September holds a sacred resonance in our hearts. It is a month rich in M025arian devotions as we celebrate the Nativity of Our Blessed Mother (Sept 8), the Holy Name of Mary (Sept 12), and Our Lady of Sorrows (Sept 15). These feasts invite us to turn to Mary, who is not only our spiritual mother but also the Mother of the Society of Jesus. At La Storta, it was before her that Ignatius received the confirmation of his mission, to be placed with her Son, carrying the Cross. As Jesuits and mission partners, we continue to draw strength from her unwavering faith and fidelity. “She is more Mother than Queen,” wrote St Thérèse of Lisieux, a reminder that her love for us is intimate, maternal, and transformative.

This month also recalls the roots of our Society. On September 27, 1540, Pope Paul III approved the Society of Jesus through the bull Regimini Militantis Ecclesiae. This foundational moment challenges us to reimagine and restructure Society in our own context of post-truth, post-modernism, and polarisation. The ongoing RRSJSA is a unique opportunity to renew our life-mission. All the Jesuits and close collaborators have gone through meaningful RRSJSA programmes. But more than a structure or programme, it is a spiritual call to walk together as one apostolic body, discerning how best to serve Christ in our changing world. St Ignatius urged us to “Go and set the world on fire.” Today, we are called to do so not alone, but as mission-driven communities and as apostolic teams with the people we serve.

My recent visitation to Fatima Retreat House, Inigo Sadan, Mundgod, Vijayapura, Hassan, and Pannur-Manvi have filled me with deep joy and gratitude. Listening to Jesuits, mission partners, and students was not only encouraging and challenging, but was a moment of discernment, trust, and shared commitment. In each place, I witnessed the flame of the Ignatian spirit alive in hidden yet powerful ways. These visits were pilgrimages of the heart, affirming that our mission is vibrant and our companionship is strong. “Love ought to show itself more in deeds than in words,” said Ignatius, and I saw that love in action everywhere.

As we journey through this month, may the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and the spirit of St Ignatius guide us in discernment, humility, and generous service. Let us look to Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross not in despair, but in steadfast hope. Let her teach us to accompany one another with tenderness and courage. Let her inspire us to be bearers of Christ in a world longing for healing and justice. “In everything, love and serve,” Ignatius reminded us. May we go forward with courage, compassion, and creativity, toward building a Society and a world more attuned to God’s dream for humanity.