2 minute read
From Fr Provincial
The Jesuit mission to England began in 1580 with the arrival of St Edmund Campion SJ. In spite of the hostile environment created by the English government, Jesuits kept crossing the Channel to tend to those who tenaciously clung to their Catholic faith. Gradually they would set up an impressive network of contacts and safe houses which allowed them to circulate and, for the most part, to evade capture. Houses were also established in mainland Europe where the formation of Jesuits could take place.
In July 1610, this rather haphazard mission was elevated to the status of a Vice-Province, giving the Major Superior rather more power to shape and direct a coherent mission. But within a couple of years, the English Jesuits were clamouring for full provincial status.
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The Society understood a Province to be a stable and self-sustaining entity, and many were dubious about the chances of such a body existing under the fickle conditions of Stuart Britain. Nonetheless, Fr General Mutio Vitelleschi took a calculated risk and, on 21 January 1623, proclaimed an English Province.
The General’s hope proved well-founded. The Province went on to flourish, even under renewed persecution. It even established a daughter Province in Maryland. When the Society of Jesus was suppressed in 1773, the English Jesuits took advantage of the ongoing Jesuit structure in Russia and quickly revived itself at the start of the 1800s. The nineteenth century saw vigorous expansion, the incorporation of a Scottish mission (which originally pre-dated the English mission by decades) as well as missionary expansion in southern Africa, the Caribbean and Guyana (long-time readers of Jesuits & Friends know all about that!). Although the number of Jesuits, like share prices, goes up and down, the Province remains today a hub of vibrant apostolic life and a support to the faith of thousands of people, including many from other denominations.
04 The English Province of the Society of Jesus was established in 1623 – we look back at 400 years of history.
06 Another anniversary to celebrate: our friends reflect on ten years of Pope Francis.
09 Michael Holman SJ recalls the late Pope Benedict XVI’s encouraging words to Jesuits.
10 The lessons of history inform and inspire Jesuit Missions in its work for a more just world.
12 Philip Harrison SJ welcomes the publication of a new book filled with spiritual wisdom.
14 How did the early Jesuits tackle corruption? John Paul de Quay charts their activities in Rome.
16 Fr Provincial, Damian Howard SJ , looks to the future of the Province through the lens of its history.
17 Tom McGuinness SJ and
Vance SJ give us whistle-stop tours of historic Jesuit buildings.
18 The Jesuits in Britain are grateful for the ministry of Jesuits from other provinces: meet four of them.
20 The birthdays keep coming! JRS UK’s thirty years have been characterised by change.
22 Edward de Quay explains how the Province is actively pursuing decarbonisation.
23 Fr Dominic Allain explains what the Grief to Grace project offers to survivors of abuse.
24 Jesuit school sixth-formers have been thinking about good leadership, says Maria Neal
25 Praying with the pope: Eddy Bermingham SJ
26 Obituaries.
