Interview with the Superior General about the Meeting of the Dehonian Bishops 2026

For some time now, you have been preparing a meeting of the Dehonian bishops—those religious to whom the Holy Father has entrusted a mission as bishops. What exactly is a meeting of Dehonian bishops?

Father Carlos Luis Suárez, SCJ: Well, really, it is a very special meeting. After eight years, we meet again with our confreres who have been appointed bishops in the Church. This special meeting is a joy: the joy of sharing our vocation, our common vocation as SCJs, and especially of learning from them, from their experiences. It is also a time to share their daily life and, together, the same spirituality.

Looking back, how many meetings of this kind have already taken place?

As far as I know, the first meeting was in 1999, but it was only for Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking SCJ bishops. It took place in São Paulo, Brazil, and at that time only ten bishops were present. Then came the idea that such meetings should be repeated with all the bishops of the congregation on another occasion. They were enthusiastic, because they realized that they truly need to live their ministry as SCJs.

Why is the meeting not being held in Rome this time, like the previous ones, but rather in Puente la Reina, Spain?

Yes, the last two meetings were celebrated here in Rome, in 2013 and in 2018. And now in Puente la Reina—why? Because this year, in the context of the Dehonian Jubilee, we have the opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Juan María de la Cruz. His body is there, in Puente la Reina. So we think this is an important occasion to be together with one of our brothers who was a true witness of the Gospel of Jesus—a witness in difficult times. He lived his vocation with joy to the very end. That is why we are going there.

At the same time, we were positively surprised to learn, once the meeting had been prepared, that another SCJ, Martino Capelli, will also be beatified. So this meeting takes place “between two blesseds.” I think it will be a very beautiful opportunity to reflect on our vocation to holiness, our vocation to be witnesses of the Heart of Jesus and of the Gospel in our own realities.

How many Dehonian bishops are there, and in which countries or regions do they serve?

We have 24 bishops. Almost half of them are retired. The others, those who are active, are mainly working in Latin America, especially in Brazil. Another group is in Europe and Africa, and one is in Asia, though already retired. They are in very different contexts—rural areas, big cities—and they know well how the Church is living and evolving in their places. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to share all the richness of their experiences. That is why they will be together, both active and emeritus bishops. I am sure there will be much to share, to reflect on the Church from our charism, and to listen to so many meaningful testimonies.

Being a religious and a bishop certainly implies a different way of functioning. What relationship do the bishops maintain with their religious congregations?

They always remain members of our congregation, but their obedience goes directly to the Pope, no longer to the superiors of the congregation. They have a special relationship with the Holy Father. That is why those who are active do not live in our communities; they live in their dioceses. However, there remains a very close relationship with them, because they feel they belong to the congregation. They draw much inspiration from our spirituality, and there is a strong friendship with many members of the congregation—also because in many dioceses there are SCJs working alongside them.

So, religious bishops are still members of their congregation?

Yes, always. They remain members. It is quite interesting that some of those who retire return to live in our communities. They have a special status, but their daily life is that of any other member of the community.

As this meeting begins in just a few days, do you have a message to share with the Dehonian bishops?

More than a message, it is a word of gratitude. I would like to express my gratitude—the gratitude of the general administration—because they said yes. We know they have very busy schedules, but they have made time to offer us the opportunity to be together, to share our life, our charism, our prayer, and our joy. That is something truly important. So, thank you to each one of them. I am sure it will be a very important time for us, and that we will gain ideas and new perspectives to continue serving the Gospel and the Church.