On  July 11th, the presidents and administrators of more than 200 Jesuit institutions and organizations from across the world attended the signing of a charter that established the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU).

The charter was signed by Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who met with each regional delegation during the meeting, and spoke about the university as “a source of reconciled life.” He said:

Through its commitment to the university, the Society seeks to contribute to turn the word of Jesus into a historical truth: …I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Reconciliation is possible when there is life. Life produces reconciliation, which in turn makes life full. Reconciliation is a way of returning to life and making it grow toward fullness. A full life entails a kind of love capable of giving one’s life so that all may have life. The growing commitment of the Society of Jesus within the university’s endeavor takes on its meaning through the desire to effectively contribute to enabling a dignified full life for each and every human being, both in the present and in the future.” 

Among the members of the United States delegation was the president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), Rev. Michael J. Sheeran, S.J., and the president of Le Moyne College, Dr. Linda LeMura. Several other presidents of U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities, and administrators of Jesuit institutions and organizations in North America also attended IAJU.

To read the remarks and reflections published by  AJCU please click here.