From 16-20 March, newly appointed Socii from several Provinces across the global Society gathered in Rome for a week of reflection and formation to better prepare them for their vital roles – accompanying the Provincial and being his right hand.

The role of Socius is deceptively simple in description but profound in its execution. The Socii serve as close companions to the Provincial, offering counsel, support and a careful eye towards the administrative needs of the Province.

A week like no other

The week opened with practical matters and personal introductions, with each of the 15 Socii – 14 from various Provinces and one from the Roman Interprovincial Houses (DIR) – offering three “key words” about their lived reality from their present mission.

The intellectual and spiritual substance swiftly followed. A session on the Mission of the Socius in accompanying the Provincial set the tone. The Secretary of the Society, Fr Antoine Kerhuel and the vice-secretary, Fr Fernando Mendoza oriented the group through the specifics of Socius responsibilities, including detailed sections from Ad Usum Nostrorum,the Jesuit resource for governance.

Financial matters, presented by the General Accountant, Fr Sebastian Jeerakassery, underscored the importance of understanding the economic underpinnings of their Provinces’ missions. Following that, Frs Benoît Malvaux and Julian Halbeisen, the Procurator and vice-Procurator, addressed the intricacies of Church law and Jesuit Constitutions that are essential to the work of Socii.

The Socii had the opportunity to travel back in time during a visit to the Roman Archives of the Society of Jesus (ARSI) where Fr Festo Mkenda, the Academic Director, walked them through the institutional memory of the Society of Jesus, tracing our history from St Ignatius to the present day.

Additional sessions explored the office of the Postulator (Fr Pascual Cebollada), the Apostolic and Charitable Fund of the Society (FACSI) (Fr Raúl González), and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) with the deputy international director, Mr Nacho Eguizábal.

Meeting Father General

One of the week’s highlights was the meeting with Father General on 19 March. Having prepared questions in smaller groups beforehand, the Socii engaged in a substantive dialogue with Fr Arturo Sosa. He, in turn, offered his vision and guidance in line with the universal mission of the Society.

A spiritual and human journey

Beyond sessions on administration and policy, the week retained a spiritual character. The Socii celebrated daily Eucharist in varying locations – at Saint Joseph’s Chapel in the Curia, at the Vatican Grottoes, and at the Camerette chapel at the Gesù where the rooms of St Ignatius are. They also were present for the Pope’s weekly General Audience and visited La Storta, the site where St Ignatius experienced a decisive spiritual vision that confirmed his vocation and shaped the Society’s identity.

At the end of the week, the Socii departed Rome carrying with them far more than updated procedures and new information. They returned with a deepened, lived understanding of their calling – to walk alongside their Provincials as trusted advisors.