Among those present were Maria Fernanda Lopez, Head of Media and Communications for the Jesuits in Britain, and representatives from the General Curia’s Communications Office in Rome, including its Director, Fr Chukwuyenum Afiawari SJ.
Throughout the week, participants shared meals, prayed together, and built relationships across provinces. The communicators were joined by Fr Herminio Rico SJ, Socius for the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and Fr Grégoire Le Bel SJ, Socius for the French speaking Jesuit Province of Western Europe, who all helped guide the meeting’s direction and objectives.
Key themes included artificial intelligence, engaging young people, and lay–Jesuit collaboration. Participants explored the Vatican document Antiqua et Nova and heard an introduction by Pierre Alexandre Collomb SJ (Faculté Loyola Paris), exploring both the opportunities and risks of AI. Insights of youth engagement, particularly in vocations promotion, came from Benoît de Maintenant SJ (French speaking Jesuit vocations office) and Juliette Ploquin (Magis Network). Discussions also explored the growing leadership of lay people in Jesuit works and the importance of building a shared language that strengthens unity in mission.
The group visited Faculté Loyola Paris (formerly Centre Sèvres), the Jesuit higher education institution in the city, and Maison Magis, a vibrant hub for young adults, offering a glimpse of the Society’s mission at work in the heart of Paris. A particularly inspiring moment was when the group visited the newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, pausing to take in the beauty and resilience of a place deeply woven into the spiritual life of Paris.
While the gathering offered an opportunity to exchange practical insights and good practices, Jeswebcom was above all a moment to remember the deeper purpose of Jesuit communications: to help others encounter the joy of the Gospel and serve as bridges drawing people into a deeper relationship with God.
One of the most moving moments was the Mass at the Chapel of Martyrs in Montmartre, where St Ignatius of Loyola and his first companions made their vow 500 years ago, planting the seed that would become the Society of Jesus. At that time, they hoped to travel to Jerusalem, but God led them elsewhere. The liturgy, led by Fr Herminio Rico SJ, served as a powerful reminder to participants of the need to trust in God’s unfolding will.
Reflecting on the experience, Maria Fernanda Lopez, who oversees communications for the British Province, said:
“This gathering helped me reflect on my own journey. As communicators, we don’t just share information—we help people find something meaningful, awaken hope, and create space for reflection in a world that can often feel uncertain and isolating”.
As he took part in his final Jeswebcom, Fr Herminio Rico SJ shared heartfelt words with participants:
“The best part of being Socius for Europe has been these meetings—getting to know the people, hearing about the challenges, and sharing in the mission of keeping the spirit of the Society alive.”
Jeswebcom 2025 proved to be a powerful and fruitful gathering, renewing the commitment of Jesuit communicators to serve as bridges of faith, hope, and love in a rapidly changing world.
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