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We invite all Jesuits to listen carefully and courageously to the experience of women. Many women feel that men simply do not listen to them. There is no substitute for such listening. More than anything else it will bring about change. Without listening, action in this area, no matter how well-intentioned, is likely to bypass the real concerns of women and to confirm male condescension and reinforce male dominance. Listening, in a spirit of partnership and equality, is the most practical response we can make, and is the foundation for our mutual partnership to reform unjust structures. (General Congregation 34, decree 14 par 12)

Dear Friends,

During my time in the novitiate, the first stage of Jesuit formation, the global Society of Jesus undertook its 34th General Congregation in 1995. GC34 produced many rich and diverse decrees. Among them, for the first time in our history, Decree 14 was entitled “Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church & Civil Society.” The decree both acknowledges our debt to women and makes the commitment to work for and with women for justice and equality. As a novice I was inspired by the decree, and I requested a work assignment at a women’s shelter. For four months, I spent two days a week at the shelter babysitting, doing intake, and doing my best to provide a positive male presence for women and their children who, most often, were fleeing abusive relationships. The experience was as powerful as it was eye-opening to the reality of how women still struggle for equality and dignity. I have spent the past 25+ years both remembering those experiences and, most importantly, trying my best to foster experiences of mutuality and respect for the essential role that women have played in my life and mission as a Jesuit.

Recently, in 2021, Fr. General Arturo Sosa, SJ, established an international Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women in the Society of Jesus. Comprised of women and Jesuits from around the world, the mandate of the committee is to evaluate and make recommendations regarding “the participation and position of women and the structures of collaboration at all levels in institutions of the Society of Jesus and its apostolic works.”

While awaiting the recommendations from the commission, I can say that from my vantage point of today working in leadership and governance of the Jesuit Province of Canada, I am aware daily of the leadership of women in our contemporary mission at all levels: in education, spirituality, social justice and province leadership. We can always grow, but I would like to think that the Jesuits of Canada are providing a positive example of valuing women in the Church and civil society — a value, to paraphrase Pope Francis that goes beyond functionality, how women also have an important role in awareness — raising, humanising and bringing affect — all gifts not exclusive to women, but characteristic of us.

I am grateful to the editorial team for proposing this edition of Canadian Jesuits that is focused on the Jesuits and women.

Much blessing,