Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus 
2019-2029

Released on February 19, 2019, the Jesuit Superior General, Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., announced four Universal Apostolic Preferences for the Society of Jesus over the next decade. These were identified through a fruitful process of discernment lasting almost two years. All Jesuits were invited to take part and many representational mission partners. The process concluded with a confirmation from Pope Francis in a special meeting with Fr Sosa.

The 4 Preferences are:

1. 1. To show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment; 
   2. To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice; 
   3. To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future;
   4. To collaborate in the care of our Common Home.

Read Fr Sosa’s Original Document and see the global Society of Jesus’ website on the Preferences

Topical References

1. To show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment;
   
   • Ignatian Spirituality:
   • The Spiritual Exercises
   • Versions of the Ignatian daily examen  
   • Reflections and biblical readings following the four weeks
   • Discernment:
   • Inspired Decision-making
   •  Video: Inspired Decision-making
     Dr. Debra Mooney
   •  Video: Communal Discernment
     Dr. Debra Mooney at ICp 2019 Alumni Gathering
2. To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice;
   
   • Immigration, migration and refugees
   • Climate Refugees: Your Questions Answered
   • Video: Working with the Poor and Outcast
     Sr. Katherine Freely & Dr. Mary Wardell-Ghirarduzzi at ICP 2019 Alumni Gathering
   • The Long Hard Road - The Cincinnati Enquirer's series
     Part 1  Dreams detoured
     Part 2  The heavy toll of having less
     Part 3  Stuck: This is why the poor stay poor
   • U.S. Income Inequality Worsens, Widening To A New Gap
     NPR, 2019
   • Resources and Social Ethics
     Dr John Sniegocki
3. To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future;
   
   • Video: Accompanying Young People
     Drs. Eileen Burke-Sullivan & M
   • Final Document of the 2018 Synod of Bishops on Young People Faith and Discernment
   • The 2018 Synod and Gift of Young People
     Thinking Faith
   • The 2023 Mindset List
     Factoids about the class of 2023
   • How to have hope: Pope Francis gives point-by-point guide
   • Student self-care practices on the course syllabus, 2020
   • It's Hard to Study if You're Hungry 2018
4. To collaborate in the care of our Common Home.
   
   • Video: Speech to world leaders at UN Climate Action Summit
     Greta Thunberg: 9/23/2019
   • Will Europe take the lead in the fight against climate change? 
     Melissa Vida
   • Ecology and sustainability –Laudato Si' and more
   • Video: Care of our Common Home
     Dr. Stephanie Russell at ICP 2019 Alumni Gathering
   • America’s ‘Green Economy’ Is Now Worth $1.3 Trillion
     Eric Roston
   • Sustainability and the Jesuit Mission
     Dr. Kathleen Smythe
   • Ignatian Pedagogy for Sustainability
     Dr. Kathleen Smythe
     Associations:
     • Catholic Climate Covenant
     • Global Catholic Climate Movement

All Preferences

Universal Apostolic Preferences Advent Prayer English

Universal Apostolic Preferences Advent Prayer French

Universal Apostolic Preferences Advent Prayer Spanish

Powerpoint: The UAPs
Jesuit Curia communications office in Rome

ICP Discerns UAPs for the Society of Jesus 8/15/19

What do Ignatian UAPs have to do with the UN Sustainable Development Goals? 7/15/2019

Introducing the Universal Apostolic Preferences 4/24/2019
Full Presentation - Pihilip Endean SJ

UAPs:Delivering the mission together 4/5/2019

Pray with the Preferences

Fr. General's address to the Discernment and Leadership meeting 4/1/2019 - 4/15/19
Fr. Sosa reflects on how discernment can help realize the new Apostolic "opportunities" at a meeting of 50 Ignatian leaders in Rome. See also a 5 minute video on the impact from attendees.

How the Jesuits’ Four New Apostolic Priorities Support Social Enterprise 3/28/19

News Releases

Fr. Peter Knox SJ reflects on the Universal Apostolic Preferences
Interview done by JCAM Communications Officer, Anastasia Makunu, 2/22/19

The Universal Apostolic Preferences are the mission we share in
Pedro Walpole SJ, EcoJesuits, 2/21/19

Jesuits: Pope approves their 'Apostolic Preferences' for the next 10 years
Zenit articulates how the preferences match the Pope's mission 2/19/19

Universal Apostolic Preferences announced
Jesuits in Britain outline the 2-year discernment process, 2/19/19

Pope commends Jesuits for being in tune with Church priorities
Amendeo Lomanaco, Vatican News, 2/19/19

Universal Apostolic Preferences
A pictorial 2 min. video from the Asia Pacific Jesuits

Introducing the Universal Apostolic Preferences
The Australian Jesuit describe the preferences

Pope Francis approves four priorities for the Jesuits’ next decade 2/19/19
Gerard O'Conell, America, describes the roll-out

The 2003-2018 Apostolic Preferences of Fr General Peter-Hans Kolvenback SJ

Featured Resources

Do You Walk Ignatian? A companion to "Do You Speak Ignatian?," this book includes narratives from faculty and staff regarding their work in relation to key Jesuit values. Click here to order	Ignatian Journal This handsome, spiral-bound "undated" planner is perfect for faculty, staff, and students alike. Its pages include quotes, illustrations, and reflections. Use it for your daily schedule or journaling. Click here to order	The Examen The Examen, a prayer of awareness that Ignatius of Loyola taught in his Spiritual Exercises, helps one notice God's presence in our daily lives. This modern adaptation invites reflection upon five points for spiritual thanksgiving, grace, and introspection. The 3.5"x2" card fits easily in wallets and purses convenience. Click here to order