The Office of Communications at the Jesuit Curia in Rome convened the annual meeting of Jesuit Conference Communication Delegates from 19–22 May 2026 at the Jesuit Curia Office of Communications in Rome. The gathering brought together communication representatives from various Jesuit Conferences across the world for reflection, collaboration, planning, and discernment on the future of Jesuit communications and ministry. Among the participants was Vernard Antony Raj, the JCSA Communications Coordinator, who actively took part in this dynamic annual meeting. His participation contributed to the wider exchange of ideas, collaboration, and networking among the Jesuit Conferences.
The meeting began with faith sharing and conference updates led by Chuks Afiawari. Delegates shared experiences from their respective conferences, highlighting the current state of their websites, social media presence, communication outreach, calendars of events and meetings for 2026–27, as well as new initiatives and ongoing projects. These presentations provided a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and understanding of the communication realities and opportunities across different regions.
Several important themes and projects were discussed during the sessions. These included capacity building within the worldwide Church, workshopping the Annuario, preparations for MAGIS 2027 in Korea, and future collaborative communication projects. Delegates engaged in group discussions around key questions such as:
• In what ways can each conference contribute to MAGIS 2027?
• What new ideas and possibilities can enrich the Annuario?
A significant moment of the meeting was the interaction with the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Arturo Sosa, who addressed the delegates and reflected on the mission of communication in today’s world. He emphasized the importance of communicating with courage, giving voice to the marginalized, and embracing communication as a ministry of hope. He invited delegates to cultivate a spirit of listening, collaboration, and networking in their work.
Fr. General also reflected on the challenges of the contemporary world, particularly the realities of global digital culture and the accompaniment of young adults. He highlighted the important role of younger Jesuits in the mission of communication and encouraged the delegates to remain rooted in closeness to Jesus while engaging creatively with the changing communication landscape. He also spoke about the significance of MAGIS 2027 in Korea as an important global Jesuit gathering for young people.
On 21 May 2026, the delegates participated in an international conference at the Pontifical Urbaniana University on the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.” The conference reflected on the message of His Holiness Pope Leo, who stated:
“The question at heart is not what machines can or will be able to do, but what we can and will be able to achieve, by growing in humanity and knowledge through the wise use of the powerful tools at our service.”
This reflection encouraged participants to think critically and spiritually about technology, communication, and the human person in the digital age.
The final day of the meeting focused on prayer, personal reflection, and group sharing based on the address of Fr. General and the various inputs received throughout the gathering. Delegates reflected prayerfully on questions such as:
• Where did I sense God moving in my life as I listened to the sessions over these past days?
• In what ways do I feel God is leading me in my work and personal life?
• What new projects or dreams do I have for my office in the coming year?
At the conclusion of the meeting, Fr. Chuks thanked all the participants for their active involvement and encouraged stronger collaboration and networking among the conferences. He emphasized the need for greater cooperation in communication initiatives across the Society of Jesus.
The meeting ended on a joyful and hopeful note. Delegates returned to their respective conferences inspired by the spirit of working together, collaborating with one another, and carrying forward new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for the mission of Jesuit communications across the world.
Reported by Fr Vernard Antony, SJ, JCSA Communications and Youth Coordinator
