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Decree 6: “The Formation of Jesuits,” General Congregation 32 (1975)

The delegates to the 32nd General Congregation approved the following decree, a lengthy statement on the process of Jesuit formation in light of the “many changes in the world at large.” The influence of those changes meant that “constant adaptation is required in order to be sure of achieving the essential purpose of our formation.” […]

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Decree 33: “The Relationship of the Society to the Laity and Their Apostolate,” General Congregation 31 (1966)

Teachings and decrees emerging from the Second Vatican Council “demand,” according to the following decree of the 31st General Congregation, “that the Society of Jesus “examine the relationship it has to laymen and their apostolate,” hoping to “bring this relationship into greater harmony with the norms and spirits” of the council. Of the lay people,

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Decree 29: “Scholarly Work and Research,” General Congregation 31 (1966)

Jesuits were to have “a high regard for scholarly activity, especially scientific research properly so called,” according to the following decree from the 31st General Congregation. The congregation’s delegates continue in the decree to declare that such activity “is a very effective apostolate.” Jesuits assigned to scholarly work should not be swayed by “the illusion

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Decree 28: “The Apostolate of Education,” General Congregation 31 (1966)

The delegates at the 31st General Congregation were asked by their fellow Jesuits to articulate how they ought to teach at colleges and universities, according to Jesuit historian John Padberg, “in the light of the characteristics of our vocation and in the light of the theological doctrine on the character and office of the priest

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Decree 26: “Ecumenism,” General Congregation 31 (1966)

According to historian John Padberg, the delegates of the 31st General Congregation issued the following decree in response to requests that “the spirit and work of ecumenism be promoted in the Society” (see the congregation’s historical preface in Jesuit Life & Mission Today (2009), pg. 26–27). The decree expresses the Jesuits’ “filial devotion” to the statements

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Decree 23: “The Jesuit Priestly Apostolate,” General Congregation 31 (1966)

The following decree of the 31st General Congregation of the Society of Jesus responds to several postulata (or petitions) received that contained different concerns on the nature of a Jesuit’s priestly work. Many postulata, according to historian John Padberg, expressed a “fear” that “the present-day Society be too much given over to apostolic works of

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Decree 3: “The Task of the Society Regarding Atheism,” General Congregation 31 (1966)

Pope John VI opened the 31st General Congregation by noting the “fearful danger of atheism threatening human society.” Through the Jesuit delegates gathered for the congregation, the pontiff gave to the entire Society of Jesus (the “champion of the Church and holy religion in adversity”) a special task: “the charge of making a stout, united

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Homily of Father General Adolfo Nicolás Closing General Congregation 35 (2008)

The 35th General Congregation took place during the first two months of 2008. Its delegates approved six decrees and appointed a new superior general. At a Mass closing the congregation, Adolfo Nicolás remarks to his brethren: “I believe that we are all aware that we have had a great experience. The Word of God, however,

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