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s2smodern

It has been the practice for over 20 years or so for the Provincial Delegates for Education to come together for an annual gathering (Nov 29 – Dec 2nd) the purpose of which is to renew friendships, share good practice and to reflect on the latest developments in Jesuit education.  This year the event was graciously hosted by the Spanish Province and the setting for our meeting was the palatial building of Maldonado, Madrid. In all there were 21 delegates in attendance and we also had the pleasure of welcoming the International Delegate, Fr Jose Mesa, and the newly appointed president of the CEP Fr Franck Janin, who also happens to be president of JECSE.

The focus of our meeting was really threefold:

Firstly, we reflected on the theme of Ecology and Social justice, a priority identified in both GC 35 and GC 36 and picked up again at the international conference in Rio.  To assist us in our deliberations Patxi Alvarez gave a wonderful overview of Church teaching on this theme and took us through the main insights of Laudate Si. A second presentation from Kris Vecik focused on how schools can engage in practical ways with this new awareness. 

The second part of our meeting examined the Action Statement coming out of Rio. This statement is a series of 13 commitments made by all the regions and provinces in the world and effectively identifies a global plan of action for Education Delegates worldwide.  The meeting reflected on these statements and the kind of supports that would be needed in Europe through JECSE and more broadly through ICAJE to help us achieve them. 

The third and final part of the business concentrated on the process for appointing the new Director of JECSE. Fr General’s address in Rio and the Action Statement issuing from the congress gave a very clear context for the work of JECSE into the future. There was a clear sense of optimism about what lies ahead as well as a sober realism about the challenges that will have to be faced into.  

Of course, a meeting such as this is always complemented by a visit to a number of schools and to places of cultural and historical interest, the highlight of which was our visit to the Prado Museum. The delegates from Spain were wonderful hosts and all in JECSE owe them a sincere debt of gratitude.

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s2smodern