Jeswebcom Conference: Digital Challenges in Communicating

People from around Europe gathered in Portugal for the Jeswebcom Conference to learn about the new challenges in the digital world and how to implement the Jesuit Apostolic Preferences within them.

From the 9th to 12th May 2022, twenty-four Jesuits and collaborators from all over Europe gathered in Rodizio, near Lisbon, for the Jeswebcom Conference to reflect on the digital challenges in communicating Jesuit apostolic preferences and works.

Fr Antonio Spadaro, SJ (EUM) joined the conference virtually to share some insights of his experience with the emerging digital culture.

“We cannot ignore the internet. The internet should not be considered a parallel world, but an extension of our daily lives and an experience, which is particularly important for young people”

Fr Antonio Spadaro, SJ at the Jeswebcom Conference

Young people were also the focus of Fr. John Dardis’ presentation of a new digital platform, initiated by the General: The Global Ignatian Youth Network, planned to be ready for Magis2023.

Development of digital culture

Two guest speakers were invited to share their knowledge: Professor Fernando Ilharco from the Catholic University of Portugal spoke about the development of digital culture over the years, how perception has changed and how media has become an extension of ourselves. The digital marketing expert Rita Fevereiro gave a very good insight into the digital space, which is very crowded and fast-paced. Therefore it is extremely important to be relevant and reliable when posting messages. Both talks were followed by exercises and discussions in small groups to exchange thoughts, challenges and ideas.

The agenda also included a visit to the Jesuit Church of São Roque in Lisbon, where an exhibition on the Ignatian Year is currently on display. Just across the road, we were invited to visit the Brotería, an innovative cultural centre with an open house concept, encouraging conversations, exhibitions, performances and coworking spaces.

Creating a hope-filled future

Before the JesWeb conference came to an end, the Magis 2023 team presented its marketing strategy for the 2023 Magis event, which will take place in Portugal under the motto “Let’s create a hope-filled future“. Young people of ages 18 to 30 are invited to gather in Portugal from 22-31 July 2023.

After four very inspiring days, all participants returned to their home provinces with new impulses, ideas and plenty of learnings from this very well organised JesWeb Conference.

Article originally published on the JCEP website.