patriarch highlighted the deep spiritual bonds and strong ecclesial partnership between the Jesuits and the local Church. He expressed his appreciation and encouragement for the Jesuits’ mission, carried out through education in schools, preaching and formation in retreats and seminaries, and service to society through cultural, social, and development initiatives.

The second event was a gathering of Jesuit families in Egypt. On Friday, 16 January, a special family reunion brought together the families of Jesuits living in Egypt, as well as those residing abroad, alongside the Jesuit community. The meeting began with a Divine Liturgy, marked by prayer and thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year, presided over by Fr. Magid Radani, Master of the Novices. This was followed by a shared meal and a time of fraternal exchange, as participants shared stories and memories, renewing the sense of belonging to one family united in a common mission of service and generosity—the mission of Christ and of the Church.