This June, the air at the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa is rich with gratitude, reflection, and prophetic witness. Our 43rd issue arrives at a remarkable intersection in Church history and African ecclesial life; a time marked by transitions, testimony, and tireless commitment to memory and mission.
We begin with a moment of global significance: the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope from the Augustinian Order and North America. His background as a missionary, pastor, and Vatican servant mirrors a growing global vision of the Church; one that bridges continents and apostolic charisms. It is fitting, then, that we also revisit the enduring Jesuit vow of obedience to the Pope; not merely a formality, but a lived commitment to serve where the need is greatest. Jesuit history, past and present, affirms this availability for mission as a vital part of the Church’s evangelical outreach.
Closer to home, this issue highlights how physical spaces also carry the weight of memory and mission. The story of the Arrupe-Amani Campus on Riara Road; its architectural roots, institutional transformation, and ongoing renovation reminds us that Jesuit foresight and collaboration can convert once-humble accommodations into vibrant centers of scholarship, peacebuilding, and preservation. The evolution of this space is testimony to JHIA’s own growth in purpose and resilience, even amid budgetary and infrastructural constraints.
Meanwhile, the 6th Librarians and Archivists Gathering at PAC University, co-hosted by JHIA, challenges us to consider our responsibility in shaping and sustaining African memory. In a digital age often dominated by Eurocentric models of knowledge and preservation, voices from this gathering call us to archive indigenous knowledge, amplify community records, and bridge the gaps between oral tradition and written legacy. It is a timely and prophetic reminder: that history, if not carefully preserved and told, risks being erased.
We are humbled by the story of Floribert Bwana Chui, whose upcoming beatification reminds us of the price of integrity. His refusal to allow spoiled food to be sold in his community, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for truth and justice; elevates him as a martyr not only of the Church but of civic responsibility. In a region often scarred by exploitation, Floribert’s life is a rallying cry to young Africans; to shine with honesty, to resist corruption, and to live the Beatitudes in everyday witness.
Finally, we celebrate the initiative of young Jesuits who have recently pronounced their first vows. Their stories are reminders that vocation flourishes in fidelity, service, and mission; even amid the challenges of contemporary African society. We thank all our contributors and readers who continue to walk this path with us. May these stories nourish your spirit and renew your resolve.
By Denis Mũnyua
Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa (JHIA)
