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INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON JESUIT STUDIES

Jesuits and Their Journals

Boston |Ìý June 9 – 11, 2026

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In its history, the Society of Jesus has significantly influenced intellectual discourse through various print media, including journals, magazines, newspapers, and periodical publications. From theological and philosophical treatises to scientific discoveries, mission reports, political commentaries, and cultural critiques, Jesuit publications have acted as essential platforms for sharing information, scholarly engagement, spiritual reflection, and global dialogue within and without the Society.

The International Symposium, in collaboration with the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry, explores the history, impact, and development of Jesuit periodicals from their inception to the present, as well as the debates and outcomes they generated. We invite scholars to submit papers on topics including, but not limited to:

• The role of Jesuit periodicals in shaping public discourse and intellectual thought
• Global circulation and influence of Jesuit magazines and journals
• Jesuit engagement with politics, science, and education through their periodicals
• Case studies of influential Jesuit publications (e.g. Litterae Annuae, Mémoires de Trévoux, La Civiltà Cattolica, Lettres de Jersey, Archivum Historicum Societatis Iesu, Études, Gregorianum, Brotéria, Razón y Fe, Theological Studies, The Way, Jesuit Educational Quarterly, The Month, America Magazine, etc.)
• Editorial strategies and audience development of Jesuit periodicals
• Relationship between Jesuit journalism and the Catholic hierarchy
• Transition of Jesuit periodicals into the digital age
• The influence of Jesuit writings upon Jesuit pedagogy and the educational apostolate
• The network participating in cultural life either from inside or outside the Society

In addition to proposals that consider Jesuit history, spirituality, and pedagogy, we welcome proposed dedicated panels that focus on theological topics and discussions that appear in Jesuit publications and sources, for example:

• Intersections between Jesuit / Ignatian spirituality and theology
• Theological movements in which Jesuits played a significant role
• Connections between Ignatian/Jesuit spirituality and Pope Francis’ theology of synodality and ecclesiology
• The contribution of Ignatian/Jesuit spirituality to new constructive and practical or contextual theologies
• Other topics in systematics and ethics

Proposals and a narrative CV are due before the end of Monday, December 1, 2025.Selected papers may be peer-reviewed and published in open access following the event. More details are available at bc.edu/iajs. Submissions should be made through this form. Contact the Institute with questions (iajs@bc.edu).

The aim of the International Symposium on Jesuit Studies, sponsored by Boston College’s Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies, is to establish a platform for academic exchange that will stimulate scholars to cross the thematic and chronological boundaries of their research fields in order to reflect this interdisciplinary development.

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