A deeper understanding of the historical evolution, spirituality and self image of the Society of Jesus, both in the past and the present with regard to its essential priestly character as an apostolic body [GC 32, D.1, 5; D.2, 22], has been a grace from the Lord for all of us, throughout this ‘Year of the Priest: Fidelity of Christ, Fidelity of P... Read more...

We Jesuits, then, find our identity not alone but in companionship: in companionship with the Lord, who calls, and in companionship with others who share this call […].Christ Jesus, unites them and sends them out to the whole world. He is the image at the very heart of Jesuit existence today; and it is his image that we wish to communicate to others as best we can. GC35, D.2, 3

The community is also a privileged place for the practice of apostolic discernment (1), whether through formally structured communal discernment or through informal conversation that has the more effective pursuit of the mission as its goal. Such discernment will help us not only accept our personal missions but also rejoice in and support the missions received by our brothers. In this way, our common mission is strengthened and the union of minds and hearts confirmed and deepened. GC35, D.4. 28


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(1) NC 150-51