Visit of the New Jesuit Provincials to JRS Europe Office

Last week, the JRS Europe office had the privilege of welcoming three new Provincials of the Society of Jesus: Fr. Ronny Alessio SJ, Provincial of the Euro-Mediterranean Province; Fr. Gonzalo Villagrán SJ, recently appointed as Socius and Treasurer of the Jesuit Conference of Provincials in Europe and the Middle East (JCEP) and member of the Board of JRS Europe; and Fr. Pavel Bačo SJ, Provincial of the Bohemia Province (BOH).

The visit provided an important opportunity for dialogue and exchange with the staff in Brussels. The meeting, coordinated by JRS Europe Director Fr. Alberto Ares SJ, included an overview of the projects currently underway across Europe and a reflection on the broader migration and asylum situation in the region.

The team presented key initiatives that respond to the needs of refugees and forcibly displaced persons, such as legal assistance, community-building programmes, access to housing, and labour market integration. The discussion also highlighted the structural challenges faced by displaced communities, as well as the opportunities for building more welcoming and inclusive societies.

The encounter was marked by mutual encouragement and reaffirmed the Society of Jesus’ mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees. JRS Europe looks forward to continued collaboration with the Provincials and the wider Jesuit network.