Vol. XIII, N. 5, March 6, 2009

LETTER TO THE WHOLE SOCIETY

• On February 19 Father General wrote a letter to the whole Society on “Universal Vocation of the Jesuit”. The letter was released at the end of February to allow translations in different languages. In the letter Father Nicolás speaks, first of all, about the “renewed awareness of our universal vocation” as a “fundamental element of our Jesuit identity”, making a reference to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the Constitutions and the strong call of the 35th General Congregation (D.2, n. 16, 20-24). This vocation also involves the need to restructure the Society at all levels with the view to “better respond to new and more universal challenges”, a response which requires “great agility and flexibility while maintaining or promoting excellence and responsible management in whatever we do locally.” The last part of the letter is devoted to reflections on formation and the importance to foster in our young men in formation “this awareness of our universal mission”, the availability “to be sent anywhere in the world;” all this is to be “a permanent attitude for all our men in the Society”. Father General adds: “We want to have well formed men who can understand reality with depth of heart and breadth of mind.”

FATHER GENERAL IN INDIA

• As mentioned in the previous edition of the S.J. Electronic Information Service, Father Nicolás is presently visiting several the Indian Provinces. Thanks to e-mails sent by Father Lisbert D’Souza, who is accompanying Father General, we can offer our readers some interesting, and sometimes curious stories of this long trip. The first stop was Delhi. The visit at Vidyajyoti College of Theology was most interesting, especially meeting with the staff and students. He addressed them briefly on “the challenge of the mission at the frontiers and of theological research” and invited them to speak three languages: the language of the scholar, the language of the simple communication that can be understood by the faithful, and the language which will help those who are far from the Asian context to understand this reality.

The next stop was Patna Province. Among other things Father General made two visits to projects for dalits, the lower caste of people traditionally regarded as “untouchables.” One of these projects, “the Province Solar Energy Park” for solar energy production, is of special interest and the 2007 Yearbook carried an article on it. The dalits are trained to manufacture and maintain such solar equipment. Then followed a visit to a leadership training programme for dalit boys and girls who staged a very powerful street play built around the Abba song: “I have a dream, a fantasy” in which they expressed their hopes for and commitment to struggle for dignity and justice. Fr General was quite moved and expressed it in the words he used to address the group.

Several days have been devoted exclusively to Jesuits. On February 23 in Patna, the meeting was with superiors, directors of works and coordinators of different apostolates. Father General answered questions and seemed glad that the issue of the accountability of superiors for implementation of directives of the General Congregation was of interest to the audience. He suggested that this may be a point to address in the programme for new Provincials. Since both local superiors and directors of work were present, he spoke of how the tension between these often arose as each wanted to be boss, and the need to change this attitude particularly if lay collaboration was to succeed. In a word: nobody is boss as we all serve the same mission with each having his distinctive role. He also invited those present to learn to live joyfully and dynamically even though we are far from being able to solve the massive problems that confront us. If we do not care for ourselves adequately in terms of space for ourselves, rest and relaxation, and learn how to live in tranquility even though we feel helpless, we would not really be able to care for those we wish to serve as overwork, anxiety and strain would result in burnout.

Father General also enjoyed meeting with the staff and students of the Regional Theology Centre. He was introduced to the rationale and the benefits of this programme which seeks to do theology in the context and values of the local community in which the house is inserted. But he also challenged the group to reflect on the quality of their social interaction with the neighborhood and to ensure that social interaction, essential though it is, does not result in low level academic work and mediocre scholarship. He was also insistent that there was no opposition between inculturation and universality and that, in fact inculturation in depth was essential for true universality else we will have nothing to share and contribute.

Of note: Father Lisbert writes: “Colour dominates all the encounters: colour during the Eucharist, during the meals, on the seasoning of the foods… Father General seems to be enjoying what is served as they are careful to prepare it with no spices, though there are other Indian herbs and condiments used.” And something about the traffic: “The only lack on the whole program has been the roads, or non-roads, full of holes, with traffic jam, even more chaotic than that of Manila, according to Father Nicolás.” And regarding the security item: “Very often we have a police escort. This escort will clear traffic to ensure speedier travel. Today we saw that the escort vehicle carried four armed guards. Fr General said he did not know whether to be relieved at the armed security or to feel nervous that he was considered a potential target of attack! Any way, the security will be with us till he leaves”.

During the trip there were also some hitches, for instance the cancelled flight from Delhi to Poona, and the arrival in Poona with almost 4 hours late. The truncated session with the Province disappointed some Jesuits. During the meeting with the Jesuits of Poona, Father General was asked again what he expected from South Asian Jesuits. His response was: depth, creativity and life in the Spirit.

Beginning March 1, Father General participated in the meeting of Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA). He will conclude his travels in India with a visit to the Jesuits in Goa and Mumbai.