The magazine is available to read online, and printed copies are now being distributed to Jesuit communities and churches across Britain.
At the heart of this issue is a personal reflection from Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Britain, who travelled to Rome late last year for a gathering of Jesuit major superiors. Pope Leo attended one of the meetings, offering his support, and Fr Peter shares insights into that experience and reflects on the outcomes and what they mean for the Society’s mission today.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the canonisation of St John Ogilvie SJ, a milestone of immense significance for the Jesuits in Britain and the Scottish Church. Ronnie Renton tells the story of the martyred priest, hanged in Glasgow in 1615 and canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1976, while Danny McGinty shares details of the celebrations being planned to mark this remarkable jubilee.
We also hear from Guyana, where Laura Angarita Romero and Fr Paul Martin SJ offer encouraging news from their work, while closer to home, the experience of those accompanied by Jesuit Refugee Service UK is brought into focus through the story of Eileen Cole, highlighting the dignity and resilience of women seeking sanctuary.
Community life is another strong theme in this edition. Alexander Wentworth highlights a joyful celebration with the Polish Jesuit community in London, while John Paul de Quay’s cartoon strip presents the next thrilling chapter of Fr John Gerard SJ’s extraordinary life.
The issue also looks outward to global challenges. Vinicius Ferreira da Paixão SJ offers a frank assessment of what really happened at COP30, while Fr Keith McMillan SJ shares reasons for hope amid the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Fr Paul Nicholson SJ explores the practice of spiritual conversation and its importance in Jesuit gatherings around the world.
Ethel Mudavanhu takes us behind the scenes at the Thinking Faith podcast "Things I Wish I Knew", and Fr Barnaby Johns OSA writes about the surprising "Leo effect" rippling through Augustinian communities. The issue also includes a simple invitation to pray with the Pope, alongside other news from the Jesuit Province.
Jesuits & Friends exists to share the story of a worldwide mission, working to serve faith, promote justice and accompany people in every walk of life. This issue shows just how alive that mission is.
Pick up a copy at your local Jesuit community or church, or read it online today.
