The Winter 2025 issue of Jesuits & Friends is now out, featuring in-depth stories from the British Province of the Society of Jesus, as well as a special article by Fr Temple Anuforo SJ, Country Director of Jesuit Refugee Service in Nigeria, who shares the experiences of forcibly displaced persons amid rising violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, our Provincial, opens the issue with a reflection about his recent visit to Rome, where he joined Jesuit provincials from around the world for an historic meeting with Pope Leo XIV. At the heart of their conversations was discernment, the first apostolic preference of the Society of Jesus. The Holy Father encouraged the Jesuits to continue helping people find God amid the noise of modern life, reminding them that the Spiritual Exercises remain a powerful way to accompany those seeking depth, meaning and purpose.

This issue brings together notable art discoveries and historical insights:

The cover story highlights the discovery of Christ Blessing (c.1500), a long-hidden masterpiece by Quentin Matsys (1466–1530). Recently unveiled at Campion Hall after experts confirmed its attribution, the small painting demonstrates the enduring power of art. Now on display at the Ashmolean Museum, it presents Jesus not as Christ the sufferer, but as Christ the King.

Rebecca Somerset, who leads the British Jesuit Archives, delves into the archives’ holdings to contribute to a new book which provides a fascinating glimpse into the Society’s activity in Europe during the Second World War.

This issue takes a critical look at the current crises affecting the most vulnerable, inviting us to see where we are called to respond: 

Paul Chitnis, the Director of Jesuit Missions, argues that the drastic cuts to international aid announced by the British government are contrary to over fifty years of papal teaching.

Amid all the polarising rhetoric in public discourse about migrants and refugees, scant attention is given to the restrictions on reunification of families, and the human cost of this is enormous, says Eileen Cole of Jesuit Refugee Service UK.

This issue highlights the spiritual work unfolding across the British Province:

Pray As You Go Director, Emma Hudson, celebrates a new prayer resource for the Deaf community and invites hearing people to try it, too.

Sarah Young, a Spiritual Director and retreat-giver with the Jesuit Institute, reflects on how the Institute helped to bring moments of contemplative prayer to young people at the Satellites Festival.

Also included in this issue are:

John Gerard SJ is back on English soil, where John Paul de Quay picks up his story.

Students at St Ignatius College and Wimbledon College have been pilgrims of hope this Jubilee Year, say their chaplains.

The Jesuit Fund for Social Justice has supported Mugeni Sumba’s work in schools.

What has stood out most for Clemens Gresser during his four years at the Heythrop Library?

Praying with the pope.

Province news.

To access a free digital copy of the magazine, please click here, or you can download a PDF version of the magazine by clicking on the file link below.