St. John’s College Welcomes Superior General of the Society of Jesus

As Belize commemorates 175 years of Jesuit presence and mission, St. John’s College was deeply honored to welcome the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the Very Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., on his first official visit to the nation. His presence marked a historic moment for the College, the wider Jesuit community, and the nation, as he presided over a special Mass celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the Society of Jesus in Belize.

For 175 years, the Jesuits have walked alongside the people of Belize, shaping the nation’s spiritual, educational, and social landscape. Through the establishment of churches and schools across the country, the Society of Jesus has fostered communities of faith, learning, and solidarity. St. John’s College stands proudly as one of the most enduring expressions of that Jesuit mission, alongside sister parishes and apostolates including St. Peter Claver, St. Martin de Porres, and St. John Vianney.

A highlight of the Very Reverend Arturo Sosa’s liturgical celebration was the rededication of Fordyce Chapel, the spiritual heart of the SJC campus. For generations, the chapel has served as a sacred space for prayer, discernment, celebration, and quiet encounter with God. Its rededication symbolizes the renewal of a sacred trust and reaffirms the College’s commitment to forming students in body, mind, and spirit. At St. John’s College, education remains rooted in faith and inspired by the Jesuit tradition of service to others.

Fr. Sosa’s presence at St. John’s College marked a profound spiritual, historical, and institutional milestone. His visit came at a moment of great national significance as Belize celebrates the 175th anniversary of a legacy that has shaped the spiritual, educational, and social fabric of our nation for nearly two centuries. His visit during this historic anniversary year was a powerful affirmation of the enduring Jesuit commitment to Belize and its people. His presence was made even more meaningful as St. John’s College also begins its 140th Anniversary celebrations, initiating a milestone year rooted in the same Jesuit tradition of service and mission.

St. John’s College expresses its deepest appreciation to the Very Reverend Arturo Sosa, S.J., for his pastoral leadership, prayerful accompaniment, and witness to faith and mission. His visit will remain a moment of lasting significance for the College and for Belize. As the institution embarks on its 140th Anniversary Year, it does so strengthened in Jesuit identity and renewed in its commitment to faith, excellence, and service.

The College extends heartfelt gratitude to its Jesuit community, administrators, faculty, staff, and campus teams whose dedication and collaborative spirit made this historic celebration possible. Their efforts reflect the shared mission that continues to define St. John’s College after 140 years.

May God continue to bless the Society of Jesus, the nation of Belize, and St. John’s College as together they journey in faith and service to others.

In keeping with established protocol, the College respectfully refrained from publicizing the visit until after his departure.