In recent years, Pope Francis has spoken directly to the hearts of the youth, urging them to encounter God in a way that transforms their lives and deepens their relationship with Him. He invites all of us to push toward finding spaces where the youth can experience God’s love intimately and discover the joy and hope that come with it. In many ways, these messages resonate deeply with the vocation promotion work we do in the Society of Jesus.
At the heart of Pope Francis’ call is an invitation to the young—to not be afraid of stepping into the unknown, of seeking God in places they have yet to explore. In Christus Vivit, he tells the youth, “Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” This simple yet powerful message is a call to allow God to be part of our daily journey and to let Him awaken us to the beauty of life in its fullest. For those of us in the Society of Jesus, this is a reminder of our own journeys—whether in discernment, in the novitiate, or now in our active ministries—of how we once were awakened by this same invitation.
When we reflect on Pope Francis’ exhortations, we find that there is a need to create spaces of encounter – where the young people can truly encounter God. These spaces are not confined solely to the spiritual aspects of our faith. Rather, they also include spaces of encounter provided by immersion in the Jesuit apostolates and ministries, the insertion in the Jesuit communities, and the deepening of their relationship with God fostered by Ignatian spirituality. It is through these various encounters that young people not only meet God but also discover who they are called to be.
In today’s fast-paced world, with its many distractions and challenges, these spaces become vital opportunities for the youth to pause, reflect, and engage with their deepest desires in a meaningful way. It si tought hese encounters that they may hear God’s call. For those discerning a religious vocation, specifically the Jesuit life, the quiet of prayer and reflection, the experience of service, and the joy of community become transformative encounters. It is in these spaces that they have a deeper encounter with God’s love and are drawn toward service and deeper commitment to His church and people.
Pope Francis continually urges the Church to be a place of healing and encounter, not of judgment or fear, but of love, mercy, and joy. We are all called to create these spaces—not just in our retreat houses and spiritual centers, but in our schools, parishes, social apostolates, and communities. It is through these immersions that they experience firsthand the joy that comes from living a life in service of others. These moments offer a real encounter with the face of Christ in the people whom we serve and accompany.
Jesuit community life, too, plays a key role in these encounters. Living in community, sharing meals, prayers, and conversation with fellow Jesuits, offers a glimpse into the rhythm of our life. It is here, in the daily interactions and shared mission, that young people can see the joy and fraternity that mark the Jesuit vocation. They experience not only the spiritual but also the human dimension of religious life—the camaraderie, the shared sense of purpose, our sense of humor, and the deep bonds of brotherhood.
Another aspect which can be a space for encounter is the experience of Ignatian spirituality which is a gift to the Church that forms the heart of Jesuit life. Through the Spiritual Exercises, young people can enter into a process of deep discernment and interior freedom. The Ignatian spiritual handles equip them to hear God’s voice in the ordinary moments of life and to make decisions rooted in faith, love, and service. For those discerning a vocation, it is a powerful tool that helps them clarify their desires and discern how God is calling them.
Pope Francis has spoken at length about the need for joy in the Christian life. In Evangelii Gaudium, he writes, “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” For Jesuits, this joy is not just personal but communal, shared through our mission of being men for others. It is a joy that emerges from deep encounters with God, with the people we serve, and with our fellow Jesuits in community. Also, we have many young people who are searching for meaning and hope. They often find themselves navigating a complex and fragmented world, looking for something that can fill the void left by material success or social validation. Pope Francis recognizes this longing and continually encourages the Church to be a place of hope for the young. As Jesuits, we respond to this call by offering spaces where young people can encounter God and discover a sense of mission and purpose in their lives.
For those considering the Jesuit life, Pope Francis’ continues to encourage us – to be courageous in the path which may be challenging. The future is uncertain, but God is always present in this path. As we accompany these young men in their discernment, we are reminded of our own journeys—how we too once stood on the threshold of a decision, uncertain but filled with hope. It is this same hope that we share with them.
Pope Francis’ messages to the youth are a constant source of inspiration for us. His call for the Church to be a space of encounter, joy, and hope is at the core of what we offer young men discerning their vocation. In every immersion, conversation, and retreat, we aim to create an environment where they can experience God’s love and discern His call for their lives. It is our prayer that, through these encounters, they will not only deepen their relationship with God but also find the courage to say yes to His invitation.
It is our desire then to invite all of you to continue supporting our Vocation Promotion initiatives as we work to provide young men with the spaces they need to encounter God and discern their vocation. As Pope Francis reminds us, the youth are the present and the future of the Church. Let us continue to walk with them, guiding them toward the joy and hope that come from a life lived for God and others.
May the Holy Spirit inspire and guide us in this important work.