Over three hundred Jesuits in higher education from across the world gathered at Deusto Jesuit University in Bilbao, Spain, from July 8-12 to reflect on the theme “Transforming Our World Together.” The International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), led by Fr. Michael Garanzini, Secretary for Jesuit Higher Education, Rome, helped the Jesuits at the Assembly to a) examine key challenges that Jesuit Universities faced, b) sign a Charter on Jesuit Higher Education. By way of preparation seven task forces had been appointed to delve into a) formation of Ignatian leaders, b) political and civic leadership, c) environmental and economic justice, d) education for the most disadvantaged, e) peace and reconciliation, and f) interreligious dialogue. They prepared position papers for conversations in groups. Intellectual conversations, sharing of best practices, and networking dominated the proceedings.

Joe Arun, SJ

The author is a former Director of Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and currently Director of St Joseph’s Institute of Management (JIM), Trichy.