The 11th World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) Congress opened on July 30 at the Driyarkara Auditorium of Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, a cultural and educational hub on Indonesia's Java island, bringing together more than 1,000 alumni of Jesuit educational institutions from around the world.
Held under the theme "United in Spirit, Leading with Purpose," the congress marks the 70th anniversary of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni and seeks to strengthen the global Jesuit alumni network in addressing leadership, education, peacebuilding, human dignity, and social justice.
Among the participants is Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who traveled from Rome to attend the gathering. He is joined by members of the Jesuit Curia, WUJA leaders, educators, alumni representatives, academics, and civic leaders.
Welcoming the delegates, Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, SJ, Provincial of the Indonesian Province of the Society of Jesus, described the congress as an opportunity to renew friendship and strengthen the shared mission of Jesuit alumni worldwide.
Reflecting on the congress theme, Fr. Bagus encouraged participants to become leaders rooted in a deep relationship with God while remaining attentive to the realities of both the global and local communities they serve.
He thanked Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and local authorities for supporting the international gathering in one of Indonesia's leading centers of culture and higher education.
Drawing on the recent teaching of Pope Leo XIV, Fr. Bagus warned against viewing people merely through the lens of data, productivity, or efficiency.
"We are called to uphold the dignity of every person and become global citizens committed to peace, solidarity, and justice," he said.
Officially opening the congress, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X welcomed delegates "not merely as guests but as friends" whose experiences and aspirations could enrich one another.
He said knowledge finds its true purpose when translated into service, faith grows stronger when put into action, and fraternity must become a lived reality rather than simply a cherished memory.
Addressing the congress theme, the Sultan said today's world requires leaders marked by wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen.
"True leadership is measured not by the loudness of one's voice or the extent of one's power, but by the willingness to listen, exercise self-restraint, and place the common good above personal interests," he said.
The governor expressed hope that the congress would inspire renewed commitment to fraternity, dialogue, and human-centered leadership amid growing social fragmentation, ecological challenges, and the erosion of shared values.
The congress runs through Aug. 2 and features plenary sessions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and Ignatian conversations focused on leadership, education, peacebuilding, sustainability, and the future of the worldwide Jesuit alumni network.
Participants will also take part in liturgical celebrations, cultural immersion activities, and visits to historical and heritage sites in Yogyakarta and neighboring Central Java, culminating in a gala marking the 70th anniversary of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
