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As the newly appointed Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada, Fr. Jeffrey S. Burwell brings a rich tapestry of experiences to his role. A Saskatchewan native raised in the Catholic faith, he maintains diverse interests ranging from hunting and fishing to playing the organ. Though modest about his linguistic abilities, he speaks French very well, enough indeed to be a certified French teacher in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Now, after his first five months leading the Province, Fr. Burwell reflects on both the challenges and opportunities ahead. His approach to this significant responsibility is rooted in deep trust in God: “This role is teaching me to deepen my trust in his Divine Providence and will.” This foundation of faith guides him as he addresses the major priorities for his tenure: restructuring the province, focusing on Regis College, promoting vocations, walking with Indigenous Peoples and supporting our work in Haiti.
In this article, Fr. Burwell shares insights into his Jesus-inspired leadership style and discusses the key priorities for the Province as outlined by Fr. General Arturo Sosa.
Leadership
Fr. Burwell approaches leadership with both thoughtful introspection and strategic vision. An introvert by nature, he values loyalty, supportive relationships, and the ability to see the big picture. “My degree is in educational administration, with a focus on human resource management, systems, and structures.”
His leadership philosophy embraces hierarchical structures as the most effective means for fulfilling mission goals. “I don’t view hierarchy as a matter of greater power. There are no higher or lower positions; everyone has a vital part to play, and each role is valued and appreciated.”
This organizational approach fosters trust and a sense of responsibility in carrying out the mission. “I am very trusting of those over whom I have some level of influence.” Indeed, he draws direct inspiration from Jesus. “Jesus sent out the disciples to prepare the way and preach. He didn’t go with them, monitoring their work or offering suggestions. He gave them the vision and sent them out. When it comes to leadership, that’s my approach as well. I am rarely interested in the details of plans; I’m more interested in seeing the results.”
Following Christ’s example, Fr. Burwell emphasizes the power of questioning in leadership. “There are no questions that are off-limits. Questions can sometimes be uncomfortable or unsettling, but they open new perspectives, reveal what we know, and highlight what we don’t.” This philosophy of openness extends to his own leadership: “I want people to ask me questions. I want to make sure there are opportunities for them to reach out and ask for clarification.”
“Jesus sent out the disciples to prepare the way and preach. He didn’t go with them, monitoring their work or offering suggestions. He gave them the vision and sent them out.”
While maintaining his commitment to compassionate leadership, Fr. Burwell acknowledges the practical challenges of his new role. “My approach is to treat people as individuals with compassion, empathy, and respect. However, I have found that sometimes, because of workload, schedules, and the sheer volume of emails, the tone of my responses is not always as compassionate, gentle, or respectful as I would like. If I act in a way that is un-Christian, unkind, or lacking in fraternity, I believe it is essential for others to hold me accountable, as that is not who I aspire to be.” He notes with gratitude that the Canadian Jesuits are “incredibly kind, forgiving, and fraternal.”
Mission – Restructuring the Province
Upon assuming his role, Fr. Burwell received specific guidance from Father General about key priorities for the Province. Chief among these is the restructuring the province. The Province faces significant decisions regarding works that were once robust with Jesuits but are now diminished. This involves thoughtful consideration of how to ensure our works remain vibrant and impactful. “Saint Ignatius never saw this as ‘closing down’ operations; he always saw it as a shift toward the greater good, concentrating resources where they could meet the greatest needs. This, of course, is a significant challenge, calling for boldness, courage, and spiritual freedom.”
This call to courageous change was central to Fr. Burwell’s homily on St. Ignatius Day, where he drew parallels to the Annunciation: “She didn’t ask for a 33-year plan. She simply said yes. For me, my prayer is that the Jesuits in Canada might also be courageous enough to accept the mission, even if it disrupts their comfort.”
“Saint Ignatius never saw this as ‘closing down’ operations; he always saw it as a shift toward the greater good, concentrating resources where they could meet the greatest needs.”
Mission – Theological Formation
A key priority from Father General concerns the continued strengthening of theological formation in Canada. Fr. Burwell is engaging in collaborative discussions with Regis College leadership and other stakeholders about how best to enhance our educational mission for future generations of Jesuits and lay partners. These conversations are part of broader reflections happening across the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States about theological formation. “I want to give every opportunity for success as we look to the future of Jesuit formation in Canada,” notes Fr. Burwell.
Mission– Promotion of Vocations
A pressing concern for the Province is the promotion of vocations, particularly significant as the Province currently has no novices in the first or second year. “This situation has led us to pause and consider why this is happening. Father General suggested that vocation promotion be an absolute priority, supported by manpower and funding.” Taking decisive action, Fr. Burwell has already implemented measures to address this priority by appointing eight promoters to assist the vocation director.
“We have to promote vocations, but we must also be the sort of communities that are attractive to young people.”
“However, even the best vocation promoters will not succeed if we don’t live a lifestyle that is attractive, meaningful, and life-giving.” He challenges communities to ask themselves if they embody the qualities of a joyful, zealous, and welcoming community that seeks to do God’s work. “We have to promote vocations, but we must also be the sort of communities that are attractive to young people.”
Mission– Walking with Indigenous Peoples
The Jesuits of Canada have collaborated with Indigenous peoples for centuries, but the relationship has sometimes been strained. In recent years Fr. Burwell notes the Province has transformed through its participation in the country’s truth and reconciliation process: “I was a part of many formal discussions that took place during this period, and some of them were incredibly painful. That said, vulnerability and transparency are essential parts of growing and healing.” Father General appreciates the value of our Province’s experience, not only for ourselves, but for the whole Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. Recognizing also the years of personal experience that Fr. Burwell has working with the Cree and Dene across the Canadian prairies, Fr. General has asked him to look beyond Jesuit Provincial boundaries to discern how Jesuits in Canada and the United States can best walk with Indigenous peoples together.
Mission – Haiti
The relationship between the Province and Haiti presents unique complexities. Haiti is part of the Province of Canada but has its own superior. Their organizational structure is currently under review, and they are in the process of appointing a new superior. Fr. Burwell notes: “We will clarify the path they envision for themselves over the next five years.”
Partners in mission
The evolution of partnerships in mission represents a vital dimension of contemporary Jesuit ministry. Fr. Burwell grounds this development in the Society’s origins, recalling how Ignatius had a profound encounter with Jesus that he wanted to share with others, which ultimately led to the foundation of the Society of Jesus. “As the Society grew, we naturally needed to collaborate with partners in mission to expand our vision. The Jesuit mission cannot be accomplished by us alone; we need others who wish to work with us. For Jesuits, the challenge lies in articulating our relationship with lay collaborators.”
As emphasized in Pilgrims Together, this collaboration involves offering one’s gifts to the mission with a shared purpose. While Saint Ignatius’ vision is universal, inspiring everyone to find purpose and meaning, the distinctiveness of the Jesuit vocation remains essential. “Our partners extend our shared mission, but the Jesuits remain the linchpin between a particular work and its connection to the Society of Jesus.” Without direct Jesuit involvement, within either its daily operations or administrative structures, works become isolated from the Jesuit network.
In conclusion, Fr. Burwell emphasizes that the Jesuits have much to offer a world in need of reconciliation and justice. “Our mission is to ensure the continuation of Jesus’ sacrificial act and all it entails.” This mission of reconciliation involves four dimensions: reconciling humanity with the Father, reconciling people with one another, helping individuals find peace within themselves, and nurturing our connection to all creation. “What do Jesuits offer the world? Above all, we offer Jesus. We attract people by living out his mission of reconciliation.”
