I am happy to say that, from my observations and from your reports, it seems there has been a widespread rediscovery of the universal dimension of our vocation in the Society. In many parts of the Society, there is a renewed awareness that we enter the Society, not a province, and so, especially among our young men, there is an increased willingness to be sent for mission anywhere where there is need in the world. There is increased inter-province and inter-conference cooperation, and there is much generous sharing of resources and manpower.
Behind the reports on apostolate and community, one discerns signs of spiritual health in the Society. Jesuits, on the whole, work hard, with dedication to mission. The growth of the sense of universal vocation, of availability for mission in any place where there is need, particularly in challenging missions, is an encouraging sign of spiritual freedom and apostolic zeal in the Society. The courage and the creativity to begin new apostolic initiatives to serve the poor and to share the Gospel; the perseverance of Jesuits in difficult situations of poverty, war or violence, religious persecution or discrimination; daily, joyful fidelity to prayer, to the Eucharist, to the vows and the greater commitment to community life: all these are indicators of good spiritual health that I find in your reports. [emphasis added]
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