Within the governance structure of the Society of Jesus, one of the most crucial yet often less highlighted roles is that of the Socius. The Socius acts as the right hand of the Provincial or Major Superior, playing an essential role in governance, communication, and administration with the aim of ensuring effective leadership.

From 10-14 March 2025, 21 new Socii gathered in Rome for a seminar that focused on sharing, discussing best practices, and learning practical information that will help them succeed in their mission. Some of the important events of the week included sessions with Father General, presentations on canonical and financial matters, organized visits to the Archives at the General Curia, the rooms of St Ignatius and La Storta. The Socii were also given general overviews of the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, and the Communications Office of the General Curia. As the meeting falls on the Jubilee Year, a key highlight was a pilgrimage during which all the participants passed through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica.

Understanding the role of Socii

The term socius comes from Latin, meaning “companion” or “associate”. In the context of the Society of Jesus, a Socius is the main helper to the Provincial or Major Superior who is charged with the task of governance. While the Provincial exercises his duty in the spiritual, formational and operational leadership of the Province, the Socius ensures that this leadership is carried out effectively and efficiently.

In practical terms, the Socius handles a lot of the Province’s administrative work, correspondence, records, and archives and also ensures that the Province adheres to the provisions of Canon Law and the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. More so, as the Provincial often must make complex decisions regarding missioning and assignment, the Socius aids in providing background information and acts as a trusted confidant, advising on difficult matters.

As a key link between the Province, its members, and the General Curia, the Socius facilitates information flow between the Province and the central governing body. In addition to these responsibilities, the Socius plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and cohesion within the Province, by organizing events and facilitating communication among its members. This ensures that the Province operates smoothly and that its members feel supported and connected to the broader Jesuit community.

By virtue of the office, Socii are consultors to the Province or Region. In addition to helping to organise the ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the Consult, they record discussions and prepare minutes of these meetings and contribute to the Provincial/Major Superior’s discernment of his governing decisions. Normally, the Socius is also the Admonitor of the Provincial, helping him in his examination of his life and governance within the Society of Jesus.

Fr Sunny George Sunnel, one of the participants at the week-long seminar who has been a Socius for eight months, shared that the meeting provided him with a comprehensive idea about the functioning of the Society in terms of “the spirit and mode of communication”. He added that the inputs from Fr General, the Secretaries, General Assistants and other persons responsible for various apostolic sectors were very enriching, and they highlighted to him the importance of his role as “a true companion to the Provincial”. He also emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation in his role, as the Society’s work demands flexibility and a deep understanding of its evolving dynamics.

The role of a Socius to the Provincial in the Society of Jesus is indispensable. As the Provincial’s closest advisor and administrative backbone, the Socius ensures that the Province runs smoothly, remains faithful to its mission, and stays connected with the broader Jesuit network. In many ways, the Socius embodies the Jesuit spirit of humble service, working behind the scenes to support the greater mission of the Society of Jesus.