The New Year opens before us as both gift and call — a moment to pause in gratitude and to step forward with renewed hope, deeper faith, and fresh apostolic energy. As we begin 2026, the grace of the Christmas season still lingers among us, reminding us that God continues to pitch His tent in our midst, often quietly, always faithfully.

The recent letter of our Father General, Confirmed in the Charism, Sent on a Mission of Rec­onciliation and Justice, offers us a timely and consoling horizon for this new beginning. Rooted in the experience of the Major Superiors’ Meeting and the audience with Pope Leo XIV, the letter re-centres us firmly on what gives life to the Society: familiarity with Jesus, availability for mission, and courage to serve at the frontiers. We are reminded that we are not owners of the mission, but humble collaborators in Christ’s reconciling work — servants sent with others, for others.

Across the Province, the reports of the past month speak eloquently of this living charism. From our formation houses to schools, colleges, parishes, social centres, and outreach pro­grammes, we see communities alive with prayer, collaboration, creativity, and generous ser­vice. Christmas celebrations were not merely festive events but moments of encounter — with the poor, the elderly, the young, the vulnerable, and people of other faiths. These simple yet profound gestures embody the hope we are called to nurture in a fractured world.

At the same time, the beginning of the year invites us to responsible discernment and planning. The ongoing work of budgets, evaluations in view of RRSJSA post-process, and preparations for the next academic year is not a mere administrative exercise; it is an apostolic task. As Fr. General reminds us, cura apostolica and cura personalis must go together. Our planning must therefore be realistic yet faith-filled, attentive to sustainability, and collaborative with mis­sion partners, as well as the long-term formation of persons and institutions entrusted to us.

The months ahead will call us to walk together — Jesuits and collaborators — in a spirit of synodality, especially as we engage new frontiers: the digital world, care for creation, safe­guarding, accompaniment of young people, and vocation promotion. The vitality evident in our ministries, the generosity of our companions, and the dedication of our communities give us every reason for hope.

As pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee year, may we allow the Spirit to renew our inner freedom, rekindle our missionary boldness, and deepen our joy in serving the Lord. Anchored in the charism received from St Ignatius, and encouraged by the Church, let us move forward with confidence, trusting that the One who has begun this good work in us will bring it to comple­tion. I wish you all a grace-filled New Year.