The Jesuits in Aleppo

It is Saturday evening, and something is stirring within the venerable old walls of the Jesuit community in Aleppo. A group of friends stroll into the building—they’ve arrived early for the weekly movie night—and settle into the garden at the heart of the community, where a group of students is also taking a break and discussing life and faith with Frère Julian. Meanwhile, two girls slip by and hurry up the broad spiral staircase; they’re running late for their English class. Soon after, a group of twenty Girl Scouts arrives with their leaders, as they are celebrating Mass with Father Gerry as part of their weekly meeting. One floor above, the leadership team of the Boy Scouts is holding a preparation session with Father Fouad.

It is an evening that perfectly reflects the apostolates we carry out here in Aleppo—an early fruit of the efforts we have been investing over the past few months. Since June, the composition of our Jesuit community has changed significantly. Brother Michael bid farewell after decades of faithful service in Syria and moved on to a new mission in Taanayel. At the same time, Father Gerry returned from Austria after being ordained this summer, and Frère Julian began his regency here in Aleppo. Now, as three young Jesuits, we are striving to continue the remarkable work that previous generations began in this city, while also giving some apostolates a fresh direction and trying out new initiatives.

In the city where Syria’s political transition began almost exactly a year ago, we focus our apostolate on three main dimensions: academic formation, spirituality, and the arts. In all three areas, we are guided by a single question: What can we Jesuits contribute to Syrian society today, inspired by the depth of Ignatian spirituality and our commitment to faith, justice, and reconciliation?

The situation in the country remains difficult—economically and in terms of security. In this context, we aim to open a welcoming space within our community for people of every faith and background. Through various forms of art—drawing, reading circles, cinema clubs, and more—we try to offer room for personal expression, where individuals can share their hopes for their own future and for the future of the country. In our academic formation center, we have begun a collaboration with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), allowing participants to take courses in English, pedagogy, business administration, and many other fields. Our approach is value-oriented: we seek to combine academic excellence with social responsibility and personal growth. Finally, we are engaged in several areas of spirituality—working with two Scout groups, celebrating daily Mass, and accompanying both the CVX community and various meditation groups.

And so, on evenings like this, when laughter in the garden blends with prayer in the chapel and the footsteps of students echo on the staircase, we glimpse what our mission is all about: creating a home where new life can take root in the heart of Aleppo.

Fr. Gerry Baumgartner, S.J.