The JesuitsThe Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius Loyola and his companions. The Jesuit mission is a mission of reconciliation, working so that women and men can be reconciled with God, with themselves, with each other and with God’s creation.
It was Ignatius’ original plan that the Jesuits be travelling missionaries who would preach and administer the sacraments wherever there was the hope of accomplishing the greater good. Since its foundation the Order has grown from the original ten to more than 15,000 Jesuits worldwide. As for the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs), they are the recent fruit of a process of discernment lasting almost two years, with the presence of Jesuits and mission partners alike. It concluded with a confirmation from Pope Francis. The Preferences give a horizon, a point of reference to the whole Society of Jesus, as they are four areas vital for our world today. The Society of Jesus will pay special attention to them in the next ten years. |
Universal Apostolic Preferences 2020-29
Showing the way to GodShow the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises
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Walking with the ExcludedWalk with the poor in a mission of reconciliation and justice
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Journeying with YouthAccompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future
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Caring for our Common HomeCollaborate for the protection and renewal of God’s Creation
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The networks
In the Society of Jesus of today, the service of faith and the promotion of justice are intimately linked. There is no service of faith without a social component, which includes ecological awareness and involvement. Jesuits and their co-workers are involved in all kinds of social outreach, especially in the care of migrants, in the financial and structural support of projects all over the world, and in reflecting on how to promote justice in our continent. Several European networks help coordinate the work of Jesuits and lay people in these fields.
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Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC)JESC is a work of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials located in Brussels, and its mission is to reflect on the life, policies and practice of the European Union. It expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus to a Europe where human rights, freedom and solidarity are the foundation of integration. The JESC team will be in charge of the organization of the Congress.
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