Conferences’ Social Secretaries and GIAN leaders Meeting
Last week in Rome, the Social Secretaries of the Conference and the leaders of the four Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) initiatives gathered for a series of important meetings. The entire SJES team was also present.
Standing from left : Javier Cortegoso (GIAN/FM), Xavier Soreng (JCSA), John Kennedy (GIAN/IE), Roberto Jaramillo (SJES), Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ., Dani Villaneuva (GIAN/R2E), Tom Mulloy (JCCU) Julie Edwards (JCAP), Filipe Martins (JCEP), Agnaldo de Oliveira (CPAL), Benedict Reilly (SJES). Down: Rampe Hlobo (JCAM), Daniela Alba (SJES), Giorgia Lucchi (SJES), Rossana Mattei (SJES), Guillermo Otano (GIAN/JM), Eric Velandria (SJES) and Milton Mervin Raj (SJES).
Together, we reviewed the findings of the 2024 4th Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP) survey and discussed our ongoing contributions to COP30. Our focus was on enhancing participation through more effective engagement strategies. We also completed a revision of the “GIAN Way of Proceeding” and the accompanying foundational text for these apostolic platforms. This revised document will soon be presented to Fr. General for confirmation.
However, the most significant moment of our time together was the conversation with Fr. General. His words offered profound guidance on the mission of Social Secretaries at both the provincial and conference levels. He emphasized the call to build more democratic societies as an expression of our faith, and the urgent need to act as one body, diverse in gifts and opportunities, committed to reconciliation and justice.
Watch his address or read the full transcript below.
Discourse of Fr.General. SJES/25
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Discurso del P.General. SJES/25
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