Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ with the MAGIS youth in Taiwan
“Courage. We walk with you.”
These are the words of Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ to young people who find themselves in the chaos of our present world yet continue to seek a hope-filled future.
In a letter to the major superiors released on Pentecost Sunday, Fr Sosa reminded his brothers of the mission entrusted to the Society of Jesus by Pope Francis and confirmed by Pope Leo XIV to accompany young people “to see the Risen Jesus at work in their lives and notice where He is leading them”.
In the context of ongoing wars, environmental degradation, and growing disregard for human rights, Fr Sosa assures the youth, “We hear [your] longing for peace and for justice, and we admire [your] bravery and courage.”
The Superior General lauded the witness of young people in Myanmar, Iran, Lebanon, Ukraine, the USA, South Sudan, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Venezuela, and many other parts of the world who continue to fight for change despite difficult circumstances.
“We share their hopes and ideals,” Fr Sosa said. “We want to journey with them towards a hope-filled future. To do this, we need to bring a new intensity, coherence and depth to our work.”
He noted the importance of digital platforms as a “new door” for reaching young people with the good news of hope and liberation. “Young people today are key protagonists in this rapidly evolving global digital culture,” said Fr Sosa, adding that while they possess the intellectual and cultural capacity to unlock digital possibilities, they are also vulnerable to their negative effects, which can create a “relational and soulless desert”.
To respond to this challenge, Fr Sosa called for the creation of “pathways to the soul” through the Spiritual Exercises, intercultural encounters, and opportunities to engage with literature, art, music, and film. “All of these experiences help us go deeper inside ourselves and discover who we really are and who we are called to be,” he said.
He pointed to initiatives such as Pray As You Go, Magis Digital Home in South Asia, and AMDG in Spain as examples of how digital technologies can become a form of “digital outreach”. He also revealed that a working group has been established to further develop these digital pathways.
The MAGIS network is likewise a potent force for youth transformation. Father General encouraged the provinces and regions to carefully select young adults who will participate in MAGIS 2027 in Korea.
“Imagine if a thousand young people return from MAGIS in Korea with fire in their hearts and a determination to help those who are on the margins,” he said. “This will have a transformative impact on our Young Adult ministry.”
At the heart of this transformation, Fr Sosa stressed, is a deep encounter with God.
“An experience of God is foundational,” he wrote, highlighting that a new website, www.magisresources.org, has been created to make it easier to offer the Exercises to young people.
A hallmark of Ignatian Young Adult ministry is a faith that does justice. Fr Sosa urged MAGIS organisers not to forget the many young people who are in impoverished or conflict situations, including migrants and refugees, and to ensure that their voices are heard in MAGIS Korea. “Their presence can offer a prophetic witness in a world that so often throws aside those who are economically disadvantaged,” said Father General.
In addition to these pathways, Fr Sosa urged Jesuits to connect with young people through alumni networks and the scholastics and young brothers, who represent a new generation of seekers and searchers.
Closing his letter, the Superior General encouraged Jesuits and all those engaged in the young adult ministry to embrace the challenge of moving to new frontiers with joy, guided by the Spirit.
“It is the Lord who calls us, and He walks with us step by step,” he said.
“The destination is clear: a world where peace based on justice prevails and where reconciliation is the driving force.”
