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Opening of a General Congregation on Monday, January 7, 2008

The General Curia of the Society of Jesus announces the opening of a General Congregation on Monday, January 7, 2008. This is the 35th General Congregation since the foundation of the Society in 1540.

More than 220 Jesuits from around the world will convene at Borgo S. Spirito to elect a new Superior General and to discuss (“discern” in the language of Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Society) the apostolic challenges confronting the Society in the years ahead.

The present Superior General, Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, the 28th successor of Saint Ignatius, is close to 80 years of age, and has been at the helm of the Society for more than 24 years. After hearing the opinion of his Counsellors and with the assent of the Holy Father, Father Kolvenbach will present his resignation to the General Congregation.

Following the election of a new Superior General, the Congregation will move to the discussion of issues suggested by the Preparatory Commission.

Beginning in January, the new website of the Curia Press Office will offer updates at regular intervals.

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