VOL. 7 NO. 9 January 2008 SPECIAL EDITION
Society of Jesus Elects New Superior General In Rome
Father Cooke A Delegate At The Jesuit General Congregation
 |
Canisius College President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., was one of the 225 Jesuit delegates from around the world who elected a new superior general of the Society of Jesus on January 19, in Rome. The Society of Jesus is the largest religious order in the Roman Catholic Church.
The Congregation selected Rev. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., former provincial of Japan and the current president of the Jesuit conference of East Asia and Oceana, as the 30th superior general of the Jesuits. He succeeds Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., who resigned on January 14 after 25 years of service.
The Congregation selected Rev. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., former provincial of Japan and the current president of the Jesuit conference of East Asia and Oceana, as the 30th superior general of the Jesuits. He succeeds Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., who resigned on January 14 after 25 years of service.
Father Cooke is one of two delegates from New York and only one of 34 from the United States chosen to attend the Congregation. He is the only member of the current American delegation who also served as a delegate at the 1983 Congregation. Father Cooke was also elected to the commission that determines whether any one has aspired to the Office of Superior General. The commission is composed of the most senior members from the 10 assistancies worldwide.
Father Cooke arrived in Rome January 4. He is expected to remain for several more weeks while Congregation members discuss the promotion of new vocations, the role of environmental protection in the Jesuit mission, Jesuit community life, and the Jesuit vow of obedience to the Pope. John J. Hurley '78, executive vice president at Canisius College, is acting president in Father Cooke’s absence.
Father Cooke arrived in Rome January 4. He is expected to remain for several more weeks while Congregation members discuss the promotion of new vocations, the role of environmental protection in the Jesuit mission, Jesuit community life, and the Jesuit vow of obedience to the Pope. John J. Hurley '78, executive vice president at Canisius College, is acting president in Father Cooke’s absence.
To learn more about the Jesuit General Congregation and the election process, click here