From 19-22 May, Heads of Communications from various Jesuit Provinces across Europe convened in Paris for the annual JesWebCom meeting – a time to share insights, pray, and strengthen their mission. As you’d expect, a lot of the conversations during the meeting were centered around technology, but beyond that, it was a time for reflection, learning and fostering collaboration.

The packed program featured discussions on the ethical and practical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in communications, ministering to young people, vocations promotion, Jesuit-lay partner collaboration...

Among the diverse themes explored was the ethical and practical use of AI. Fr Pierre Alexandre Collomb, of the French-speaking Western European Province (EOF), led the 21 participants in an overview of the Vatican document Antiqua et Nova, which examines the relationship between artificial and human intelligence. He shed light on the contrast between AI and the deeply human “Wisdom of the Heart” – a reminder of technology’s role in serving, not replacing, human discernment.

Following this, Fr Vivian Richard guided participants through best practices for leveraging AI in their work, exploring its applications in article writing, image generation, editing, and content creation.

The second day focused on a crucial question: “How do we engage young people in meaningful ways?” Sr Juliette Ploquin, a Xavierian nun, presented strategies used by the Magis Network in France, showcasing how the network fosters connections with young people across different regions.

Fr Benoît de Maintenant, Vocations Director for the EOF Province, followed with insights into vocations promotion. He highlighted how responding to the genuine needs of young people, ensuring ongoing accompaniment, and involving collaborators in the vocations process contribute to inspiring new generations to the Society of Jesus. He also emphasized expanding access to Ignatian spaces as a means of deepening engagement.

The program also embraced moments of leisure and cultural exploration. Hosting JesWebCom 2025 in Paris provided a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history. On the afternoon of the third day, participants visited the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site that reopened in late 2024 after the devastating fire of April 2019. Later, they embarked on a guided boat tour along the Seine, taking in breathtaking views of Paris’s iconic landmarks. A highlight of the tour was the spectacular, one-of-a-kind perspective of the Eiffel Tower – a sight best appreciated while drifting down the river.

The gathering also offered moments of deep spiritual reflection. Participants celebrated Mass at the Chapel of Martyrs in Montmartre – the historic site where St Ignatius and his first companions professed their vows of poverty and chastity on August 15, 1534, during the early days of their journey as “Friends in the Lord”.

Sessions on Jesuit-lay collaboration underscored the importance of journeying together in mission while navigating differences in personalities, competencies, and responsibilities. Anne Keller and Fr Grégoire Le Bel shared their experiences working together – one as the Head of Communications for the EOF Province, the other as Socius to the Provincial. They highlighted the need for balancing religious, familial, and professional lives, offering participants valuable insights into the intricacies of their collaboration.

After days of reflection, exchange, and prayer, the Communicators returned recharged – ready to be more dynamic in their mission, engage their audiences, and bring new depth to their communicating. Whether editing the next video, crafting a social media post, or writing a meaningful article, they departed Paris renewed and re-inspired to continue their work with greater clarity and purpose.