From 21 to 23 May, editors and collaborators from several Jesuit cultural journals across Europe gathered in Lisbon. The participants represented La Civiltà Cattolica, Études, Stimmen der Zeit, Signum, A Szív, Obnovljeni Život, and Brotéria. Hosted by Brotéria, the meeting provided an opportunity for shared reflection on the mission of Jesuit cultural journals today and their role in fostering a more mature, free and responsible public imagination.

The programme combined presentations and discussions on the editorial work of each journal with conversations about the present and future of Europe. Participants also visited Jesuit historical sites in Lisbon, celebrated the liturgy together, and enjoyed numerous opportunities for informal conversation and fellowship.

The gathering also featured the participation of Jesuit Fr François Euvé, who delivered this month's Eutopos lecture on the role of cultural journals in today's world. Portugal's Secretary of State for European Affairs, Inês Domingos, joined the group for a discussion on the contemporary challenges facing Europe. In the days preceding the meeting, Fr Nuno Gonçalves also offered an Aula da Esfera course exploring the relationship between Portugal and the Holy See.

More than simply a series of meetings, these days became a genuine space for encounter, intellectual friendship and shared discernment among people who, despite working in very different contexts, share the same commitment to culture, public life and the mission of the Society of Jesus in today's world.

The exchange of knowledge between society and experts throughout the world is nowadays visible in the incisive reflections of numerous Jesuit reviews. Their mission is to reflect, share knowledge and offer new insights on cultural, social, political and religious/spiritual issues. In the face of a crisis of European values, culture and beliefs, this network offers a possible way forward through its intellectual work; the promotion of synergies between the different reviews; and its commitment to answer the Church’s call more profoundly and effectively.