Visit of Father General Arturo Sosa to Minia, Egypt

From March 20 to 21, Father Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), visited Minia, Egypt, as part of his journey to witness and support the Jesuit mission in the region. This visit highlighted the longstanding commitment of the Jesuits to social, educational, and spiritual development in Upper Egypt, particularly through the work of the Jesuit community in Minia.

Day One: Thursday, March 20

The visit began at the Gad-el-Sid Social Center, a mission with the  vulnerable and marginalized youth and adult in Minia. Established in the late 1960s by Brother Chamaoun, S.J., the center has grown from offering catechism classes to providing a wide range of social, educational, and recreational activities for the local community, regardless of religious affiliation. Father Sosa participated in a Ramadan breakfast with the children and youth of the center, symbolizing the Jesuit commitment to interfaith dialogue and community building.

After the breakfast, Father Sosa returned to the Jesuit Residence in Minia, where he met with Jesuit priests in their third year of tertianship (a period of final formation in the Society of Jesus). This 45-minute meeting was an opportunity for Father Sosa to encourage and guide these Jesuits as they prepare for their final vows and future missions.

The evening continued with a cultural event featuring a theatrical performance by Nubian youth. This performance showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Nubian community, reflecting the Jesuits’ dedication to promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression. The day concluded with a communal dinner and sharing session with the local Jesuit community, where Father Sosa expressed his gratitude for their tireless work in Minia.

Day Two: Friday, March 21

On the second day, Father Sosa embarked on a tour of the Jesuit facilities in Minia, starting with the Jesuit Church. Here, he met with young members of the Christian Education group led by Brother Shimon, as well as participants in the MEJ (Eucharistic Youth Movement), a youth movement focused on spiritual growth and community service based on the ignatian spirituality.

Father Sosa then visited the Jesuit School in Minia, a historic institution that has been educating and forming young people for over 135 years. He met with Mr. Jamil, a teacher who shared his experiences and the impact of the school on generations of students. Father Sosa also spoke with alumni of the school, who expressed their gratitude for the Jesuit education that shaped their succesful lives.

The tour continued with a visit to the ” Future Generation” program, a Jesuit initiative aimed at fostering cultural awareness, volunteerism, and leadership among young people. Father Sosa also viewed a photo exhibition documenting the various activities and projects of the Jesuit mission in Minia, including the work of the Jesuits’ and Brothers’ Association (JBA), which focuses on social development and empowerment.

The visit culminated in a gathering at the YES’s (Youth Educational Service) theater, where Father Sosa was warmly welcomed by Father Magdy Seif, S.J., the local superior. The event featured a choir performance by students from the Jesuit school, a documentary video highlighting the Jesuit mission in Minia, and a Q&A session with Father Sosa. In his closing remarks, Father Sosa expressed his admiration for the work being done in Minia and reaffirmed his support for the Jesuit mission and its collaboration with lay partners.

Father Arturo Sosa’s visit to Minia was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the Jesuit mission in Egypt. Through education, social development, and cultural initiatives, the Jesuits in Minia continue to serve as a beacon of hope and transformation for the local community. Father Sosa’s presence and words of encouragement reinforced the importance of this work and the need for continued collaboration between the Jesuits and the people they serve.

This visit not only celebrated the achievements of the Jesuit community in Minia but also inspired all those involved to continue their efforts in building a more just and compassionate society.