Decree 30: Cultivating the Arts in the Society, General Congregation 31 (1966)

I. Introduction

1.     The Church, which has at all times given most generous encouragement to the arts, today again hails their importance. Indeed, in our day especially works of art can exert a vast influence, whether it be with respect to the growth and unfolding of human personality, or to the development of civil society, or to the mutual union of men, a union that paves the way to union with God.

For the arts provide a special pathway to the human heart. As a result, men are often stirred not only by rational arguments but also by artistic works.

2.     In times past under the patronage of the Society many outstanding artists, not a few of them members of the Society itself, have achieved greatness in poetry, music, the theater, and architecture. In both the Western world and mission areas, all these arts were eagerly pursued by sons of the Society for the greater glory of God and the welfare of souls. This tradition lives on even in the Society of today. Many modern Jesuits who are themselves artists of repute not only pursue the arts but promote an understanding and deeper appreciation of the Gospel message by this activity.

II. Decree

3.     The 31st General Congregation, taking into consideration both the tradition of the Society and the signs of the times, and aware of the importance of the arts for building up the kingdom of God, wishes to encourage the activity of its members who toil in this field for the greater glory of God.

4.     During their training Jesuits should be given opportunities to become acquainted with and to appreciate the arts as part of their general education so that all may be better prepared for the apostolate in today’s world. The arts can be a genuine help in this apostolate.

5.     Measures should be taken to permit those who manifest outstanding talents in this field to develop them and to learn how they can integrate their artistic activity into the context of priestly and religious life. In the missions Jesuits should endeavor to make full use of these arts in the apostolic work of spreading Christ’s message.

6.     In addition, mutual communication is recommended among members of the Society who are engaged in artistic activity.