New Director for the Global Apostolic Community of Educate Magis
On 15 June, the Secretary for Secondary and Pre-secondary Education of the Society of Jesus, Fr Jimmy Bartolo, SJ, announced the appointment of Fr Hugo Gómez Sevilla, SJ, as the new Director of the Educate Magis global community, a position he will assume in December 2026. Fr Gómez Sevilla brings extensive international experience in leadership and network-building, together with deep pastoral sensitivity and a steadfast commitment to Jesuit education.At the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat (SJES), we welcome Fr Gómez with gratitude and hope, and wish him every blessing in this new mission.
Read the full statement below:
Dear members of our global apostolic community:
It is with great joy and gratitude that I share the appointment of Rev. Hugo Gómez Sevilla, S.J. as the next Global Community Director of Educate Magis, beginning in December 2026.
Educate Magis, our global apostolic online community of educators from the Jesuit Global Network of Schools, has grown into an important space for connection, collaboration, and formation, linking more than 20,000 educators in over 70 countries. As a work entrusted directly to the Society of Jesus under the authority of Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., it continues to help us live out our call to be a universal body with a universal mission—serving reconciliation and justice in our world.
Fr. Hugo brings to this role a wealth of leadership experience, pastoral sensitivity, and a deep commitment to Jesuit education. He currently serves as Rector (President) of “Colegio San Pedro Claver” in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and previously served as President of the Jesuit School Network of Colombia (ACODESI). In these roles, he has built strong relationships across institutions, guided important initiatives, and accompanied educators in their mission. He also brings valuable international experience and a clear commitment to forming educators through Ignatian spirituality, helping communities grow in both identity and innovation. His work reflects a deep belief in the power of networks built on trust and shared learning across cultures. We are very grateful to Fr Hugo for his availability and to Fr Hermann, Provincial of the Colombian Province for his generosity and that of his Province
Fr. Hugo will succeed Dave Smith, to whom we are grateful for his dedicated service over the past two years. During this time, Dave led the development of the Educate Magis Apostolic Plan, working closely with a global task force representing all regions. This plan now gives us a clear direction for the years ahead. Dave will remain in his role through the end of the year to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.
When he takes up the position later this year, Fr. Hugo will be based in Galway, Ireland, and will work closely with the Secretariat for Education and the Educate Magis team, as well as with our regional and provincial delegates around the world. Together, we will continue strengthening our global community and deepening our shared mission in Jesuit education.
I warmly invite you to welcome Fr. Hugo as he takes up this new responsibility and to support him through your collaboration and prayer. May we continue to grow together as companions in mission, inspired by the Gospel and guided by the spirit of St. Ignatius.
With gratitude and hope,
Fr. Jimmy Bartolo, S.J.
Secretary for Secondary and Pre-Secondary Education
Society of Jesus
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