After 10 years, Jesuit brothers from European Provinces met again, hosted by the Manréza Retreat House in Dobogókő from 16 to 21 July. Fr. Dalibor Renić, SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), joined the 22-member group (which included Hungarian Jesuit organizers) for the second half of the meeting. This gathering was particularly important for the participants, as it was born from a desire that was conceived two years ago at the global meeting of Jesuit brothers held in Rome, where Europe was represented by 6 brothers. Although Jesuits and their collaborators from various fields in Europe regularly (annually or biennially) organize professional meetings, the tradition of such gatherings among Jesuit brothers in Europe had not yet been established.

One of the meeting’s objectives was to make the vocation of Jesuit brothers more well-known. Jesuit formation primarily focuses on religious training, specifically according to the Ignatian charism, culminating in the solemn Vows. Between the First Vows taken after the novitiate and the Final Vows, Jesuits undergo different paths of training. Some prepare for priestly service, while others, such as brothers, acquire basic theological and philosophical knowledge and pursue further studies necessary for their professions or services within the Society of Jesus. Currently, there are approximately 250 Jesuit brothers in Europe, of whom 4 belong to the Hungarian Province.

The main aim of the gathering was for Jesuit brothers serving in European Provinces to get to know each other and to strengthen their shared brotherly vocation, both individually and communally. The first day of the meeting was focused on introductions. Subsequently, the participants followed the spiritual conversation process recommended by the latest General Congregations: first, gathering to listen to the topic or spiritual impulse, then praying individually, followed by deeper sharing in small groups. Finally, everyone gathered in a plenary session where the small groups’ reports initiated open discussion.

The vocation of the Jesuit brother was reinforced by Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who sent a special video message for the occasion. In his message, he emphasized that brothers remind us that Jesuits’ consecration to God is primarily lived within the framework of religious vows, which is the same for all Jesuits, even though Jesuit ministries are very diverse. A key aspect of the shared mission is fostering human relationships and a sense of belonging, which requires flexibility in our rapidly changing world.

Another major focus of the meeting was the “practical planning” day on Thursday. The brothers, together with Fr Dalibor, worked on establishing a European Jesuit Brothers Network, which will belong to the JCEP. The network aims to organize online meetings and gatherings similar to the current one every 1-2 years. This will strengthen existing connections between brothers and help promote the brother vocation, as well as suggest improvements to the brothers’ formation.

Before the meeting, the organizers had invited the brothers for a few days of informal vacation, hosted by the Saint Ignatius Jesuit College in Budapest. During those days, the participants visited Budapest, where they toured the Matthias Church, which is connected to Jesuit history. They also visited the Horánszky Street center of the Hungarian Jesuit Province, and attended a mass celebrated by Fr. Dalibor at the Jesuit Church on Mária Street. Finally, on Saturday, the President of the JCEP reported on the Conference’s activities, into which the emerging network will also be integrated.