Dear Young Seeker,
In these fast-changing and often tough times, I am deeply moved to reach out to young people like you, who are thoughtfully considering your future and spiritual journey. As a Jesuit, I have been blessed to experience a profound journey of conversion and a steady invitation to live authentically, grounded in God’s unconditional love and the mission of the Church. I wish to share some thoughts and experiences that might resonate with your own search for meaning and purpose.
A Journey of Conversion and Authenticity
Every Jesuit’s path begins with a call to conversion—a personal and ongoing process that invites us to align our lives more closely with Christ’s life and teachings. Conversion is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth, always accompanied by God’s grace. It is about being true to ourselves and to God, shedding the layers of superficiality that the world often imposes on us.
In my own journey, conversion is marked by moments of spiritual freedom. It is a freedom not merely from constraints; rather, it is a deep sense of liberation that comes from profound gratitude for personally knowing and experiencing God’s unconditional love. This love is the foundation of our existence and mission. As Jesuits, we are called to be men of depth—men who can negotiate the complexities of the modern world while staying grounded in our spiritual truths.
Being Part of Missio Dei (God’s Mission)
The mission of Jesuits takes diverse forms, encompassing education, social justice, pastoral care, and more. Our participation in God’s mission extends beyond the Church to every corner of the world where there is greater need for compassion, reconciliation, justice, and truth. This mission is especially important today as we face rapid changes and challenges that affect young people and the Church itself.
A significant trend of our world is how greatly the internet shapes ideas and communities. The digital age has revolutionized how we communicate, learn, and interact. While it offers wonderful opportunities for connection and knowledge, it also brings challenges like misinformation and superficial engagement. As Jesuits, we are called to navigate this digital world wisely and to help young people use these tools for good such as fostering genuine, meaningful relationships.
Engaging in Ecological Conversion
In recent years, guided by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Jesuits have felt a deep call to engage in ecological conversion. More than simply about protecting the environment, it is a call to recognize and live out our interconnectedness with all of creation. It is a call to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, understanding that ecological issues are deeply linked with social justice.
We are called to be stewards of the earth, promoting sustainable practices and advocating policies that protect our planet. This mission is particularly relevant to young people today, who are increasingly aware of the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation. By embracing this call for ecological conversion, we can inspire and support the younger generation in its efforts to build a more sustainable and just world.
Education and Growth
Another crucial part of our mission is education. The landscape of education is much affected by globalization and commercialization. Students today face immense pressure to succeed academically and professionally, often at the expense of critical thinking and character formation. Fr Adolfo Nicolás, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, called this ‘the globalization of superficiality’. As a result, many young people feel that their futures are being compromised by the very systems designed to prepare them for life.
In this context, the role of Jesuits as educators and mentors is more important than ever. We are to create spaces that allow for deeper engagement with ideas and people, spaces where young spirits can explore their passions and develop a sense of purpose. This involves listening to their struggles, understanding their perspectives, and guiding them as they pursue their educational and vocational journeys.
Accompanying the Young, the Poor, and the Marginalized
Central to our mission is accompanying the young, the poor, and the marginalized. We are invited to walk alongside those who are often overlooked or forgotten, offering them support, compassion, and hope. More than simply providing assistance, this accompaniment strives to build genuine relationships and empower individuals to realize their full potential.
Many young people today are searching for a spirituality that is relevant to their lives. More than just having an institution steeped in tradition, many want to belong to a Church that is a living, breathing community, a Church that welcomes and embraces the experiences and aspirations of the young. As Jesuits, we see the opportunity to form communities that reflect the deep connection, love, and interdependence of the Triune God.
The Heart of Our Mission: God’s Unconditional Love
At the heart of our mission is God’s unconditional love. This love drives everything we do. It is the source of our spiritual freedom and the foundation of our authenticity. When young people experience this love, they are empowered to live out their vocations with courage and conviction.
Embracing Dialogue Across Generations
One of the most important lessons I have learned over many years as a formator is the value of dialogue across generations. The challenges we face today are too complex for any one generation to solve alone. Young people bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a desire for change, while older generations offer wisdom, experience, and stability. Together, we can further a more inclusive and vibrant Church that meets the needs of all.
Young people today see themselves as agents of change. They are passionate about justice, equality, and making a meaningful impact in the world. As Jesuits, we are to engage them as real partners, prizing their contributions and giving them meaningful roles in our communities. Rather than patronizing or controlling them, we wish to walk with them, learn from them, and grow with them.
A Personal Invitation
In a word, I sincerely invite you to consider the Jesuit vocation as a path that offers profound spiritual freedom, a heartfelt sense of purpose, and a concrete way of sharing in a universal mission dedicated to spreading God’s love and compassion, justice and reconciliation. This pathway surely comes with its own set of challenges, but it is deeply fulfilling. It calls for ongoing conversion and genuine authenticity, grounded in the experience of God’s unconditional love.
If you feel a stirring in your heart, a desire to explore this path further, I warmly encourage you to connect with a Jesuit near you. Let us discern together, knowing that on this journey you are never alone. We are part of a larger, loving community, united by our shared mission and the boundless love of God. May you find the courage and clarity to follow your calling, wherever it may lead you.
In God Alone,
Fr Chris Dumadag SJ