Between 6–10 November, Father General of the Society of Jesus, Arturo Sosa, visited Ukraine and the Jesuit organizations working within the country. During his visit, which represents the first visit of Father General to the country, he inaugurated the Centre Space for Hope and brought a message of hope and commitment to long-term accompaniment to those affected by the ongoing war.

In his speech, Father General Arturo Sosa highlighted: “[…] the Society of Jesus, always eager to walk with the poor, the weak and the excluded, responded as quickly as possible with aid appropriate to the situation. Thanks to the commitment of many of my confreres, and especially of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Europe and the many partners of this mission, it was possible to provide coordinated assistance in a short time, thanks to which, both in Ukraine and in the countries immediately bordering […] but also further away – more than 100,000 people received support and assistance, providing them with shelter, support for education, integration into a new context, health care or legal assistance.”

And he added: “As time went by, it became increasingly clear that, in addition to immediate help in an emergency situation, long-term help would also be needed to address the wounds that are not visible at first sight, and that this war has inflicted and unfortunately is still inflicting on so many people.”

Space of Hope

The Centre Space of Hope in Chernivtsi is a new Jesuit project that will provide psychosocial and spiritual accompaniment, dialogue and reconciliation for those affected by the war. With over 20 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a chapel and multipurpose rooms, Space of Hope will start running before the end of the year.

Beyond participating in the inauguration, Father General also took the time to have individual conversations with the Jesuits in Ukraine. During these dialogues, he listened to the worries and hopes of each of the Jesuits working in the country, while also expressing his support in these difficult times.

Visit to JRS Ukraine

In addition to inaugurating the Centre, Father General also visited the JRS Ukraine shelter and offices in Lviv. There he got to know first-hand about JRS Ukraine’s work with internally displaced people, especially those coming from the eastern regions of the country.

Alberto Ares, JRS Europe Regional Director underlined: “The visit of Arturo Sosa is a milestone in the work of the Jesuits in Ukraine. It means a lot not only to the Jesuits in the country but also to our staff working here. They were excited to welcome him and feel the support of the Society of Jesus. It shows that both JRS and the society of Jesus are committed to accompanying not only on the short term but on the long term”.

Father General also took the time to share lunch with the JRS Ukraine team as well as the residents of one of JRS Ukraine’s shelters. He also attended a Fundraising event where art done by kids accompanied by JRS Ukraine was auctioned.

Inga Dul, JRS Ukraine Country director expressed: “It’s an important day for us because it shows that we are not alone. That the Jesuits worldwide support us in difficult times for the country. They hold us in their thoughts. We are very grateful for this visit and for Father General sharing this time and listening to our stories and our pain”.

Since the start of the war, the Society of Jesus has accompanied more that 110.000 people, including more than 17.000 in Ukraine alone. Coordinated by JRS Europe and the Xavier Network, in collaboration with NGOs and local partners, the Society of Jesus has provided emergency aid, shelter, psychosocial support, education, and integration, among other services.

*this news was originally published by JRS Europe