By Germán Muñoz Díaz
Ignatian Young Adult Network Coordinator, General Curia

On December 21^st, the Ignatian Young Adult Network held its launching meeting via Zoom, bringing together more than 140 young adult ministry delegates, vocation promoters, and partners in mission from the Society of Jesus.

The Society of Jesus has a dream to reach out to accompany, to join in the adventure of discovering God today. Our dream is that young people feel ‘cura personalis’, feel ‘minded’, in a world that is so often impersonal. To support this mission, Superior General Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ is setting up a global Ignatian Young Adult Network.

During his message, Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ welcomed everyone and expressed his hope that “together, the group can imagine how young adult ministry can be revitalized and transformed. The goal is to become more aware of what God dreams for the world through the lives of young adults, who are creating a hope-filled future”. Fr. General encouraged the participants to engage, as they are privileged witnesses to the new joy, energy, and hope of the youth.

“The Society wants to accompany young people,” says Fr. Sosa. “But this is an accompaniment that goes both ways. We also need young people in our mission. We need their ideas; we need their energy; we need their sense of mission; we need their challenge.”

The first phase of the network is focused on connecting those who are already accompanying young adults. For that, a number of initiatives have been started, such as the creation of a global map of companions, places and resources. Starting in January, the community will engage in the so-called knowledge sharing meetings and activities to develop a greater sense of single apostolic body.

Fr. John Dardis, SJ and lay collaborator Germán Muñoz are animating the creation of the global community of the Ignatian Young Adult Network. Germán Muñoz has emphasized the importance of welcoming new initiatives, challenges, and discussions as we work to build this global community. He has said, “I hope we can meet new friends and share beautiful moments down the journey as we work together to support young adults in their faith and finding their vocation.”

Fr. Dardis has also emphasized the importance of building a strong global community, stating that it is through our connections and shared experiences that we are able to better understand and support one another. He has encouraged all participants to engage fully in the discussions and to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.

The Ignatian Young Adult Network is looking forward to the event MAGIS 2023, which will take place in Portugal next summer. At that occasion, the network will be announced to the young adults themselves, welcoming them to the group, an active community of those pursuing a shared mission of justice and reconciliation for this world.

Let us continue to pray for one another and for the success of this exciting new venture.