From the Desk of the Secretary, World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA)
To the Members of the Federation of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI)
Dear Companions in Mission,
It is with immense joy and a profound sense of shared purpose that I reach out to you all in the Federation of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI). You all are the oneswho had faith in me, and who have promoted me one-step-at-a-time till my election as the Global Secretary of WUJA at its 11th Global Congress at Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 28th July 2026. I feel truly humbled and thankful to you all and to The Divine for blessing me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve at this high a pedestal.
We have recently witnessed a historic milestone in our shared journey at the prestigious Sanata Dharma Universityin Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Coinciding with the landmark 70th anniversary of WUJA, this 11th WUJA Congress brought together hundreds of alumni leaders, Jesuit educators, and institutional executives from 30 countries spread around every corner of the globe. Guided by the inspiring theme, “United in Spirit, Leading with Purpose,” the event served as a dynamic platform for festive reunion, deep collective reflection, and deliberate strategic action. From the opening Eucharistic celebration at the Javanese-style GanjuranChurch to the keynote addresses by Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, the atmosphere was charged with the vibrant spirit of the Magis. Thanks a million to the energetic, enterprising and enthusiastic organizing team for putting-up such a wonderful and purposeful show !
Outcomes of the 11th Global Congress
The five-day assembly in Indonesia was not merely a retrospective celebration but a forward-looking beacon. The deliberations yielded key transformative outcomes aimed at equipping alumni to serve a deeply fragmented world:
The Yogyakarta Manifesto 2026: The definitive crown of the Congress, this historic declaration outlines our collective identity and commitment to tackling modern global challenges. It pledges that our associations across 30 countries will transcend being mere structures, morphing instead into authentic communities that live out Ignatian values transparently.
A Commitment to Dialogue and Diversity: Reflecting the peaceful multi-faith fabric of Indonesia, the Congress affirmed diversity as a vital gift. The final resolutions highlighted that dialogue is always more powerful than polarization, framing alumni as agents of peace.
Eco-Responsibility and Social Justice: In alignment with Laudato Si’, the assembly fully integrated ecological protection into all cross-border initiatives. We pledged to work as faithful companions alongside the poor, marginalized, and forgotten.
Strategic Frameworks for Action: Delegates established structured action plans for life-long learning and formal collaboring frameworks between local associations and Jesuit provinces.
Till we meet at India – 12th WUJA Congress 2030: The General House approved and accepted India to be the HOST for the 12th Global Congress of WUJA in 2030. The Indonesia show has definitely set the bar high, but India and Indian Jesuit Alumni are sure and confident of winning global hearts with your passion, planning, preparation and fantastic culture of unmatched hospitality. We shall need each one of you to be our ambassadors and volunteers at the same time. Let us all rock-it !
Importance of Networking of Alumni Associations (locally & globally)
Our education is never a completed chapter but an enduring spirituality of mission. Our local alumni associations form the foundational bricks of this worldwide architecture.
Amplifying Social Impact: School or college associations channelize individual professional expertise into organized social welfare. By structuring blood donation camps, medical missions, and local educational sponsorships, individual actions are scaled into community transformations.
Leveraging Global Networking: Global networking across sister associations creates a borderless community. When JAAI syncs with WUJA, an alumnus/na from India gains instantaneous professional, spiritual, and social anchors anywhere in the world – bridging Eastern and Western perspectives seamlessly.
Guardians of the Ignatian Legacy: Associations keep the flame of Ignatian spirituality burning outside the campus walls. They ensure that values such as Cura Personalis(care for the whole person) and being “men and women for and with others” remain active life principles across careers and households.
Benefits to All Stakeholders
A thriving, interconnected Jesuit alumni network yields multi-faceted dividends across the board:
For the Society of Jesus: Alumni are not passive beneficiaries; as Father General Arturo Sosa reminds us. They are critical, lifelong “Partners in Mission.” They expand the pastoral and developmental reach of the Society into secular domains.
For Educational Institutions: Schools and universities gain a powerful resource base. Active alumni return as mentors, provide industry-aligned insights, offer critical internship avenues, and champion infrastructure developments for their alma maters.
For the Alumni: Members enjoy deep professional networking, continuing mentorship, and a continuous return to source values. It provides an immediate avenue for personal fulfillment through organized social outreach.
For Society at Large: Local communities directly benefit from an educated, ethical workforce committed to human dignity, inter-religious harmony, and structured developmental works.
As we look ahead, sent forth to transform the world with a renewed spirit, I extend my fraternal greetings to the office-bearers of JAAI. I commend President Emanuel Furtado, Secretary Rajiv Talwar, our National Alumni Advisor, the entire Governing Council of JAAI for their visionary stewardship and unwavering dedication to mobilizing the vibrant Indian delegation to Yogyakarta. Your tireless efforts are instrumental in keeping India at the forefront of our international movement.
Furthermore, I offer my warmest congratulations to Prof. Dr. Edmund Frank, the distinguished Editor of “Voice of JAAI”. The consistent excellence, narrative depth, and communicative reach of the bulletin are exemplary, serving as an essential chronicle of our shared mission.
Let us march onward together, united in spirit and leading with purpose, for the greater glory of God—Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
