Young Jesuits Pull a First in Dodoma
By Vincent Opiyo, SJ
From the uncertainties of protests in Nairobi—events that periodically disrupt normal life in Kenya’s economic hub and political capital—to the calm and certainty of Dodoma, Tanzania’s political capital, young Jesuits in formation crossed geographical and cultural boundaries to gather for the 2026 Jesuits in Formation (JIF) Meeting—a first, perhaps, since its inception.
Hosted at Our Lady Queen of Peace Community in Ihumwa, Dodoma, from 31 May to 5 June 2026, the annual gathering brought together Jesuits in philosophy, theology, regency, special studies, and the diaconate under the theme “Beyond Ignatian Boundaries: Ignatian Renewal for Today’s Frontiers.”
The atmosphere throughout the week was one of fraternity, reflection, and hope. Against the backdrop of Dodoma’s serenity, participants engaged in conversations that challenged them to reimagine Jesuit formation and mission in a rapidly changing world. The gathering itself became a living expression of its theme, as young Jesuits moved beyond national, cultural, and academic boundaries to listen, learn, and discern together.
Drawing from the rich treasures of the Jesuit tradition, speakers repeatedly invited participants to “drink from our own sources”—the Spiritual Exercises, the Constitutions, General Congregations, the Universal Apostolic Preferences, and other foundational documents of the Society of Jesus.
Fr. Joseph Mboya, SJ, emphasized the primacy of the spiritual dimension in Jesuit life, reminding participants that our Jesuit identity is a gift to the world. He challenged them to reflect on fundamental questions: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? Fr. Chris Mapunda, SJ, and Fr. Emmanuel Mutambo, SJ, challenged the gathering to engage courageously with the intellectual and cultural frontiers of the twenty-first century, urging young Jesuits to become credible companions, equipped with determination and zeal to accomplish their missions.
The digital frontier also featured prominently in the discussions. Echoing concerns expressed by Pope Leo XIV in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, participants reflected on the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. In the same vein, Ms. Catherine Mangasin encouraged participants to embrace digital platforms as spaces for evangelization, especially among young people who increasingly inhabit these virtual environments.
The Province Treasury Office highlighted another important frontier: sustainability. Through presentations and dialogue, participants were encouraged to cultivate a culture of stewardship, accountability, and ownership in the management of apostolic works. The treasury team also offered reasons for optimism by outlining ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the Province’s financial sustainability and expanding its resource base.
Participants were also invited to consider another frontier—the missions in Japan—through a presentation by Scholastic John Mukulu, SJ, who shared insights into the opportunities and challenges of Jesuit ministry in that context.
Addressing the gathering, both the Provincial and the Delegate of Formation emphasized the importance of openness to mission and availability for service wherever the Society may call. They also identified areas requiring continued growth, encouraging the young Jesuits to remain committed to ongoing conversion and formation.
Beyond the formal presentations, the meeting provided opportunities for prayer, recreation picnic comprises, and the strengthening of bonds among Jesuits at different stages of formation. These moments of encounter fostered a deeper sense of belonging to this little Society of Jesus.
The five-day meeting concluded with the election of new JIF officials. Gregory Okumu, SJ, was elected Chairperson; Eric Mwaniki, SJ, Secretary; William Shayo, SJ, Treasurer; and Gaudence Kavishe, SJ, Logistics and Social Coordinator. They succeed Reginald Mduda, SJ, Vincent Kavishe, SJ, Richard Massawe, SJ, and Moses Muhwezi, SJ, whose service was acknowledged with gratitude.
As some participants departed Dodoma for their various communities and apostolic assignments, others remained behind for their annual retreat, enjoying the generosity of the community in prayer. Special gratitude too to K-Ndege parish, St. Ignatius primary and Ihumwa community for their generosity. Yet one question lingered on many lips. Beyond the memories of a successful gathering and the renewed invitation to move beyond spiritual, intellectual, cultural, digital, and geographical boundaries in service of Christ’s mission, a final question remained: Where next for JIF 2027?
