Leonard Chiti SJ is Provincial of the Jesuit Southern Africa Province, covering 9 countries. Prior to this, he was Zambia Malawi Jesuit Provincial, Coordinator of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) and Director of Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).

Leonard’s address spoke of the future of international development and the importance of building partnerships, breaking away from paternalistic models of charity to models of real and tangible solidarity.

Leonard warmly shared his Irish connections that shaped him into the person he is today – “I am deeply indebted to the Irish Jesuits who introduced me to the Society of Jesus…Colm O’Riordan SJ was one of the first Jesuits to arrive in Northern Rhodesia in the later 1950s and was the first Jesuit I met…Des O’Brien SJ was like a father-figure to me when I was involved in youth programmes at college and John Dooley SJ introduced me to the Spiritual Exercises, in particular the Principle and Foundation, which remains a key meditation in my life even up to today…Jerry O’Connell SJ…helped me make up my mind about joining the Jesuits, whilst Michael J Kelly SJ was a source of personal inspiration throughout the many years I knew him, both as lecturer at the University of Zambia, and as a companion…Joe Dargan SJ…was my Tertian Master at Manresa Retreat Centre in Dublin. John Guiney SJ and Murt Curry SJ held my hand when I assumed the role of Director at JCTR by linking (with) Misean Cara…who provided the much-needed financial support to grow the centre and enabled it to play a significant role in the development of Zambia. Finally, Leonard Moloney SJ journeyed with me as a fellow Major Superior, as we were both appointed in the same year. So, you can see the ties between us run deep.”

Read Leonard’s full speech here: Leonard Chiti SJ – New Models of Solidarity