From 5 to 8 May this year, a meeting of Jesuits working in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Northern Asia took place in the Falenica district of Warsaw. After several years without such a gathering, Jesuits—normally dispersed across the vast territories of the former Soviet Union—were finally able to come together for days of shared prayer, reflection, and fraternity.

The meeting offered a renewed experience of community. While community life can sometimes be demanding in religious life, it is also a source of strength and consolation. This long-awaited encounter reminded participants that brother Jesuits can become a true place of refuge—offering rest, renewal, and spiritual deepening.

At the heart of the gathering was a profound interior experience: daily Eucharist, Eucharistic adoration, and moments of spiritual sharing. Despite the cultural and ministerial diversity of the participants, this did not hinder closeness or attentive listening; on the contrary, it enriched the depth of mutual encounter.

Alongside the spiritual dimension, there was also time for sharing on current apostolic work and the concrete challenges faced by Jesuit communities, the local Churches, and the societies in which they are present. The positive atmosphere fostered openness and creativity, allowing space for new apostolic ideas and possible future initiatives to emerge.

This discernment was enriched by the presence of Stephan Lipke and Anthony Corcoran, whose experience helped illuminate both the realities and the hopes of the region.

The Jesuit mission in this vast area continues to serve the faith of local Catholics and all people of goodwill. The Society of Jesus is currently active—always in close collaboration with the local Churches—across a wide geographical space, from Belarus and the European part of Russia to Siberia and Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan. Although the Jesuits withdrew from permanent presence in Kazakhstan some years ago, they continue to serve periodically in Armenia.

In this immense region, marked by cultural, religious, and social diversity, the Gospel is proclaimed in a characteristically Jesuit way. The companions of Jesus are engaged in a wide variety of apostolic works: running institutes and academic centres, forming seminarians and lay leaders, managing schools and educational initiatives, publishing books, supporting diocesan administrations, promoting scientific outreach such as astronomy, and contributing to cultural projects.

They also serve the most vulnerable: the poor, persons with disabilities and their families, orphans, the elderly, and those who are abandoned. Parish and family ministry likewise remain important dimensions of their mission. As in all places where the Society of Jesus is present, a particularly valuable contribution is the sharing of Ignatian spirituality, especially through the ministry of the Spiritual Exercises and silent retreats.

More information about the Jesuits working in this part of the world can be found at: https://jesuit.ru/

Rafał Bulowski SJ