The JECSE Pedagogical Leaders Conference 2025 was held from 25 to 28 March in the serene setting of Centro Pastorale Ambrosiano (Seveso, Italy), and brought together pedagogical leaders from Jesuit and companion schools across Europe. Over 90 participants from 13 countries attended, including school heads, deputy heads, heads of studies, formators, and trainer … diverse roles united in the shared commitment: to guide, support, and mentor colleagues, thereby contributing to a more Ignatian and fruitful approach to teaching and learning in our schools.
Inspired by the theme “He sent them two by two… Accompaniment: Walking with our colleagues from and into the heart of our Ignatian tradition”, participants engaged in meaningful discussions and shared practical tools to deepen our mission as Ignatian educators.
“Li inviò due a due” – “He send them two by two”
In his opening address, Fr Claudio Barretta SJ, President of the Jesuit Educational Foundation in Italy, reminded us that true Ignatian accompaniment is not a solitary journey but a shared one, rooted in trust, collaboration and openness. Walking together – despite challenges and differences – enables us to witness to and embody the deeper mission to which we are called.
Prof. Ana Berastegui from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Spain, invited us to reflect on the current context and the needs of our students. She inspired us to consider how we can build a culture of care in our schools by promoting personal growth and fostering meaningful relationships.
Deepening the call
The second day of the conference focused on the relationship between accompaniment and mission. Brian Flannery from Ireland gave an inspiring presentation on the transformative power of accompaniment in educational settings, highlighting its potential to deeply impact both educators and students. Yolanda Baquero shared how the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) can serve as a practical tool for integrating our mission into everyday teaching practices, guiding educators in aligning their work with Ignatian values.
The day was enriched by moments of silence, prayer and spiritual conversation, providing a sacred space for deep reflection and sharing. In the evenings, participants gathered for Taizé-style community prayer – an experience of simplicity, contemplation and deep connection.
The conference also offered moments of joyful integration, where participants connected informally, deepening bonds and sharing experiences in a spirit of camaraderie and fellowship.
Accompaniment in mission: baby steps for our schools
On the third day of the conference we had the opportunity to hear from colleagues who shared powerful testimonies of moments of being accompanied and how they, in turn, accompany others. Participants learned how JECSE and Educate Magis can further support their work in fostering a strong educational community. In the afternoon, group workshops allowed us to take action and plan ‘baby steps’ at local, national and regional levels to strengthen our collective efforts to accompany each other in the pedagogical field.
Closing reflections and connections: A final day of inspiration
The conference concluded with the Eucharist at San Fedele, which provided a spiritual and reflective end to our meeting. On this day we also had the opportunity to visit Istituto Leone XIII in Milan, where we heard about their innovative educational project and their impressive plans for the future. The day was rounded off with a wonderful walk through the streets of Milan, culminating in the inevitable group photo in front of the iconic Milan Cathedral.
As the conference drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of gratitude, inspiration and renewed commitment to Ignatian Education, leaving participants deeply enriched and motivated to take these insights back to their schools and communities with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for their work.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Centro Pastorale Ambrosiano for their generous hospitality, to the Gesuiti Educazione and Istituto Leone XIII for their invaluable support and warm welcome in Italy, and to Matjaz Vertus for beautifully capturing the spirit of our gathering through his photographs. Our deep gratitude also goes to all keynote speakers for their inspiring contributions, and to all conference participants for their active engagement, openness, and shared commitment to our mission.