Dear Friends of the Jesuit Institute

For the past (almost) 10 years, I have had the honour and privilege of working as director of the Jesuit Institute South Africa. During this time, I have been enriched by many experiences made possible by diverse and remarkable people from all walks of life. I think of the work that is done in training people to accompany others in spiritual accompaniment and the giving of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, socio-political analysis, the work and collaboration with many people in communications and media both in the Church and in secular society, outreach projects, retreats, workshops, formation work and the important ecumenical relationships that the Institute has been graced to be part of. There is so much to be grateful for! 

Sadly, my time at the Institute has come to an end. The Provincial of the Southern African Province of the Society of Jesus has asked me to take up a new mission and has appointed Fr. Grant Tungay SJ as the new director of the Jesuit Institute. From the end of July 2024, I will take up the mission of pastoring the community at Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein.  

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to you all – volunteers, collaborators, associates, friends and faithful supporters of the Jesuit Institute. You are all appreciated. I ask that you continue to work with and support the Jesuit Institute, whose mission in the Church – both the Catholic Church and many other Christian communities in South Africa, the Southern African region and beyond is now more important than ever. 

There are so many people that I am grateful to for the way they have shaped me and my thinking – and also challenged me! – whilst at the Jesuit Institute. I could not mention you all, but please know that you have not been forgotten, and I owe you much gratitude. I am especially grateful to our ecumenical partners who have opened new possibilities and horizons. 

I am deeply indebted to the staff of the Jesuit Institute, past and present, for their unwavering support, commitment to the Institute – often way beyond the call of duty, and the richness they have brought to my life and work during my time at the Jesuit Institute. I am unsure how to express to the staff what their colleagueship and friendship have meant to me. I could not have done the work without their support and dedication, and I am deeply indebted to each of you for your role in my life and work. 

Working as a team is not always easy, but the last ten years have taught me what teamwork really means. You have testified about what true Jesuit and "partners in mission" collaboration is all about. Long may this continue! I thank Ursula van Nierop, Puleng Matsaneng, Gillian Hugo and Morongoa Selepe for who you are and what you have done to further the mission of the Jesuit Institute and the Society of Jesus. I thank you for your unwavering support. I also thank my Jesuit brothers, Peter Knox SJ and Sean Van Staden SJ, who recently joined the team.

I know that Fr Grant will enjoy the same support, challenge, and commitment because of the wonderful and committed people on the Jesuit Institute's staff, the dedicated volunteers, collaborators, associates, and friends.

I give thanks to God for my time and experience at the Institute. Mostly, I give thanks for all the people I have met. Thank you again for being part of my life and work at the Jesuit Institute. 

Wishing you all the best and many blessings,

Fr Russell Pollitt SJ