Christmas: nourishing Hope again and always

A number of traditions shape the life of the General Curia of the Society in Rome. Among them is the annual Christmas gathering. A festive moment but also an opportunity to unite in informal conversation, in the sharing of information and the presentation of projects, in prayer and the Eucharist.

On Wednesday, 18 December, after a moment of “prima colazione,” the meeting in the Aula of the General Congregation mainly allowed the team of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat to review the 50th anniversary Congress which took place from 4 to 8 November. While several members of the Curia were able to participate in this major event, others only had access to the feedback they received or through what they read on the SJES’s and the Society’s websites. But even those who actively participated could benefit, after a period of hindsight, from an opportunity to share about the Congress. A presentation of the week’s highlights and the screening of a video synthesis provided an opportunity for small group sharing and then a plenary session to reap the fruits and promote long-term effects.

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At the end of the meeting, the Committee for Ignatian Formation, recently formed at Father General’s request, had the opportunity to present its mission, its plan and the activities it intends to animate or promote. A key element: the presentation of a “Coordinator of Ignatian Initiatives” at the Curia, Father Ferdi Mendoza.

The Committee is also responsible for the preparation of the Eucharistic celebrations to which all those who work in the Curia, Jesuits and lay people, are welcome. And appropriately, the assembly was invited to continue the meeting in the Saint Francis Borgia Chapel for a Eucharist in the spirit of Christmas. Father General presided and gave the homily, which highlighted the theme of Hope that we have at this time of year. He took the opportunity to also mention the many occasions we had in the Society of Jesus during 2019 to nourish our hope.

Take a moment to read this homily: click here.

The feast continued with a wonderful and delicious Christmas meal in the community’s refectory: another cherished tradition!

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Posted by Communications Office - Editor in Curia Generalizia
Communications Office
The Communications Office of the General Curia publishes news of international scope on the central government of the Society of Jesus and on the commitments of the Jesuits and their partners. It also handles media relations.

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