The Meeting of Major Superiors 2025

With the Meeting of Major Superiors set to take place in Rome this coming October, it is a time of excitement and possibility for all Jesuits. Every Major Superior from around the globe will be representing the concerns, passions, and hopes of the Jesuits and Jesuit partners in their regions of the world. But for many, the term “Major Superior” can be a bit of an enigma. What exactly is a Major Superior and why are these men being called to Rome to participate in a meeting that will shape the future of the Society of Jesus?

It should be no surprise that the Society of Jesus, like almost all other religious orders, has a hierarchy based on obedience, centralized within the authority of a single person. Part IX of The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus describes in detail the FIRST Major Superior of the Society: Fr General – the man elected to serve the Society of Jesus, and to whom all Jesuits owe obedience. However, as the Society of Jesus grew from a small group of companions into a globe-spanning organization with tens of thousands of Jesuits and hundreds of apostolic works, the Society quickly adopted the idea of “subsidiarity” – the belief that decisions for a community or apostolate should be made by the competent authority that is closest to that community or apostolate.

Within a local community there is typically a “local superior” who is responsible for the care of the men under his charge, as well as a “work superior” who is responsible for the apostolate in which those Jesuits serve. Each of those superiors will communicate with their superiors as to the challenges and opportunities within their local areas. This continues towards Rome, with each Jesuit doing his best to ensure that his superior is as well-informed as possible as to the challenges and blessings present within each community, work, Province, and Region.

As the Society expanded during the 16th and 17th centuries – establishing missions in Asia, the Americas, and Africa – Regional Superiors were appointed to oversee local communities and report back to Rome. The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus outlined their responsibilities and authority to maintain both spiritual and administrative oversight as representatives of Fr General.

In 1994, General Congregation 34 bore fruit in the release of the Complementary Norms which included a recognition of the role of the “Major Superior”. Major Superiors in the Society of Jesus include Provincials, Regional Superiors, and the Superior General. These superiors are responsible for the spiritual well-being of Jesuits, the assignment of personnel, financial administration, and ensuring that Jesuit works align with the mission and priorities of the Society of Jesus. They are appointed by the Superior General and serve for a term – typically six years – subject to review and renewal.

More than hierarchical administration, Major Superiors are responsible for encouraging engagement between the Church, society, and the Society of Jesus. They are tasked with fostering collaboration with lay partners, addressing contemporary social and ecological challenges (as guided by the Universal Apostolic Preferences), and promoting the formation of Jesuits in a rapidly changing world. In short, they are the ones who have the best overviews of the lights and shadows within each of their regions.

These are the Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus who will be gathering in Rome in October. Please pray for them.