Across Europe, the formation of Jesuits remains a vital and demanding journey, shaping men who are called to serve in a wide range of ministries with depth, freedom, and discernment. Rooted in the dynamic integration of spiritual, intellectual, human, and apostolic dimensions, Jesuit formation seeks to form not specialists from the outset, but companions in mission—capable of responding generously to the complex realities of today’s world. In a context marked by cultural diversity, secularization, institutional mistrust, and new pastoral challenges, formation also becomes a privileged space to cultivate interculturality, accountability, and a renewed sense of belonging to a universal body. At the European level, this mission is carried forward by the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials, where collaboration across provinces enriches both the experience and vision of formation beyond the limited reality of each province, and helps Jesuits in formation to develop a more universal and European understanding of the Jesuit Charism. In this context, we spoke with János Lukács SJ, the JCEP Secretary for Formation.  In this interview, he reflects on his personal journey, the essential elements and challenges of Jesuit formation today, and the priorities shaping its future in Europe. His perspective highlights the delicate balance between structure and personal accompaniment, contemplation and action, as well as the opportunities and tensions of forming Jesuits within an increasingly intercultural and rapidly changing world. Ultimately, his insights point to a formation that is not only rigorous, but deeply human—rooted in authenticity, discernment, and hope. 1 JCEP – To begin, could you tell us a bit about your personal background? What experiences, encounters, or questions shaped your journey into the Society of Jesus? János Lukács SJ: Although I trained as an engineer in Budapest, a deep vocational crisis led me to volunteer in a L’Arche community in London. This experience had a profound impact on my sense of humanity and faith. My first contact with the Society of Jesus was attending Mass at the Jesuit church in Brixton, even though the idea of joining had not crossed my mind at that time. 2 – Formation is at the heart of Jesuit life. How do you understand Jesuit formation today, and how did your own experience of formation shape your vocation? Jesuit formation seeks to bring together the human, spiritual, intellectual, and apostolic dimensions of life, enabling Jesuits to avoid being strained and dispersed by competing demands and to embrace their vocation with coherence and generosity. I joined the Society in 1991, shortly after the collapse of communism and the reinstatement of Jesuit life in Hungary. We were fortunate to have a holy man as our novice master. Of a group of twelve novices, two of us remain in the Society to this day. Our formation focused on the fundamentals of spiritual and community life. My subsequent studies in Paris allowed me to experience the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral richness of Jesuit life. Later, a master’s programme in spirituality in Boston enabled me to reflect on formation more systematically. I was then preparing to become a novice master. 3 – Jesuit formation is often described as long, demanding, and deeply transformative. What are its essential elements, and what makes it distinctive in the Church today? Some praise Jesuit formation, while others say it is not sufficiently transformative. There is certainly room for improvement. The essential elements are the Spiritual Exercises, community life, mission experiences, and intellectual formation. What makes Jesuit formation distinctive is the constant interplay between contemplation and action, where each experience is discerned and deepened. 4 – How does formation prepare Jesuits to serve in different ministries—such as education, social justice, pastoral work, or intellectual life—rather than specializing too early? A broad exposure to different ministry experiments tends to prevail over early specialisation. Moving through varied cultural, ecclesial and social contexts helps one to develop a universal outlook and the capacity to serve where the need is greatest. However, there are trade-offs. The intellectual and educational ministries, in particular, require long-term commitment rather than colourful experiences. 5 – Formation is not only academic or practical, but also deeply human and spiritual. How do you ensure that these dimensions remain central in a structured and sometimes demanding formation process? Nothing can be “ensured”. A lot depends on the individual companion. But giving priority to spiritual direction, community life, and regular times of reflection amid academic and pastoral demands tends to help. Personal accompaniment is key in helping each Jesuit to integrate experiences at a deeper level. 6 – The Jesuit Conference of European Provincials brings together Jesuits from many countries and cultures. How does the Conference and European perspective on formation enrich it? What is the added value of such an international perspective on Jesuit formation? The variety of perspectives, cultures, and ecclesial experiences broadens understanding and nurtures a sense of belonging to a universal body. At the same time, challenges such as alienation, loneliness, and the tendency to choose online relationships over genuine community life can increase. But it remains fascinating to discover that there is a French, a British, a Spanish, Polish or Italian way of seeing the world and interpreting our spirituality. 7 - The different crises related to the abuses in the Church generates mistrust and distance with the institution, how to treat these issues constructively in Jesuit formation? The PCCP office at the General Curia takes a science-based approach. Safeguarding programmes introduced a long time ago can now be evaluated in terms of their actual impact. In religious communities, the most effective measures proved to be a healthy community life, trusting relationships and genuine accountability towards the superior. Therefore, creating a safe environment is not an additional obligation, but rather a natural expression of our identity. While explicit safeguarding programmes are important, simply increasing their number will not produce lasting results on its own. 8 – What are the main priorities currently shaping Jesuit formation in Europe? Are there new themes or concerns that are becoming more prominent? Interculturality, safeguarding, affective maturity, the capacity to accompany others in an increasingly complex world, discernment in common, and collaboration with lay partners have all become priorities. Enhancing our engagement with the Constitutions and other sources to deepen the appropriation of our charism and identity has also risen among the top priorities. In my view, addressing this latter challenge is unique in that it will provide us with the key to overcoming many current weaknesses in Jesuit formation. 9 – What gives you hope when you look to the future of Jesuit formation in Europe?  What gives me hope is the depth, generosity, and authenticity I see in many young Jesuits today. 10– Finally, what message would you like to share with young Jesuits in formation today—or with those who might be discerning a vocation? Stay close to Christ, demand exigent formation, and know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

From 16 to 21 November, formation delegates from Jesuit provinces across Europe gathered at the Jesuit school El Recuerdo in Madrid. The meeting began with a reflection by Sergio Gadea SJ on the spiritual landscape in Europe. Despite the decline in religious education, he noted a renewed search for authentic spiritual sources, and at times, a growing attraction to the Christian faith. (The release of the new album ‘Lux’ by the Spanish singer Rosalía just a few days earlier, and all the media frenzy that it stirred up, provided a rich cultural backdrop.) This set the stage for an exchange on developments across the provinces — what is working well in formation, where challenges remain and which new initiatives are proving fruitful. At the end of the day, Paco Pepe led the group in a reflective reading of that day's discussions to help us recognise how the Spirit seemed to be moving.One of the key topics discussed at the meeting was the ongoing work on the Guidelines for Formation in the European Formation Centres. Representatives from the centres in Krakow, Madrid, Paris, Rome and Warsaw participated in person or online, providing insights from the perspectives of faculty members and community life. The discussions focused particularly on ensuring an integral approach to formation that considers the spiritual, intellectual and communal dimensions together.Another significant part of the programme involved reviewing a draft document on Jesuit life in the digital world. Lively small-group conversations generated concrete suggestions for revising and strengthening the text.Outside of the working sessions, the group visited the Piquer formation community in Madrid, where they met scholastics who shared their formation and academic experiences, as well as their reflections on the Guidelines for Formation. Their sensitive remarks were particularly interesting given that the group was very international and represented a more universal perspective than just a European one. A visit to Pontifical Comillas University and its various campuses provided further insight into academic structures, the role of faculties in the formation process and ongoing initiatives, such as offering a ‘boot camp’ for new students and minor degrees from other faculties to motivated theology students.Despite the demanding schedule, the meeting was evaluated very positively, which was probably not unrelated to the wonderful dinner and uplifting conversations the previous night at the Taberna Alabardero with several Spanish companions.

Formation delegates gathered in Krakow, Poland, in November for their annual meeting to discuss the digital world's impact on Jesuit formation. In preparation, over a hundred Jesuits in formation had answered questions about their internet use, its benefits and challenges for their relationship with God, community life and studies, and personal practices. Their testimonies echoed the experiences of the formation delegates in many ways, but the gap between generations was also evident. The meeting took different approaches to exploring how the digital world changes once taken-for-granted perceptions and beliefs. It was clear that Ignatian spirituality needed to be more deeply understood and re-adapted to show the way more clearly. The formation delegates decided that the question deserved to be explored in greater depth. The aim is to draft an inspiring document in the coming months. Participants also had the opportunity to experience the human and cultural richness of the non-digital, physical world. The singing of traditional Polish songs in the formation community on the evening of the National Independence Day, the long walks through the present and past of the beautiful city of Krakow, and a sumptuous dinner in the Old Town were all occasions to celebrate how good life is.

Formation delegates met in Soutelo, near Braga, from 20 to 24 November. The reason for going to Portugal was to see the unique way in which the Portuguese Jesuits combine youth work, vocation promotion and formation. Attending the Tuesday Eucharist at the youth centre in Porto, where Mark Ravizza spoke to the young people, and visiting the juniorate in Braga, brought uplifting and memorable conversations and gave an insight into the vibrant youth work of the Portuguese Jesuits. The theme of the meeting was fragility and vulnerability. Alzira Fernandez, a “spiritual mother” in a seminary and also a good friend of the Society, helped us to reflect on how our contemporary culture has created the phenomenon of “kidults” who avoid commitment, the responsibilities of fatherhood and standing on their own two feet. Tiziano Ferraroni SJ, who has recently written a thesis on the subject, gave a fascinating analysis of how Ignatian spirituality puts us in touch with our fundamental vulnerability, which means openness to others, made possible by the deeper “vulnerability” in our relationship with God. It was easy to relate the theme to the DSS, of which Mark Ravizza gave an insightful reading key. The more we can return to the basics of our Jesuit life, to “normal” Jesuit life, the more we can help the young people who are joining us today.

Bienvenue a Paris! Welcome. These were words echoed throughout our stay in Paris as the delegates for formation gathered from the 9th - 13th November.  A hospitality which was very palpable in every community we stayed in or visited.   The theme which was discussed in detail was that of integral formation in general but most especially within the context of Centre Sèvres (the theology faculty of the French-speaking province in Paris). Overall, the group was motivated and much taken by this theme as we were all very impressed at the way Centre Sèvres truly strive to integrate the four dimensions (spiritual, community, academic, and apostolic) which make up this integral formation. There was surely much gratitude for the formation offered in Paris.  During our days together, we also had time to share our diverse situations and challenges we face which resonated within the themes discussed throughout our Parisian days. These discussions were very fruitful and much needed for all of us present.  In a special way we were very grateful to the inputs given us by Fr Franck Janin sj and Fr Mark Ravizza sj. Insights into the realities the Society is living and facing today and which we as formators are called to reflect upon. Their presence amongst us was very enriching and appreciated.  We also took the opportunity to thank Fr Janin sj for his dedication to the conference over these years of service as he now nears the end of his mandate.  The last afternoon was spent walking around Paris on the Ignatian way which was much appreciated by al of us and this then was concluded with an Eucharist in the crypt of the martyrium of Saint Denis in Montmartre followed by a lovely sumptuous dinner offered by the provincial of the EOF province.   At the end of our meeting, it was decided that next year we will hold our meeting in Portugal. Once again thank you to all the organizing team who really went out of their way to make us feel at home.  Au revoir. A bientôt! Michael Bugeja sj EUM Delegate for Formation

Because of COVID, the JCEP annual Formation Delegates’ meeting, tentatively scheduled to take place in Braga (Portugal), took place online on the mornings of March 10-11 2021.  Eighteen SJs took part in the meeting including Franck Janin and János Lukács (JCEP), and Mark Ravizza, Fr. General’s Assistant for Formation.  Four newly appointed delegates – David Neuhaus PRO, Antonio Valerio POR, Francisco Cuartero ESP, and Waclaw Krolikowski PME (in abstentia) - were welcomed to the group of delegates. Mark Ravizza SJ Geographically, JCEP conference contains in particular two large areas of formational responsibility, PMA (North Poland, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Denmark), and PRO – described as a huge ‘empire’ stretching from Morocco to Iraq.  PRO also has the largest number of pre-Tertianship scholastics whose formational journey, beginning from Egypt to Lebanon to Paris, highlights the requirement of the JCEP scholastic of today to have to make huge cultural shifts and adjustments. A really demanding challenge for the scholastic! Numerically, HIB has seven scholastics pre-Tertianship - the smallest cohort of the JCEP provinces.  We spent Day 1 sharing with each other about the formational issues we meet in our various provinces but, more importantly, we listened attentively to what connected us trans-JCEP.  Among the issues identified for further consideration included the following: (a) the fragility of young priests (b) formation for those joining at age 35+ (c) the balance between formation abroad and at home (d) formation of Brothers (a noticeable increase in Brother vocations) and (d) the issue and difficulties of language acquisition. Mark Ravizza pointed out that COVID is teaching us about new ways of governing, noting that Fr. General is governing in an interactive manner and this is going to require good formation in the use of technology.  Franck Janin noted several issues presenting themselves for addressing (a) Brothers’ formation/meeting (b) the number of Novitiates in the Conference and (c) the formation of Formators. Hopefully, the Delegates will be able to meet face-to-face later in 2021 at a venue very much COVID-dependent (possibly at Rome).  Either way, face-to-face or online, the organising Steering Committee – Angelo Schettini EUM, Christoph Soyer ECE, and Xavier Nucci EOF -  (kindly) agreed to remain in place to organise that meeting.