Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus Gather in Rome
After months of preparation, the opening days of the Meeting of Major Superiors (MMS) are here. The General Curia has come alive with the sound of rolling suitcases in its corridors and greetings exchanged in many languages, as Jesuits arrive from every corner of the world.
“I warmly welcome all those arriving”, said Father General Arturo Sosa. “I appreciate so much what they do back in their home Provinces and Regions. In complex circumstances they are tackling difficult issues and bringing forward the vision of reconciliation and justice. The meeting will be a chance for me to thank them personally. Having all these voices together is a unique opportunity to grow in union of minds and hearts.”
This Meeting brings together 100 participants, including Provincials, Regional Superiors and Conference Presidents, along with the General Council and some Major Officials from the Curia.The oldest participant is 83-year-old Fr Miguel Garaizábal, Regional Superior of Thailand, while the youngest is Fr Sebastian Sujevic from Croatia, age 47.
For many, the MMS is a rare moment of connection and reflection. “I’m coming from Myanmar where the situation is very tense and difficult”, said Fr Girish Santiago, the Regional Superior. “Getting away from all that and being able to reflect with others in solidarity will be a big opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to the meeting.”
From the United States, Fr Joe O’Keefe, Provincial of USA East (UEA), noted the importance of an international perspective, “The US has been caught up in a lot of social and political turmoil. Being part of the universal Society gives me a chance to have a wider perspective and to bring that back to our ministries.”
The newest Major Superior isFr Britto Vincent from Chennai, who was appointed only a few months ago. “For me, it will be a great chance to take part in a meeting that involves the universal Society”, he said.
Organizing a meeting of this scale has taken careful planning. “I’ve been on the steering committee”, said Fr Claudio Paul, Regional Assistant of Father General for Southern Latin America. “It has been an intense time and there is a lot of energy around this meeting. It’s the first meeting of Major Superiors since 2005.”
Fr Chuks Afiawari, Communications Director for the General Curia, and his team are making sure that Jesuits around the world can follow along. “We’re planning to write updated articles, do posts on social media, and live stream some events”, he said. “We want to ensure that everybody feels part of this meeting. Personally, I think it’s a great chance for the ongoing renewal of the Society.”
There is a palpable sense that it’s going to be an exciting meeting with lots of new ideas and creativity. The coming days will focus on dialogue, discernment, and shared vision. It’ll be yet another step to fulfill the dream of Saint Ignatius that the Society of Jesus, however much it is dispersed, is united in body and soul, passionately on fire to bring the good news of the Gospel to every part of the world.
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