“How would it be if you became the superior of the Jesuit community at Campion Hall?”
This intriguing proposition from the British Jesuits came as a surprise to Patrick Goujon SJ, who had only recently been appointed as editor-in-chief of the French theological journal, Recherches de Sciences Religieuse. Initially thinking it was a jest, Patrick has since accepted and taken his new role at Campion Hall in his stride.
Having spent his sabbatical year at Campion Hall during the second Covid lockdown, Patrick is a familiar figure to Hall members. As “superior”, he plays an important role in guiding the Jesuit community. Drawing inspiration from the founding principles of Ignatius and his companions, he aims to facilitate the communication of the Jesuit Spirit both within the community and beyond, discerning its presence in all aspects of life.
Amid his new responsibilities, Patrick will continue with his research in Jesuit spirituality and the supervision of his doctoral students at Centre Sèvres, Paris. He says: “One of my projects is to start a seminar on the history of the commentaries on the Spiritual Exercises. I'm also thinking of writing a book on ‘What does it mean to be drawn to Jesus Christ in today's world?’”
On a more personal note, a book authored by Patrick and translated by the late Joe Munitiz SJ, a former Master of Campion Hall, is set to launch on 1 November: Precarious: A Survivor of Clerical Abuse Remembers, published by Georgetown University Press. This book represents another chapter in Patrick’s life, focusing on healing and recovery after years of traumatic amnesia.
Campion Hall is delighted to welcome Patrick into our fold and looks forward to the contributions he will bring to our academic and spiritual community.
