By Gabriel Abdi Susanto
YOGYAKARTA (SE): Thousands of Jesuit alumni from across the globe convened in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from July 29 to August 2 for the 11th World Union of Jesuit Alumni [WUJA XI] Congress. Under the theme, “United in Spirit, Leading with Purpose,” alumni, educators, Church leaders, and young professionals examined how Jesuit education is shaping Christian leadership for the 21st century.
The event marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to bring Ignatian values to a world increasingly fractured by conflict, inequality, environmental degradation, and social polarisation. At the closing Mass at Sanata Dharma University, delegates were commissioned to return home as witnesses of reconciliation, justice, and hope in their local Churches and societies.
This missionary focus echoed a core insight of St. Ignatius of Loyola: authentic faith leads to action. Jesuit education aims not only to produce capable graduates, but also to form individuals who discern God’s presence in history and respond to the needs of others.
Participants reflected on the enduring influence of Jesuit formation. Speakers highlighted that alumni from fields such as business, government, education, media, healthcare, technology, and civil society share a common identity rooted not in academic achievement, but in a lifelong commitment to service.
Delegates were urged to become bridge-builders in societies fractured by ideological conflict, religious intolerance, economic disparity, and digital fragmentation. Ignatian discernment—listening before acting and seeking the greater good—was presented as a vital resource for navigating today’s challenge
Delegates were urged to become bridge-builders in societies fractured by ideological conflict, religious intolerance, economic disparity, and digital fragmentation. Ignatian discernment—listening before acting and seeking the greater good—was presented as a vital resource for navigating today’s challenges.
This vision mirrors Pope Francis’ call for Christians to be artisans of encounter, not builders of walls. It also reflects the wider synodal journey of the global Church, where dialogue, participation, and shared mission are now central.
The congress concluded with the unanimous adoption of two key texts: “The Yogyakarta Resolution” and “The Yogyakarta Manifesto”, offering a practical roadmap and spiritual vision for Jesuit alumni worldwide.
The resolution sets out 10 strategic priorities: strengthening the global alumni network, empowering younger generations, promoting peacebuilding and interreligious dialogue, caring for creation as inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, encouraging ethical leadership, expanding digital outreach, supporting social innovation, deepening Ignatian formation, enhancing collaboration with Jesuit institutions, and creating local action plans before the next congress.
The manifesto, meanwhile, addresses the spiritual identity of Jesuit alumni. It recognises global crises—war, poverty, climate change, polarisation, religious intolerance, and technological misuse—and reaffirms core gospel values in response.
A defining feature of WUJA XI was its focus on younger alumni—not merely as future leaders, but as partners shaping the mission today. The congress promoted mentoring, international collaboration, leadership development, and greater engagement of young professionals in decision-making
Among its strongest affirmations is the conviction that every person has inviolable dignity, diversity is a gift, dialogue prevails over conflict, service over power, and hope over fear. The document calls on alumni to become “bridges, not walls”, to support the poor, protect creation, and witness to Christ through humility and compassionate leadership.
A defining feature of WUJA XI was its focus on younger alumni—not merely as future leaders, but as partners shaping the mission today. The congress promoted mentoring, international collaboration, leadership development, and greater engagement of young professionals in decision-making.
This emphasis echoes the Jesuit tradition of supporting young people to discern their vocation, develop their gifts, and serve others.
The closing lines of the Yogyakarta Manifesto captured the spirit of the congress: “Gathering is not our destination. Mission is.”
These words encapsulate both the spirit of WUJA XI and the enduring legacy of Ignatian spirituality.
Gabriel Abdi Susanto is a Catholic journalist and independent writer based in Indonesia
