Meeting of Major Superiors: A Call to Prayer, Reflection, and Discernment
Father General Arturo Sosa has convoked all the Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus, inviting them for a meeting in Rome from 17-26 October 2025. In a recent letter addressed to the whole Society, Father Sosa also welcomed members of the Council of Father General, Major Officials, the Director of the Communications Office, and Secretaries of Apostolic Areas of the General Curia to participate in this significant event.
Billed to be a time of “prayer, spiritual conversation, and shared reflection”, the upcoming October Meeting marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discernment of the life-mission of the Society, inspired by the 36th General Congregation (GC 36). It will also offer an opportunity to gather the fruits of various processes underway within the universal body of the Society of Jesus.
Since GC 36 the Society has followed a path shaped by the Universal Apostolic Preferences, which have inspired apostolic planning and guided its engagement in the world. Additionally, the examination of the vow of poverty’s significance and challenges, along with the revision of the Statutes on Poverty and the Instruction for Administration and Finances, have served as a wake-up call from the Holy Spirit to the Society.
Moreover, the role of women in apostolic work, the vocation of Jesuit Brothers, the strengthening of networks, identity and mission in the educational apostolate are subjects of ongoing reflection. Also, the Society's commitment to integral ecology, a deeper understanding of the sources of our charism – particularly the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius and the Constitutions – and the refinement of formation programs are an important part of these deliberations.
In parallel, the Society has continually reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of safeguarding by enhancing “safe environments” in our apostolic works, while acknowledging the ongoing need for further training for everyone involved in the mission.
The 71st Congregation of Procurators held in May 2023 allowed the Society to assess the pulse of the universal body. Insights from Provincial Congregations, visitations, and Procurators’ reports offered an overview of key issues related to identity, cooperation, mission, and governance. The De Statu Societatis report also facilitated a thorough examen that began at the Congregation of Procurators and continued throughout the Society until September 2024.
The upcoming October Meeting follows the precedent set by previous gatherings of Major Superiors in 2000 and 2005, in line with the 34th General Congregation’s decision to replace the Congregation of Provincials established by the 31st General Congregation. While this meeting does not possess legislative authority and will not issue decrees, it serves as an important opportunity for those directly involved in the governance of the Society to reflect on global progress, challenges, and opportunities.
We invite you to keep an eye out for updates as preparations ramp up towards the Meeting in October.
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