On Monday 20^th, Tuesday 21^st, and Wednesday 22^nd of October, the afternoon hours of the 10-day Meeting of Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus will be spent having in-depth conversations on a range of topics. During the designated time slots, the otherwise large assembly will split into smaller circles of conversation, each made up of less than nine Superiors.

Before the Meeting, Superiors were invited to complete a survey, selecting from a list of proposed themes and suggesting others. The most frequently chosen topics set the agenda for the conversations: keeping Jesus as the central focus of the mission, where we see mission partnership in 10 years’ time; the promotion of Jesuit vocations; getting discernment in common moving; and safeguarding and formation for healthy boundaries in ministry.

Each topic, distinct in its own right, pointed to the shared concern of finding ways to stay faithful to the Jesuit mission in an increasingly complex and changing world.

“The idea behind these afternoon in-depth conversations is that Superiors can choose the topic that’s most relevant to their own situation”, said Fr Chuks Afiawari, director of Communications at the Curia and a member of the steering group. “And because there’s a very small number in the group, they can discuss the topic in depth without the pressure of time. In that way, we hope to build a real sense of discernment.”

A total of 43 workshops are being offered overall, giving each Superior the freedom to choose where he felt most drawn and to engage in the language in which he feels most comfortable. Discussions take place in the Society’s three official languages, ensuring that every participant can express himself fully.

Other topics for the in-depth conversations also reflect a wider awareness of the world beyond Jesuit institutions and apostolates: how to rekindle the fire of justice, the common home and the Universal Apostolic Preferences, living under authoritarian regimes, and war and reconciliation.

These themes point to the realities Jesuits face across regions – political instability, ecological crisis, violence, and a renewed call to reconciliation. “Some topics under consideration show how Major Superiors really want this meeting to consider what’s going on in our world at this moment”, said Fr Afiawari. “Things have changed a lot since General Congregation 36, and the world is moving at a very fast pace. The Society needs to keep reflecting on the signs of the times so as to respond better.”