The Jesuit European Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE), the network that brings together Jesuit and companion schools across Europe to promote collaboration, formation and the shared mission of Ignatian education, gathered its executive team on June 16-19 in Brussels for an in-person meeting. As the members of the team work remotely from different parts of Europe, the gathering provided a valuable opportunity to meet face-to-face, strengthen relationships and reflect together on the future of the network.

Alongside discussions on strategic priorities, upcoming programmes and the future development of the network, the gathering offered an opportunity to deepen connections across the wider Jesuit family. The team met with Dalibor Renić SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and JECSE, to exchange perspectives on Jesuit education and the Society of Jesus' mission in Europe.

The team also visited the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC), and the Chapel for Europe learning more about their work and exploring opportunities for greater collaboration. The encounters highlighted how different Jesuit apostolic works—education, social justice, advocacy and accompaniment—are interconnected in responding to the challenges facing Europe today.

The gathering also provided time to strengthen community through shared meals and informal conversations, recognising that personal relationships are at the heart of effective collaboration.