In a significant follow-up to the International Assembly of Jesuit Brothers (IAJB) held in Rome in July 2022, Father General Arturo Sosa has officially inaugurated the International Commission on the Jesuit Brother (ICJB).

It is made up of members representing the Conferences of Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus from across the world, bringing together the visions of Jesuits - Brothers and priests - and of people who participate in the apostolic life of the Society from other vocations and states of life. The members of the commission are namely: James Edema, S.J. (JCAM); Raymond Belleza, S.J. (JCAP); Clemens Blattert S.J. (ECE); James Boynton, S.J. (JCCU); Davidson Braga, S.J. (CPAL); Noelle Corscadden, IBVM; Théophile Désarmeaux, S.J. (JCEP); Jennie Hickey; Mark Ravizza, S.J. (General Council); and Thomas Vaz, S.J. (JCSA).

This new commission aims to deepen the vocation of Jesuit Brothers within the Society of Jesus and to address pivotal themes related to their mission, formation, and presence within diverse cultural contexts.

The IAJB-2022 gathering in Rome brought together around forty Jesuit Brothers from across the globe, representing various ages, backgrounds, and apostolic experiences. For an intensive week, they engaged in reflection and prayer, exploring themes that had been prepared over two years with input from other Jesuits worldwide. The gathering culminated in an open dialogue with Pope Francis, underscoring the church’s commitment to honoring and deepening the vocation of the Jesuit Brother. This meeting represented an important moment in the Society's ongoing mission to renew and reaffirm the Jesuit Brother’s unique calling.

Jesuit Brothers have been an integral part of the Society of Jesus since its inception, contributing to both apostolic ministries and spiritual life. Their presence, as consecrated religious, is essential not only because of the roles they fill but for their profound commitment to evangelical values. Father General Sosa emphasized this in his remarks, referring to the foundational document of the Society, the Formula of the Institute (1550), which calls all Jesuits to focus primarily on “God and then the nature of this Institute,” aligning their efforts with their unique vocation in service to God and the Church.

The International Commission on the Jesuit Brother is called to continue the process begun in 2022, promoting broad participation of the Society. Specifically, the ICJB will address three fundamental issues over the next three years:

1. Identity and Mission: The commission will work to clarify and articulate the identity and role of the Jesuit Brother in the modern world, helping to define how they embody the charism and mission of the Society.

2. Vocation Promotion: The ICJB will seek new ways to communicate the Jesuit Brother vocation to young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, making it more accessible and appealing.

3. Formation Guidelines: With a focus on nurturing individual gifts and capacities, the commission will propose formation guidelines that respect the unique contributions of Jesuit Brothers while ensuring a consistent transmission of the Society’s charism.

This three-year mandate will conclude on October 31, 2027, when the ICJB is expected to present its findings and recommendations. Father General Sosa expressed hope that this initiative will invigorate the promotion of Jesuit vocations and deepen understanding within the Society. “Let us ask Our Lady of the Way,” he urged, “to accompany this initiative of particular interest to all Jesuits and to those who share their apostolic mission.”

The ICJB’s work is set to be a significant milestone in the evolving mission of the Society of Jesus, as Jesuit Brothers continue to serve the Church and the world with the evangelical fervor that has characterized the Society since its foundation.