Opening the gathering, the Provincial Superior, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, reflected on the theme of presence and absence in the Easter Gospels—an idea that resonated with a meeting which brought many together in person, while also holding in mind those unable to attend. He said:
“There is so much to be done… Our Lord Jesus Christ enables us to proceed without fear. Not imprudently, but not fearfully.”
The theme of this year’s meeting was vocations: both the personal stories of those whom God has called to the Society of Jesus, and the ongoing work of inviting others to consider religious life.
The first full day was dedicated to listening. Jesuits and partners in mission shared reflections on what vocation means in the context of the Province and its works, offering a wide range of perspectives shaped by different ministries and experiences. The liturgy, including a Mass prepared by the novices, formed a central part of this shared reflection.
Throughout the four-day gathering, attendees heard testimonies from Jesuits at different stages of their journey—from those just beginning formation to others further along the path, including Fr Kensy Joseph SJ, who took his Final Vows last year. These personal accounts offered a powerful witness to the diversity of Jesuit life today and the different ways in which a vocation can unfold over time.
The meeting also drew a strong international presence. Alongside the British Jesuits were members of the Society from other Provinces and regions, including Fr Patrick Nolan SJ, Director of Vocations for the USA East Province (he was formally a consultant with Pepsi-Cola and Mastercard); Fr Walter Ceyssens SJ, a Flemish Jesuit working in Leuven (he has been the Vocation Promoter for the Low Countries Province of Jesuits since 2012); Fr Teodor Avram SJ, Vocation Promoter for the Irish Province (originally from Romania, he was ordained last year); and Fr Benoît De Maintenant SJ, Vocations Promoter for the EOF Province of Jesuits (he took Final Vows in 2024).
Also in attendance were scholastics and younger priests currently in Britain for studies, as well as several British Jesuits currently serving overseas.
While vocations to religious life have declined across much of the Western world, new members continue to enter the Society of Jesus each year. The meeting therefore focused not only on the reality of this challenge, but also on how Jesuit communities and ministries can foster the conditions in which vocations might grow and flourish.
A round table discussion, chaired by Fran Murphy, Editor of Thinking Faith, brought together Jesuits from Europe and the United States to share perspectives on vocations in different contexts. This was followed by interactive working groups, offering those present an opportunity to reflect together and contribute to the ongoing conversation.
In recent years, Jesuits in Britain have made a significant investment in vocations, including the renovation of Manresa House in Birmingham, which now serves as the Novitiate for North-West Europe. The Province has also launched a dedicated vocations website to support those discerning a call to the Society of Jesus: jesuitvocations.uk.
Moments of celebration were also woven into the Province meeting programme. At the traditional Jubilarians’ Dinner, Jesuits marking significant anniversaries of life in the Society were honoured, with others remembered in their absence—another reminder of the continuity of Jesuit life across generations.
In his closing remarks, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ offered a message of hope to those gathered:
“The Lord, who is very close to us and can each day be recognised anew, says to each of us today: ‘Cast the net where I tell you—and you will find what you need.’”
For those interested in exploring a day in the life of a Jesuit, you can watch our video series The Jesuit Journey on YouTube.
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