DNC Times - GC 36 Special

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General Congregation (GC) is definitely an event of historical significance in the life of the Society of Jesus. Therefore it is very fitting that A

an issue of “DNC Times” be devoted to this topic as we Jesuits prepare for GC36.

A GC can serve many purposes. Electing a Superior General and preparing 'decrees' are among the most prominent purposes. Personally speaking, I would rate the renewal of individual Jesuits, of groups (like C o m m u n i t y , P r o v i n c e , Assistancy) and of the whole Society of Jesus, very high on my list of purposes of a GC. This renewal comes the better when we prepare assiduously for it, and the deeper our study and reflection after it has taken place. I say this from my own personal experience. As a delegate for GC35 when I went over the various Jesuit sources (so kindly and meticulously compiled by some in our South Asian Assistancy for the use of the delegates of GC35) I realized the exceptional riches of the material we have. After GC35, as I was invited as a resource person on it, I saw what an invaluable asset we have for renewal and effectiveness in our contemporary situation. The pity alas, is that several Jesuits do not even read, let alone study, the essential material, and sometimes simply repeat opinions that are aired.

The numerous postulates that are received from all over the world indicate positively the hopes that so many Jesuits place in a GC. Listening to some comments, it is clear that one must be realistic about expectations from any GC.

To give one example: A GC normally provides documents for the whole Society of Jesus, and so it would be unrealistic to expect specifications for what is limited to a particular geographical area alone. A GC after all, is primarily an opportunity, a catalyst or an

occasion for renewal and orientation. A constant and conscientious openness to God would serve us well, very much like a GC does.

If I were to be asked to highlight just one lesson from a GC, I would say that it provides an excel lent example of the discernment o f w h a t G o d i s communicating to us. One indication of this is the tremendous openness that the GC delegates have to l i s ten to one another attentively.

I take this opportunity to appreciate and commend the efforts of Scholastic Rayan Lobo, S.J., and those associated with DNC Times, to take the trouble of contacting so many persons to get their expectations or views on GC36. I am very grateful to those who have responded. I find many of the responses to be excellent and worth reflecting over, or pursuing further, with or without the help of a GC.

My fervent prayer is that Jesuits use this marvelous opportunity provided by GC36 by putting in the requisite effort to achieve fruitful renewal, both individually and collectively, in the way our loving God would want it.

EditorialEditorialThomas Kuriacose, SJ

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[email protected]

GC 36Special Edition


C 36 is approaching. This is the moment to look around and take stock of our bearings and to look forward to the future. GC 32, coming after G

the Second Vatican Council, set our focus on mission, sharpening it further to a struggle for justice. GC 34 widened the focus to see mission as a three-fold dialogue with the poor, with cultures, and with religions. This broad framework will have to remain for some more time. Periodically however, we will have to spell out specific priority areas, tasks and directions. Both GC 34 and GC 35 drew up such lists. In a fast moving world, GC 36 will have to draw up a list of its own. In spite of globalization, the list of priorities will vary from region to region.

Can we say that we are on mission today? Mission is often opposed to maintenance. I have a feeling that we are busy more with maintenance than with mission. The Society in the West is closing down institutions. In India we are opening new ones. We are over busy with schools, parishes, retreat centres, etc. Popes Bl. Paul VI, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI spoke of the Jesuits being on the difficult frontiers of mission. What will be the proportion of Jesuits in India (or the world) who are on the frontiers – apostolically challenging situations? Very, very few I am afraid. We are not making much of a mark in any field – theology,

spirituality, counseling, education, pastoral work, liberation, dialogue with the religions and with the secular world. There are a few, but not enough proportionate to our numbers and the needs of our country. I am not speaking of running a good institution, but being at the cutting edge of developments and challenges. Yet, we often speak of the 'magis'! A recent meeting of Indian Jesuit Theologians felt this need to get organized and to do more. Fr. Adolfo Nicolas often speaks of the danger of mediocrity.

We cannot transform the world without involving the people. We are not linked to any

worthwhile peoples' movements in the country. We have no lay associates like some other religious congregations. The AICUF seems non-functional. Christian Life Communities are found only in a few urban centres. We have a lot of people working with us, but no real collaborators. More and more, even our collaborators tend to be Christians only. We are running minority institutions, not missionary ones. We are busy building up the Christian community, not the Kingdom of God that reaches out to everyone. I hope GC 36 will give us an opportunity to rethink our priorities, refocus our mission and reach out to the

frontiers.

W h a t a r e t h e m i s s i o n frontiers in the world and i n I n d i a today? At the global level we can speak of growing consumerism e g g i n g o n e c o n o m i c

liberalism creating a very unequal world. A religionless society is spreading everywhere, thanks also to the emergence of information technology, especially in the West. Dialogue with Islam is becoming a global priority. The need for a more humanized and merciful Christianity is being underlined by Pope Francis.

In India, the economy may be growing, but the inequality is growing too. The Dalits and other subalterns may be feeling empowered. But the unjust hierarchical caste system firmly remains in place – and no one talks much about it. The caste is also becoming a political force. The situation of women, starting with the foetus in the womb, is getting increasingly deplorable. The challenge of Hindutva is making interreligious dialogue relevant, focused and urgent.

Where is the Society of Jesus Going?Where is the Society of Jesus Going?Michael Amaladoss, SJ

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[email protected]



Cont’d on pg.05Cont’d on pg.05

must always be renewed), ecclesia semper reformanda (the Church must always be reformed) is an old axiom used by the Fathers of the Church to which Luther added ecclesia semper purificanda (the Church must always be purified). Replacing Ecclesia with Societatis, I would say that the Society today is looking for a renewed, reformed and purified understanding of its MISSION. I find no better words than the words of Pope Francis himself which would best articulate what I would like the upcoming GC to focus on. Allow me to articulate and adapt it in my own words: I, with all my prayer and desire to see a Society that is Kenotic, envisage a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Society's customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures, philosophy and theology can be suitably channeled for bringing the Good News to today's world rather than for its institutional perpetuation. The renewal of structures should be understood in the light of making them more mission-oriented, making ordinary pastoral-educational-social activity on every level more inclusive and open, inspiring in the Jesuits a constant desire to go forth, leaving all the security behind to serve the lost, least and the last, calling them to union with God and one another.

1. KENOTIC INSTITUTIONAL MODELKeeping to the present day context I would like the GC to focus on a 'Kenotic Institutional Model' with a movement mentality. There is a dire need today to die to our institutional mentality (which the cautious-post-restoration Society adapted) and perhaps to our institutions too. It might sound insane and irrational but after all it is Our Lord himself who has said that the grain must die in order to bear fruit. In dying the seed certainly does not lose its life (and this is what we aggressively fear) but brings it to fullness (the Paschal Mystery).

2. THE POWER SAVER MODEWe are facing what I would prefer to call the

he Birth : We the Jesuits, are men sent out as servants of Christ's Mission. Ignatius founded the Society as an organization which would T

continually renew itself in the Church through the inner v i g o r o f t h e Exerc i ses and u n d e r t h e vitalizing impulse of the Spirit, to fulfill its vocation and its mission of promot ing the divine glory and the greater service of souls.

The GrowthT h e

understanding and expression of the mission of the

Society has gone through a long process of evolution. Post-Vatican GCs have deliberated a lot on the mission of the Society. GC 31 discussed 'The Mission of the Society of Jesus Today', GC 32 revolutionized 'Our Mission Today' as 'the service of faith and the promotion of justice', GC 33 dwelt upon being 'Sent into Today's World', GC 34 broadened the mission of faith and justice to include culture and dialogue, GC 35 spoke on 'Challenges to Our Mission Today: Sent to the Frontiers'. The Society by nature and in essence is missionary and it is the Mission that gives the Society its identity and existence.

Now What Next?We believe that in the person of Pope Francis a

new Kairos in the Church has been initiated. This Kairos moment is a significant one for us as we are also celebrating the bicentennial of the Restoration of the Society. And now that the General has convoked the GC in 2016 it is a moment of grace and transformation for the Society. Ecclesia semper renovanda (the Church

I wish GC 36…I wish GC 36…Joel Noronha, SJ

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thr General convoked GC 36 on 8 Dec 2014.

This will call for much discussion, sharing, Freflection and discernment within the Society

on our mission and governance. GC 36 is going to be

different in that it will invite wide ranging discussion

and preparations within each of the six Conferences in

the Society on the main concerns and challenges of the

mission.

The kind of fresh wind that is felt in the church through

the person and ministry of Pope Francis will certainly

impact the GC and its directions.The decision to give

greater representation for Brothers in the next GC is an

indication of the kind of new thinking emerging in the

Society. The invitation of GC 36 will be to think out of

the box when it comes to envisaging new avenues for

mission and new style of governance, in response to

the many challenges of our times. Perhaps the young

members of the Society should take this invitation to

heart and contribute to the making of GC 36 by

actively participating in the discussions and

discernment at various levels.

Maybe DNC Times can launch a column on

GC 36 inviting our scholastics to take active role in the

on-going preparations. The Pope has given us a call to

be 'brave and humble' in his exhortation at the Jubilee

celebrations of the Restoration of the Society,

challenging us to dirty our hands by touching the

wounded body of Jesus – the people of God. We look

forward to exciting and challenging times in GC 36

which includes the search for a new General. We

labour with Him who is never tired of laboring with us.

That is the guarantee for our future and joy of our

hope.

Invitation to be 'Brave and Humble'Invitation to be 'Brave and Humble'George Pattery, SJGeorge Pattery, SJ

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'institutional overload'. Earlier it was first the men and then the institutions. But now given the lack of vocations, we are forced to first think of the institutions and their sustenance and then accordingly the men who could fit the bill. This has unfortunately hampered the pioneering spirit of the Society. The Kenosis moment is at hand and therefore the GC needs to focus not only on provincial amalgamation but inter-provincial networking and collaboration, inter-congregational networking and collaboration and more importantly our presence in the secular institutions in collaboration with the government keeping in mind the one universal mission of the Lord to serve the one humanity, be it engaging in ecological concerns, economic sensitization, education, research, social upliftment and so on.

3. LET THE LAY LEADIn the light of the Kenosis that is called for,

another area that needs to be brought to the fore is 'Lay Leadership'. The Jesuits are called to be the thought-leaders, consequentially the action-leaders. But this will have no meaning unless we lead the thought of letting the reigns in the hands of the lay faithful by giving them the necessary training in our spirituality. Jesus inaugurated a movement of the Kingdom and not an institution. Everyone was included in the Jesus-Movement and this is the Model that we need to explore, explain and apply to our mission. We are called for a new way of being the Society today. So let us pray together that the spirit that led the fathers of the first deliberations may guide the upcoming GC and us all.

I wish GC 36…I wish GC 36…

[email protected]

([email protected])



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“This means to abandon the complacent attitude that says we have always done it this way.” (33) “The

Church is called to be the house of the Father with doors always wide open.” (47) “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”(49)

Pope Francis makes a clear critical analysis of the dominant economic system and media culture which bring about enormous amount of poverty, exploitation and discrimination (50-60); he then raises a prophetic voice to make the liberation of the poor the central concern of Christians (187) “I want a Church which is poor and for the poor.” (198) He does not consider the traditional colonial face of the

Church to be normative: “Faith cannot be constricted to the limits of understanding and expression of any one culture; we cannot demand that peoples of every continent imitate modes of faith expression which European nations developed at a particular moment of their history.” (118) The Pope emphasizes the need of a culture of inter-religious harmony: “Dialogue is in the first place a conversation about human existence, a matter of being open to others, sharing their joys and

sorrows.” (250)

The Christian presence in the w o r l d t o d a y c a n h a v e credibility only if it assimilates the values of Jesus and evolves out a Christ-consciousness. (266) “The Church urgently needs the deep breath of prayer,” for “true love is c o n t e m p l a t i v e . ” ( 2 6 2 ) Contemplation, creativity and compassion are the three basic e l e m e n t s w h i c h w o u l d determine a transformative

Christian presence in the world. The next GC could focus on these in the light of Evangelii Gaudium.

he Jesuit Pope Francis is trying to give the entire Church a new vision of Christian presence in the world today. This is T

clearly spelt out in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. Abiding by the Ignatian principle sentire cum ecclesia, the next General Congregation could inspire Jesuits to meditate on this timely document, imbibe its vision, and live out the new way of being an authentic disciple of Jesus today. Much of what the recent five GCs upheld has been well articulated in this document. GC 36 need not bring out another series of documents. The Vicar of Christ, to whom we Jesuits have a special allegiance – Pope Francis, with whom we are fraternally related – has already focused on the apostolic priorities for the coming years.

The best preparation for the forthcoming GC would then be that all Jesuits, as individuals, communities and apostolic teams with lay collaborators, study this document thoroughly, assimilate its ecclesial vision and explore how this could be lived out. Thus we move with the global Church. This Apostolic Exhortation is the fruit of a universal ecclesial discernment process and the deliberations of the Synod of bishops. Hence the Pope writes listening to what the Spirit is telling the Church today. This is an added reason for us Jesuits to make this document a pointer to the direction that we should take in the coming years.

Let me quote from Evangelii Gaudium a few inspiring passages, which remind us of the Jesuit option for service of faith and promotion of justice, for inculturation and inter-religious dialogue:

“We cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings, rather we must move from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral ministry.” (15)

The Next GC Could Focus on the Vision of of Pope FrancisEvangelii Gaudium

The Next GC Could Focus on the Vision of Evangelii Gaudium of Pope Francis

Sebastian Painadath, SJSebastian Painadath, SJ

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[email protected]



n December 8, 2014, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus,

thconvoked the 36 General Congregation of the O

Jesuits which will begin on October 2, 2016. This General Congregation will surely be a defining moment not only for the Society of Jesus but for the Church and the world at large.

GC 32 (in the mid-1970s) provided a new and challenging thrust for the Jesuits. The 'faith-justice' mandate made it clear that a Jesuit could no longer sit on the sidelines and just watch the growing injustices that were being perpetuated on the poor, the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society by the rich and the powerful. Working towards a more just and equitable society became the hallmark of many Jesuits as they engaged in serious study and research; several also engaged in social activism as they accompanied people towards a new world order.

Subsequent General Congregations and particularly GC 34 and GC 35 fine-tuned the Jesuit way of proceeding to a great extent. These challenged the Jesuits to be 'servants of Christ's mission' and 'fires that kindle other fires' in the world of today.

thAs we approach the 36 General Congregation, I think as Jesuits individually and collectively in our Province Congregations and ultimately in the GC, we should:

Ø Join the three divine persons (Sp. Ex. #101-109) and in a very profound way look down on the whole expanse of this earth

No Jesuit I believe can truly exercise his mission if it is isolated from a context. We have to genuinely focus in a very engaged way to the urgent and pressing needs of our times which Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation 'Evangelii Gaudium' has listed among others: the economy of exclusion, the new idolatry of money, the inequality which spawns violence, the lack of inclusiveness, the way fundamentalism and casteism has gained roots all over, consumerism which is destroying our fragile eco-systems, etc.

After dialoguing with the three divine persons, we need to re- define the ways we Jesuits (individually and collectively)should come down to earth and mainstream in our lives and mission a spirituality which is truly incarnational.

Ø Courageously face the key challenges which th

have emerged during the 200 anniversary of the Restoration of the Society of Jesus

We have had several meetings, seminars and other events during this special year of grace. As Jesuits we have celebrated 'the much' that we have done very specially in our Assistancy during the past 200 years. This was so evident in the recent seminar we had of the Assistancy in JDV, Pune. At the same time, several of us have been crying hoarse that we have not done enough collectively(and with the women and men of our times) to face the challenges of our times. Many of us have preferred to live in our comfort zones and in the security of our institutions, very happily supported by the privileges and powers

which come from those who would never want us to exercise the core of our Jesuit identity and mission .GC 36 I believe, must focus on that paradigm shift which clearly shows to the world that our mandate is a faith that does justice; that we identify with the sub-alterns of this world,

that we accompany them in their quest for a more just and humane society.

Ø Consecrate ourselves once again as men who are called to be companions of Jesus; to carry his cross

It is very symbolic that on November 30 ,2014 Pope Francis launched the 'Year of Consecrated Life' in the Church. In his very first message for this year, he has asked that we leave the security and comfort of our nests to awaken the world. There couldn't be a greater challenge than this – to revisit our Jesuit identity and see how best we can truly make a difference in the Church and our world of today.

These are just some dimensions I think we could focus upon as we enter the run-up to General Congregation 36.

What should the Upcoming General Congregation focus on?

What should the Upcoming General Congregation focus on? Cedric Prakash, SJ

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[email protected]



ne of the most striking of the numerous qualities that our Father Ignatius possessed was his ability to read the signs of the times and respond O

to them with precision and alacrity. This is evident in his th

response to the challenges of 16 Century Europe, because of which even during his life time, the Society was known far and wide as a Society which was relevant and which could be counted on to weather any kind of storm.

Today, Thirty Five General Congregations later we need to ask some serious questions and seek responses to these. Can we as a Society say that we are aware of the reality around us and are responding to it as Ignatius would? If so, is our response adequate? Can we be termed as a Society that is relevant today?I will attempt to state a few of the present realities and reflect on them.

1. The World as Global Village and yet the great divide

There is no doubt whatever that the world is a Global village. The means of communication have advanced to such a degree that it is easier now than ever before to connect with people from all over the world. Yet, the disparity between the rich and the poor keeps increasing. Most of those who 'have' continue to have more than they will ever need and are loath to share. This is also the fortieth anniversary of General Congregation 32 (GC 32) during which we reflected on and made an option for the poor. We must go back and review and renew this

commitment to the poor.

2. The Youth as Future: Youth are the future not only of the Church but also of the world. More and more today, youth find the Church irrelevant.

In many parts of Europe and even Asia, the larger majority of people who go to Church are the middle aged and elderly. Youth do not seem to find adequate responses to their questions from the Church. Can we offer a

spirituality that is relevant to the youth of today? Can we make a special attempt to reach out and reveal to them the wonder of life and its relevance? Can we communicate to them a reason for living fully and well?

3. T h e Intellectual Apostolate: W e w e r e known in the past as the Schoolmasters of Europe because we were able to give children and youth a p r a c t i c a l e d u c a t i o n w h i c h enabled them to face the challenges of life. Our Schools and Universities were sought after and it was considered a privilege and an honour to have studied in an Institution run by Jesuits. This is not the case in many countries today. Today with the plethora of Institutions that impart education, we are one among many. Can we rethink our mission to education? What do we need to do to make the education that we impart relevant and practical?

In order to respond to these and other challenges that the world throws up before us, we need good vocations. The “non multa sed multum” of Ignatius must guide us in this regard. The Society of Jesus will only be as relevant as the members who make up this Society.

Expectations, Aspirations, HopeExpectations, Aspirations, HopeErrol Fernandes, SJ

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[email protected]

General Congregation Thirty Six (GC 36)General Congregation Thirty Six (GC 36)



s we come close to GC-36, I am urged to think deeply about 'Our Way of Proceeding'. The Amanifestation of our spiritual life has shown a

lack of apostolic creativity and discernment. The exigencies of religious life such as generosity, compassion, caring, renouncement and abnegation have got hardly any place today in our way of life. One of the demands and ambiguities of our mission as Jesuits, is to preserve the realm of appropriate balance among religious, apostolic and priestly characteristics. Very often we speak about being contemplative in action, about discernment of spirits, community as mission, finding God in all things, etc., but one of my earnest concerns is about the manifestation of the GENUINENESS OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE AND APOSTOLIC LIFE. I would dearly love the GC to take up this aspect of Jesuit life and formation.

Simon Murmu, SJ

he entire life of a Jesuit is for 'the greater glory of God'. If his action does not glorify God it is in Tvain. While drafting the Constitutions of the

Society of Jesus, Ignatius fervently prayed and discerned. Similarly, every member of the Society is called to depend entirely on God's grace, as manifested through prayer and discernment. Any work, be it a small meeting of 4-5 people in a village or a General Congregation, must be valued in the same light. I am sure that our General and all the Jesuit representatives at GC 36 will be moved by the Spirit to accomplish only His will.

Patras Mundu, SJ

C 36 is taking place at a time when we are called to be shepherds smelling of the sheep and living Gdangerously at the frontiers. There are many

issues to be addressed from different spheres of life. In a copy-paste culture, hopefully this GC will help instil in us a culture of originality. I hope that we may rediscover that Ignatian Charism, the thinking pattern of which is still applicable in this century.

I also hope that GC 36 introduces a new trend of inclusiveness, not leaving out anyone who is genuinely seeking the Supreme Being. In a special way concrete steps should be taken to empower all minorities. It

should also focus on the collaboration between provinces, nations and cultures.

Lijo Placid, SJ

n a globalized and technological world, people are confused and frustrated. It is becoming Iincreasingly difficult for most people to find

meaning and hope in life. People are killing each other in the name of religion and for the greed of money. A new kind of incurable sickness, Ebola, is wiping away human beings from some parts of our world. People are leaving their faith in some parts of the world.

In this situation Jesuits are called to respond to these challenges creatively. We are called to recreate God's created world and hear the people of goodwill saying “it is good”. We need to revisit our Jesuit spirituality so as to have a true experience of homecoming. We are called to give the people an experience of ghar vapsi. This ghar vapsi means, coming back to God's love. This is our hope from and for GC 36.

Nirmal Kullu, SJ

DNC Scholastics Ponder the Upcoming GCTowards a Jesuit Culture of Originality

DNC Scholastics Ponder the Upcoming GCTowards a Jesuit Culture of Originality

Still the shadow of the dark prevailsA beacon of hope and light unveils

Listen to the call of the Eternal King, O pilgrimThat beacon you are, respond to the reality grim

A call for you, from the plains of the lowlyValleys of the unheard whispers groan utterly

So deep and creepy the frontiers, need healA prophet you are, march with renewed zeal

Labour for centuries not in vainLead the world to heavenly gain

Into the light and the bright morning, O wake upUnto thyself and the other in gloom O rise up

Call of the Kingfor a Prophetic Pilgrim

G. Krupa Rao, SJ

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[email protected]



he Society of Jesus is one of dreamers. Stargazer that he was, Inigo loved looking up to the skies to imagine how much 'More' – better, further, T

deeper, higher, wider – he and his companions could love and serve God and all people so as to bear Christ's good news to the ends of the earth. His dreamer disposition and visionary vibrancy contagiously fired the imagination of all those around him. Francis Xavier, for example, dreamt of having a dark-skinned Asian on his back who he struggled to carry. For Xavier, this was indicative of God's will for him to sail forth to the Indies, where he would squander his entire life.

Any institution that stops dreaming routinely replicates the status quo, at best, or dies, at worst. But those who dare to dream can make the “new heaven and the new earth” (Rev 21:1) present, here-and-now. Jesus passionately preached the 'Reign of God' and mahatmas like Gandhi envisaged an 'India of my dreams' where no Indian would ever be hungry, naked, poor, exploited, unemployed, etc. Do I, and do we, as Jesuits, dream? If so, what is it that occupies our minds, hearts and being with a restless and resolute passion?

Three areas that call for further attention and response are those highlighted in the Decrees of GC 35: “Following Jesus together acts as a pointer to the disciples en mouvement with their Lord. Jesuit identity and Jesuit mission are linked by community; indeed, identity, community and mission are a kind of triptych shedding light on how our companionship is best understood” (n.19). At GC 36 I think that we'll have to radically revamp our conceptions of community, reiterate our identity, and reorient our mission.

CommunityIn today's 'global village' the most popular space

is not physically demarcated in terms of village, state, nation, etc., but conceptually constructed as cyberspace.Billions of transactions are being effected by individuals,

NGOs, MNCs and governments worldwide without people seeing each other. Information is on the increase, wisdom seems to decrease; people talk much more, but communicate less. Here, the Society of Jesus must be and be continuously built up as a Christic MNC (Magis Networking Companionship) so as to penetrate, infiltrate, animate all

communities—especially the invisible ones in cyberspace.

Identity GC 36 must reiterate

that the only identity that Jesuits have is to be God's 'servant'. This was stressed time and again by Father General, Adolfo Nicolás, in

the homily of his very first Eucharist after his election. As Jesuits we cannot be defined by procrustean tags and traditional templates. But, each one must spell out 'who' I/We is/are meant to be according to the special gifts and talents God has so generously bestowed upon us. Why, there could be as many identities as there are Jesuits!

MissionJesuit mission is always and everywhere

Trinitarian. We are placed with the Son, Jesus, in the grip of the Spirit by the Father-Abba. Mission is thus not something added on; but, to use the felicitous phrase of Pope Francis: “I am a mission.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 273). By moving away from institutional frameworks, announcing new initiatives for lay faithful, families, etc., and by denouncing Mammon in its many forms, Pope Francis has once again made us aware that we must be “poor Church, for the poor.”

GC 36 would do well to listen carefully to the voice of Pope Francis so as to shape its agenda as per his dreams and visions. That would certainly be cause for joy: Evangelii Gaudium not only for Church or the Society of Jesus, but for the world, at large.

Dreaming of GC 36Dreaming of GC 36Francis Gonsalves, SJFrancis Gonsalves, SJ

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[email protected]



Another important issue that will come up in the Congregation will be the role of the Jesuits in our works. The richness of the Jesuit vocation allows us to find Jesuits that teach, do priestly work, lead huge institutions, and share their lives with those most in need. The decreasing number of Jesuits in the Western hemisphere is raising a question about which are the most important roles that Jesuits should play. We often say that the Jesuits are called to lead their institutions, but does leading mean to do administrative work? Or is it to lead from a spiritual perspective? We need to discern what it means to lead in an Ignatian way. Since we already have good examples in this, as well as our unfortunate history of failures, we should share our experiences and draw on our collective wisdom of best practices.

Finally, a third theme that we have been discussing in the previous Congregations, and I am sure will be present in the coming one is the formation of our lay colleagues. Ignatian Spirituality is a treasure that most of the people who work with us – Catholic or not- appreciate; therefore, they are continuously demanding formation in this field. The rediscovery of the lay vocation is a sign of the times for our Church. Since we have already developed very good programs in all the assistances, we, the heirs of Ignatius, have the responsibility of spreading this cherished spirituality.

The General Congregation will be an important event for the whole Society. Only some delegates will participate, but all the Jesuits will be involved in its preparation and all of us will be praying that it will be a time of grace for a better realization and actualization of our mission.

s soon as we found out that Fr Nicolás had decided to resign from his office as Father General, every Jesuit began to think about A

what kind of leader we would want and what the next General Congregation would need to focus on. We, Jesuits, are spread around the world, and each region has different p e r s p e c t i v e s o n o u r apostolates. I am writing these words from age-old Europe, specifically from the Canary Islands, in the brand-new Spanish province. In this part of the world, we, the

Society of Jesus, are diminishing. By having a decreasing number of Jesuits with a large number of institutions in the middle of a culture becoming more and more secularized, we have an exciting challenge that asks for all of our apostolic creativity. This makes the situation that we face different from situations of our brothers in Africa, America or Asia.

Among the many interesting topics that are important for our mission, I would highlight three: the identity of our Jesuit institutions, the role of the Jesuits in our works, and the formation of the laity in Ignatian Spirituality.

In my opinion one of the topics that our upcoming General Congregation should discuss is the identity of our Jesuit institutions. And I think that this is a central theme for the world-wide Society. This is not a new topic; in fact, it has made an appearance at the last Congregations. We need to dig deeper into what are the characteristics that make a Jesuit institution, especially when there are not a large number of Jesuits working in it. We also need to decide the criteria for discerning when the Society should finish its support of and involvement in a work. At a deeper level, the Society n e e d s t o g a i n freedom in order to discern God's call so that we can start new apostolates as well as leave older ones.

Javier Montes, SJ

Expectations from the Upcoming GC 36Expectations from the Upcoming GC 36Javier Montes, SJ

Pg.11 Pg.11

[email protected]



istory can be seen as a swinging pendulum. As long as it keeps swinging there is hope. A stationary pendulum is a dead weight. And so it H

is with our GCs – especially the more recent ones. While GC 32 made us integrate faith and justice in our mission, GC 34 swung towards the hitherto neglected pole of cultures, religions and dialogue. GC 35 among other things drew our attention to the universal character of the Society's mission. Whither should swing GC 36? Perhaps it is too early and even improper to say anything definite. But looking at the already initiated changes in the aftermath of GC 35 a few temporary reflections are in order. Here are a bunch of related concerns:Has the emphasis of GC 35 on the 'universal mission' ignored some very important and well-articulated concerns about the 'local' and the 'contextual' of GCs 32 and 34? Is there a way of maintaining both?

While responding to the practical difficulties emerged due to the steadily falling numbers of Jesuits, did GC 35 lose sight of the precious insights of the GCs 32 and 34 that strove to make the Society's mission more contextual, local and thereby effective at the 'periphery' ( to bo r row a t e rm f rom Pope F ranc i s )?

In the aftermath of GC 35 emphasis is being laid on the flow of personnel and resources across P r o v i n c e s , Ass i s t anc ie s , a n d Conferences. It is certainly a much needed response to a practical need of o u r t i m e s . However in this process a more significant type of sharing seems to have been f o r g o t t e n :

sharing of experience, ideas, vision, analyses, strategies and action programs. In a globalized world, when decisions made in one part of the globe affect people living in another, the servants of the Kingdom need to respond collaboratively to the global issues. This can happen only when there are shared visions, strategies and action programs. The 'universal mission' visualized

in GC 35 to be truly at the service of the Kingdom needs to promote such comprehensive collaboration. And so, the extent to which Jesuits belonging to the First and the Third world are prepared to collaborate to address the g l o b a l l y a f f e c t i n g issues would d e t e r m i n e o u r readiness for a t r u l y g l o b a l / u n i v e r s a l m i s s i o n .

Why a r e o u r n u m b e r s falling? This q u e s t i o n b e c o m e s significant a t a t ime when we witness a resurgence of religion and spirituality in all parts of the world, which somehow does not get concomitantly converted into increase in vocations to religious congregations. Has the life witness of the religious men and women failed to attract many a young mind and heart? We can't resign to saying that boom and collapse in vocations is just a historical process that's bound to happen everywhere some time or the other. Could it be that we have failed to become 'fires that kindle other fires'?The upcoming GC needs to reflect on some such issues and come up with adequate responses.

The above concerns should lead us to enthuse ourselves towards building on and carrying forward the great vision and the mission praxis envisaged in GC 35. The adventurous mission of being on the 'frontiers' in all significant senses of the word, as a result of which people begin to ask: Who are you? Why are you doing these things? Why in this way? – needs to be lived 'with renewed vigour'. 'Collaboration with others' needs to be further concretized as a basic mission strategy rather than merely as a pragmatic response to a practical difficulty. All these issues and many more become the formidable bullet for those who dare to bite it in and around GC 36.

The Pendulum Must Keep Swinging!The Pendulum Must Keep Swinging!Joseph Lobo, SJ

Pg.12 Pg.12

[email protected]



et me go back in time to my novitiate years. Fr Gregorio Conget, S.J. lectured us on the history of the Society, twice a week. He had taken part in L

more than one GC and his lectures planted in me a desire, to one day, God willing, participate in a GC. And the desire was realized when I got the opportunity to attend GC 35.

The GC was a moment to experience the international dimension of the Society. At any given time you could hear a variety of languages being spoken around you. Amidst that diversity, there was a bond that united us all; a fierce loyalty that said we belonged to one another in Christ, under the banner of the cross. Language, no doubt, was a limitation that kept some of us from being able to communicate at will. But there was a l s o t h e assurance t h a t y o u would not be rebuffed by anyone you wished to relate to. Placed as we were in d i f f e r e n t houses in Rome, we had the opportunity to meet each other, as we walked to and from the Curia each day.

There was plenty of homework to do during the Congregation. Firstly, reading and responding to the material sent to us from the organizing team over the internet. Then, corresponding with our provinces, to update them on what was happening at the Congregation. There were liturgies conducted by each assistancy, and special masses, such as the inaugural mass at the Gesu, at which Cardinal Rode, the delegate of the Holy Father presided and delivered a message from his Holiness Benedict XVI, followed by an invocation to St Ignatius at his altar in the Gesu. We also had the mass of the Holy Spirit to pray for God's assistance before we went in to vote for a new General in the church of Divine Mercy, right by the side of 5 Borgo Santo Spirito. We also had the mass in the Gesu, the first by Fr Adolfo Nicolas the newly elected General, along with Jesuits from around Rome and well wishers of the Society.

GC 35 had many highpoints. The farewell to Fr Peter Hans Kolvenbach was one. When he left Rome, even before the Congregation concluded, we were told that he left with just a small suitcase of personal belongings, and returned to his former province of Lebanon.

The murmuratio which preceded the election of the new General was another powerful experience of the working of the Holy Spirit among the delegates. It was an amazing experience to actually see that a time-honoured process, part of the Society's tradition from its inception, could still be an effective

stinstrument in God's hands in the 21 century. From knowing so little about the best men the Society over, to arriving at a decision about who God had chosen to

lead us, w a s nothing short of a miracle.

T h e audience with the H o l y F a t h e r , Benedict X V I ,

was another high point and a moment of grace for the entire Society. It dispelled a cynicism that was tangible, stemming from personal experiences around the Society that questioned: the role of religious men and women, and the pioneering works they undertook, in the Church; the positions they took in theological research and in addressing pastoral issues in the Church and society in the modern age. The words of the Pontiff reiterating, “the Church needs you, looks to you and counts on you…” was reassuring to say the least.

What has stayed with me as I returned to the province was a strong feeling of solidarity with the universal Society. The narrow confines of province and assistancy were replaced by the need to push the boundaries to embrace the whole world. There was a surging pride in my heart, in being a Jesuit and belonging to the 'Company of Jesus' for the Greater Glory of God – Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

Reminiscences of GC 35Reminiscences of GC 35Keith Abranches, SJ

Pg.13Pg.13

[email protected]



Pg. 12Pg. 12

t is a sign of the times that the Society is going to thhave its 6 General Congregation in 52 years. That

gives an average of 9½ years between each ICongregation, against the overall historical average of 12 years (36 GCs in the 435 years of Jesuit history). In a rapidly changing world the Society has to adapt and

refine its apostolic orientation more frequently. Obviously what we expect of this Congregation, first and foremost, is the choice of a good Superior General. There is no need to elaborate on a profile of what the next General should be. It is already there, in the Constitutions, given by Ignatius himself.

For the other part of the agenda of GC36, a

personal wish is that it completes what I feel was not th

done at the 35 GC. There was much expectation - if we

go by the number of postulates received in Rome - that it

strengthen companionship and give us some orientation

for a better living and working together. Not that it was

forgotten. Several decrees touch

upon some aspects of community

life. But the need is for something

more elaborate and inspiring on

what i t means to l ive as

companions and 'friends in the

Lord', in the world of today,

including the team work dimension

of our life, and collaboration with

others. But first: 'living'. It is ever

more important and urgent. It is

even more obvious that our

apostolic effectiveness i.e. making

Christ present in the world of today

– has much to do with the way we

live. It demands emphasizing an

evangelical testimony of brotherly companionship

more than on the work we do. Our work is appreciated.

The institutions we run are doing well, if we go by the

surveys made by the media: the ranking they give

them (on criteria quite different from ours) is good.

But we are no longer unique in that. Others can do as

well. Where is the difference?

Often people remark that Jesuits are terribly

individualistic: individually competent and efficient.

But they seem to be unable to work together. Personal

egos often come in the way of collaboration and team

work in the service of a common mission. We undo

what others do. Many do not yet fully perceive and

acknowledge that genuine gospel-like life of

companionship is eminently apostolic. More than

what we do, the way we live and do things together is

of paramount importance, as an apostolic testimony.

I see this as recapturing Vatican II's insight on

the Church as being first the people of God, the

assembly of the disciples of Christ: communion

before hierarchy. This communion attracts people to

the person of Christ. Similarly the more communion

and brotherly love is noticeable among the 'friends in

the Lord' that we profess to be, the better will our

mission be fulfilled. And - I would add - the more

young people will be attracted to our way of life and

service.

GC 36 - Time to Look AheadGC 36 - Time to Look AheadEtienne N. Degrez, SJ

Pg.14 Pg.14

[email protected] T

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Ger

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think the great challenge of the forthcoming GC is to have a vision for our mission. Sometimes I feel that we are so wrapped up in our own little world that I

we need to be reminded of where we are going. As a student in Europe, I am confronted with the shrinking and static reality of the Society in this part of the world. Therefore, the great challenge for the GC to say at best is: this is who we are, this is what we do, this is what we value and this is what it should be. Since Fr General, Adolfo Nicolas, has already expressed his desire to resign, the humble task before me is to pray for a suitable leader who can transmit the vision of the Soc ie ty in to the miss ion . Therefore, I will pray for a General who can respond positively and quickly to the concerns of the Church and the Society, implement bold decisions, tackle potential challenges before they affect the Society, identify the Society's needs and promote a proactive understanding of Christ-centered mission. The General should also be to develop strategic plans for the future by identifying short as well as long term objectives for mission, promote a climate for exchanging information and op in ions , recognize every member's dignity and worth, and e n c o u r a g e c o l l a b o r a t i o n , innovation, and quality work. Moreover, the General should be one who never compromises the integrity and legacy of the Society.

Secondly, considering the Christocentric nature of our spirituality and mission, I think, the GC must put forth adequate measures to bring people closer to Christ and to each other. The GC must therefore focus on finding ways and means to communicate Christ meaningfully in a multicultural and pluri-religious context. Our desire is to introduce Him to every person with whom we come in contact, to win them to faith in Christ, to commit them actively to the Church and to help them grow in the grace, knowledge and wisdom of Christ. Therefore, it is my expectation that the GC may facilitate the steps necessary to seek a Christ-centered and relationally-based mission to fulfill God's purposes for our generation.

Thirdly, I think, the GC could take the mission with vision' as a reference point for its deliberations. Unprecedented changes in the information sector are reshaping our personal and community spaces, organizational practices, and national and global institutions. Therefore, we need unifying principles that illuminate the role of the Society and an integrated understanding of human needs and their challenges to Society and societal structures. Consequently, the GC must orient the Society to comprehend, contribute to,

and succeed in a rapidly changing soc ie ty by understanding the issues and challenges of our time, s u c h a s t h r e a t s t o democracy, re l ig ious f u n d a m e n t a l i s m , u r b a n i z a t i o n , technological change, economic empowerment, sustainability, migration, demographical change, d ive r s i ty o f gender, plurality of religion and culture, globalization, ecological concerns etc., in o r d e r t o b e c o m e responsible stewards of our world. The GC may therefore identify, explore, and recommend specific actions so that the Society may continue its tradition of academic rigor, pursuit of justice, and service to others - especially the poor,

needy and the oppressed, in pursuit of dignity for all. Fourthly, looking at the re-structuring of the governance in the Society, I think, the GC must create an environment where provinces mutually support each other for the local and universal mission, create an environment which encourages exploration, curiosity, collaboration and creativity in the mission. We must continue to strive to create a universal Society that fosters mutual respect and social responsibility, enhanced by a strong partnership between ministry and community life. Therefore, the GC could provide an orientation that encompasses historical, cultural and social understanding and challenges of our mission that prepares us for stewardship in the world.

'

Bringing Vision into Our MissionBringing Vision into Our MissionThomas Karimundackal, SJThomas Karimundackal, SJ

Cont’d on pg.16



Fifthly, as one who prepares to work among the youngsters of the Society, I think the GC must give clear directions to make the young generation confident and creative builders of the future by assuring learning experiences to achieve their greatest potential to adapt and adjust to a diverse and ever changing society, especially inspiring them to achieve the highest standards of intellectual and personal development, through a caring, respectful, multicultural environment, by challenging them to take appropriate risks so that they may become individuals who are resilient and adaptable, interdependent and socially responsible adults, equipped with the knowledge, skills and disposition for challenging ministries. It is my hope that the GC will challenge and strive to empower all the youngsters to become increasingly aware of their basic self worth, making every effort to help them achieve their potential in spiritual formation, learning, leadership, service to God and to the community.

Sixthly, looking at the tendency of closing down institutions and various ministries in the European provinces, I tend to think that we need to foster more partnership and collaboration with others. Closing down an institution or a community means closing down our

presence in the area. Besides this, we should never forget that the Society is committed to prepare effective and ethical leadership in an evolving global community. Therefore, it is my expectation that the GC will strive to bring together similar-minded, vision-oriented people, to work together in an open and collaborative manner.

Finally, looking at the significance of the 'Examen' in our way of proceeding, I think, the GC will be an opportunity for self introspection. The GC will be a time to express that which is best within us while creating an environment that makes it safe to learn from successes and setbacks. Let this GC be an opportunity to appreciate what we are:

“We live in joyful communityDeep in connection and caringRich in beauty and celebration

By sharing with each other, our possibilities soar

Encouraged to participate and empowered to initiate,

We continuously create our community together

It's the place we call homeWhere we grow up” (Frog Song Cotati, CA)

Bringing Vision into Our MissionBringing Vision into Our MissionCont’d from pg.15

Pg.16 Pg.16

hen I look at the world today, some of the major forces are wars and conflicts, Wconflicting forms of development agendas,

the refugee crisis, and the Pope Francis effect. GC-36 should and must take into account the present challenging context in its quest to interpret the Jesuit mission for our times.

The first thing I would like to see is how far we have internalized GC-35. The faith and justice thrust of GC-32 was taken completely to heart by the Jesuits. However, the reconciliation aspect of GC-35, which is a further extension of the faith and justice mission has not entered fully into the Jesuit psyche. The issue of reconciliation is especially important given our present context of conflicts and Pope Francis' message of reconciliation and peace.

As a scholastic doing philosophy I would ask, are we capable of fulfilling our mission in the postmodern world. The postmodern world does not like to be defined.

The question we have to ask ourselves is, 'are we

defined and restricted by our institutions and works?'

Or can we be like the martyrs of El Salvador who were

in institutions and yet not institutionalized? The

postmodern culture is really a fertile ground for the

pioneering spirit of Jesuits. However, have we tapped

this potential?

We are known for our intellectual acumen and for our path-breaking research endeavours. We all do philosophy, theology and other special studies as part of our formation. How much of these studies are being interiorized? I feel that GC-36 should reflect on how our intellectual potential and opportunities should be tapped for creating a better world. It is also good to discuss about our contributions in the development of theology, in the areas of ecumenism, inter-religious dialogue, gender sensitivity, and ecology.

GC-36 and MeGC-36 and MeArun Philip Simon, SJ

[email protected]

([email protected])



n October 2016, the Society of Jesus will gather for thits 36 General Congregation in which Father

General, Adolfo Nicolas, will step down and a new IGeneral will be elected. What expectations do we have in Europe about this event?

There is a common perception that Father Nicolas' period has been a time of renewal where the Society has disposed itself for changes and transitions still to come. In Europe we experienced this particularly during Fr. Nicolas' visits when he introduced comments or narrations from his time in Asia that offered us a different perspective on our old European reality. I think there is a common desire to continue this openness to change and new views. In this sense, I would even say that we feel it is time to have a non-European General in the Society of Jesus that continues to introduce these different perspectives.

One issue that is particularly important for us is the efforts to find new ways to organize the Society's life and mission. This challenge is particularly important in Europe where the number of Jesuits is decreasing and the constant question is how we can preserve our apostolic impulse and network when we are fewer Jesuits. I think there is a desire that this future General Congregation evaluates the experiences we already have of new structures for the Jesuit apostolate – a good example is the organization of the new province of Spain – and gives clearer guidance on how to continue that effort. Connected with this there is also an expectation of

developing some reflection on how technology and network organization is changing the mission of the Society and even its structure. These new views on the mission are forcedly connected with an idea that Fr. General repeats frequently:

the mission is God's and therefore it is a shared mission. I guess any further clarification in this idea will be most helpful for o r i e n t i n g the already w e l l developed e f f o r t o f collaboration w i t h others in the mission that is already in p l a c e i n E u r o p e . T h e s e collaborative e f f o r t s p o s e a t t i m e s i d e n t i t y problems to the institutions when the Jesuit presence is reduced to a minimum due to diminishing numbers and collaborators take charge of them.

I guess it will also be important for us in Europe to get a clearer insight on which is our contribution to the universal Society today, a Society of Jesus in which Africa and Asia has a much bigger presence. We are no more the source of missionaries for distant lands; we do not have the great professors we had in the past – although we have an enormous amount of institutions. At times Fr. Nicolas has spoken about Europe's contribution as sharing the roots of the tradition, but it will be useful for us to clarify this a little more. At this same European level, it will be important to evaluate and push forward the present already intense collaboration among European provinces.

Summarizing, I think that we, European Jesuits, arrive at the new General Congregation already immersed in some important renewal processes and we feel that they need to be evaluated in their accomplishments and failures, and pushed

stforward in order to face the serious challenges of 21 century secularized Europe.

A View from EuropeA View from EuropeGonzalo Villagrán, SJ

Pg.17 Pg.17

[email protected]



Pg. 16Pg. 16

e seem to live in an era of first class problems and second class solutions. We are faced with new challenges every day. W

stThe world in the 21 century has become more

complex and ever changing, increas ingly interconnected and global. The fall and rise of governments in different countries is the order of the day. Scientific and technological advancements have contributed to the well-being of humanity. But the irony lies in the fact that this very advancement has contributed to the formation of a big gap between the poor and the rich. The rich countries enjoy the fruit of scientific and technological advancement. The poor countries have been left far behind. Today economy rules the world. Even in a democratic country like India, government policies are influenced by corporate and multi-national companies. In this globalized world, what is the role we are going to play for the poor and needy who look up to us? Can GC 36 be able to make the Society of Jesus young, vibrant, and fertile enough to address the challenges of the present world?

The urgent need is to keep abreast with the challenges and problems of the world today and also to rediscover the Society of Jesus, its humanistic spirit, so that it is able to give a new direction and hope to the new generations. Today the Society of Jesus needs to seek answers to the larger questions of human society, namely economics, politics, corruption, hunger and

where the nations are heading. The government policies affect the people whom we serve and so do they also affect our ministries. Today when we speak about social justice, we also have to deal with the problems of corruption and hunger; if we don't, then we cannot support the poor openly. Today the church and the Society of Jesus may not be involved in politics, but the religions of the world continue to influence political decisions in the public sphere. The new trend of the

Hindu 'Ghar Wapasi' and the Muslim 'Love Jihad' remain a challenge for Christians. Today ISIS poses both a political as well as a religious threat to the world. These therefore remain a serious question before us even though we do not want to be involved in direct politics. What are we going to do for the

Christians or others who are targeted or displaced by ISIS? Are we ready to accept the challenges posed by various fundamental religious groups?

Today Asia holds more possibilities for the frontier ministries of the Society. Today in Asia we have countries with huge populations along with high poverty and high illiteracy rates. We are called to bring positive changes in the world. As Mother Teresa says “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Therefore, in today's world we urgently need collaborators to help us in our various ministries. We are called to inculcate new ways of thinking and adopt new approaches for the ministries that we are involved in today. We are called to use new technologies to bring efficiency in our ministries.

We speak and work on behalf of the poor, but how much are we prepared to challenge the power of those who try to destroy the poor through policies that favour the rich? We need to ask ourselves whether we are ready to face these powers and direct them to support the poor. St John Paul II says, “Look to the future where the spirit is sending you in order to do even greater things.” I hope that this GC 36 will show us a new way to do something innovative or to take a path never travelled before by anyone else.

Pratap Samad, SJPratap Samad, SJ

My Expectations from GC-36My Expectations from GC-36Traversing previously untrodden pathsTraversing previously untrodden paths

Pg.18 Pg.18

[email protected]

Kevin CarterKevin Carter



Pg. 18Pg. 18

thirstly, the 36 GC should focus more on widening our mission in parishes and social action centers, Fin which we as consecrated persons need to be

more effective, encountering Jesus in the ordinary people, instead of being confined to the four walls of our esteemed institutions. Secondly, the GC should focus on the effective means of giving the rich Ignatian Heritage to people, keeping in mind the call of our Pope to recall our origin and to 'wake up the world' from its spiritual slumber. Thirdly, the GC should focus on playing an important role in building up socio-political movements that would play a pivotal role in the present political scenario. And finally the GC should focus more on Inter-religious Dialogue as a key mission for this modern era of many evils in the name of religion.

G. S. Thayriam, SJ (MDU)

rom GC 32 onwards I think the Society of Jesus has set before itself certain radical targets – The FService of Faith and the Promotion of Justice,

Community as Mission, Co-operation with Laity in Mission and the Intellectual dimension of all our Ministries. Over the years I think we have spoken more and done less. I think we need to revisit these decrees and come up with a mandate for action and not more decrees on the same. Other key topics to pursue would perhaps be Inter-religious dialogue, the triptych of Faith, Reconciliation and Justice and the relevance of Jesuit Educational Institutes.

John Cyriac, SJ (BOM)

ince the last General Congregation, both the world and the Church have seen momentous Schanges. My hope for the upcoming General

Congregation is that it will give the Society of Jesus the boost it needs to “embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by… joy” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 1). The last General Congregation reiterated the importance of universality (GC 35, decree 5, n. 1) in the life of the Society. I hope that GC 36 furthers the process and helps us see that greater universal collaboration is not just an option, but a necessity and priority for the contemporary Society.

Kensy Joseph, SJ (British Province)

y expectation from GC 36 is our responsibility towards creation. If people Mhave a right to life, right to food, right to

)information, they also have a right to a quality environment, needed for human welfare. In my opinion, it is not simply what a society does to its women, racial minorities, handicapped, children, or future generation but what it does to its fauna, flora, species, ecosystems, and landscapes that reveals the character of that society.

In an interview with Jesuit reporters last summer, Pope Francis said: “Your proper place (referring to the Jesuits) is on the frontiers. This is the place of Jesuits.” We are the pioneers on moral, educational, social and economic frontiers but we need to be on ecological frontiers too. After all, ecology is about living at home (Greek oikos, “house”).

David Paulraj, SJ (CCU)

C-36 is going to be pivotal in the annals of Jesuit history in the light of the Church's Gawakening. Following the footsteps of our

beloved Pope Francis who has already ventured into a completely new and liberal approach in terms of open dialogue with different groups of people and ways of living out the gospel of Jesus in today's context, GC 36, in my opinion, will strive to to give all our endeavours a new thrust. Besides focusing on restructuring & governance in the Society, it should discuss the necessary modifications in formation thus making it more relevant to our times.

Arul Jesya, SJ (MDU)

e are experiencing a very crucial time as regards our mission worldwide and Wparticularly in India. GC 36 should

probably focus on the sustainability of our religious charism in the local communities, and the allocation of our best men should be in the continuing formation of our young men. Our focus should also be on devising a platform on how to collaborate with political leaders and work with them for the promotion of human values in order to effectively

What Should be the Focus of GC 36?South Asian Scholastics Speak

What Should be the Focus of GC 36?South Asian Scholastics Speak



Pg. 19Pg. 19

propagate our Christian faith. Our focus should be on the fertile land of Asia and Africa for nurturing young vocations.

Ashok Kujur, SJ (MAP)

he Upcoming GC could focus on Lay Collaboration especially in the South Asian TAssistancy and in the world at large. Other areas

of focus could be:

Intellectual Formation - Encouraging youngsters to do ecclesiastical studies which can contribute to the Roman Houses and the Common Houses in all the Assistancies.Faith Formation & Ignatian Spirituality - There are not many Jesuits who are specially trained in Ignatian Spirituality these days. This should be our area of expertise, and our chief contribution to the world.

Anto Irudaya, SJ (KOH)

C 36 arrives at a time when the world faces multiple Gcrises such as widespread

poverty, the global economic crisis, brutal killing of innocent masses in the name of religion, ideologies and philosophy, environmental crisis, violation of human rights. At the same time the world has a fair share of people who are eager to do good, seeking to find solace, desiring universal harmony. Jesuits, to whom the church continues to turn to, through the ages have responded and

very Jesuit is called to proclaim the incarnated Jesus and serve Him perfectly in everything. GC E32 invites us to serve the poor. I re-define the

word 'poor' as a person in need of something. When a Jesuit says that he should be only with the poor, he leads himself away from the reality. Jesuits must be with the needy, and not with the poor and the rich. The whole world is in need of something. One needs food, another needs company, and another may need forgiveness. Every person in this sense is needy and so is poor. Let us be with the needy.

Midhun Francis, SJ (KER)

rose up to trying situations. But we need to respond more proactively, positively and progressively. Through GC 36 I hope that the Asian and particularly South Asian perspectives are more heard. Jesuits should more daringly and more radically pillar the good waves created by Pope Francis. It is high time that we move into concrete action. I am sure this GC will open new avenues for ministry, and bring in an attitudinal change!

Sujay Daniel, SJ (KAR)

n the fourth week of the Spiritual Exercises St. Ignatius asks every Jesuit to make a meditation on Ithe “Rules to have true sentiment in the Church”.

It is a call for the Society to be in ever greater union with the mind of the Catholic Church. What a great moment it is for the Society of Jesus, to convoke General Congregation 36 at a time when a Jesuit Pontiff is carrying the mantle of St Peter! Under his shepherding, the Catholic Church is moving in a different direction, perhaps closer to the spirit of the gospel. Now the question is, “If Pope Francis can think in a different way, why can't the Society do so as well?” Perhaps, General Congregation 36 should focus on the original spirit of St. Ignatius and go back to its roots. The upcoming GC should strive to create a link between our past and our future. It should bear witness to the values of the gospel proclaimed by the Church. It should try to adapt our works to the demands of an ever changing social and religious context.

Joji Babu, SJ (AND)

Pg.20 Pg.20

What should be the Focus of GC 36?South Asian Scholastics Speak

What should be the Focus of GC 36?South Asian Scholastics Speak

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General Congregation is a moment of grace. The whole body of the Society through representatives meets to renew itself in Spirit A

for greater Mission. The challenges before the upcoming GC 36 are many but the most important one for me is the demand to sustain ourselves both in quantity and quality as true Jesuits in the context of unimaginable t e c h n o l o g i c a l advancement and s u p e r -m o d e r n i z a t i o n . E v e r y r e l i g i o u s Congregation today is facing a dearth of v o c a t i o n s . T h e a t t r a c t i o n t o rel igious l i fe is c o m i n g d o w n d r a s t i c a l l y a n d frantically there is a l i t e r a l hun t fo r n u m b e r s . S o m e Congregations might face a natural death, some merge with like-minded groups and others would have to find alternative models to sustain themselves. A time may come when even the mighty Jesuit Order will face serious problems. Already the merging of Provinces has started in the west, and other parts of the world cannot afford to relax for too long.

It is already time to think seriously about how to address this challenge. We need to address the issue with a clear and definite answer. The human mind and senses go after external attractions and glamour. The market economy does exactly the same by projecting products through enticing techniques so as to make people slaves to commodities. People go after what is seen and what is talked about. There are many ways in which the human senses are controlled and are made slaves to 'having more' than 'being more'. To counteract this trend and to attract young minds to genuine life-promoting and life-enhancing values of the gospel indeed is an uphill task. The world looks for credible models and especially young ones, and the fact is that we do not have many left. It seems as if everyone is getting drowned into worldly ways of thinking and living.

What ought we to do to maintain the quantity and quality of vocations in the Society in order to sustain the Jesuit way of life? Our life style, interaction with people, language, spiritual duties, credible way of living, etc.,

need to be evaluated and corrected. Pope Francis is a real example. To preach and to practice the way Jesus did is not impossible but challenging. He is challenging each one of us to be like Christ at the service of the people as Jesus Himself was.

Religious life would die out if we distance ourselves from Christ and his values. Whatever may

be the nature of the world, Christ will remain relevant for all ages and to all generations. We need to fall back on our Master to learn from Him and to remain relevant. Even if the quantity suffers, the quality would suffice. GC 36 needs to address this issue to make our life more relevant and sustainable in the years to come!!!

Learn from the Master to Sustain our LivesLearn from the Master to Sustain our LivesTowards a relevant and sustainable mode of Jesuit living

Arockiaswamy, SJArockiaswamy, SJ

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Late Fr Gales, SJ

Photo Gallery

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Late Fr Gales, SJ

DNC Scholastics(Interview)(Interview)

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hat does a GC do to the Jesuits? Surely it chooses a Superior General for them (although all GCs are not meant for this W

purpose). Moreover it will bring out nicely worded wr i t ings ca l l ed Decrees, to give orientation to their collective search and mission. Is there something more? I'd say more than any o ther thing, it would put the Jesuits through a long process of r e f l e c t i o n a n d evaluation.

Wake up the world! This is the main theme of the year of consecrated life. Who has to wake? Whom? And for What? Wake up the WORLD. Now which world are they talking about?

On the lighter side, our world is a progressive world. We can think of sending people to Mars for a tour. It is also a very creative world. Just look at the movies, and the way they have come up with graphical imaginations. All this is not only in media. Just think of who dreamt of taking water from air. We did in fact! There are so many people longing for change. This having been said, on the negative side, though we are progressing, our directions are hazy. To put it in other words, ours is a directionless world. The way we understand success is totally wrong. Success has become equal to being famous. We do not know at the end of the day what we actually are. Again the process of this progress is simply unacceptable. In sociology we use social exclusivism or social alienation. This is what is happening today. Instead of embracing everyone we alienate people.

Two pressing issues are at the surface: gigantic economic progress and terrorism. Not that these two are distinct entities. I see a thread connecting them. I see that all fundamental movements, apart from their extreme ideologies, are a response to the idea of one world, especially the economic polarization. Unfortunately the methods they employ are unforgivable.

We are in a world marked by technological advancements. But I see empty promises everywhere. Politics, religion, spirituality- all shower empty

promises. Everybody promises you paradise, and that requires that you destroy something. Destroy nature, destroy the relationship! We are in world where growth is possible only through destruction.

We are also in a context of superficiality- we are s u p e r f i c i a l i n o u r thinking, especially in terms of development. A country develops only if it puts up skyscrapers. They take a pic of India on Diwali day and say India is shining! Again when it comes to our relationships we are superficial. The number of likes for our photos d e c i d e s o u r re la t ionships . Even blood relations cease to

exist when it comes to property matters. Again our level of commitment is superficial, even in the Society for that matter. Our sociological, ecological, scientific commitments are at stake.

Finally, the bigger question is: in this context, what is our role? An immediate answer would be that if our presence could make a difference we would indeed be relevant. Knowing the world very well, we have the responsibility to give the wakeup call and lead the world. Specific answers to the above mentioned question is each one's responsibility. Though we are not of the world (I pretty much doubt it), we are in the world.

What does a GC do to the Jesuits?What does a GC do to the Jesuits?Rosan Roy, SJ

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shedding, movement of men, and re-arrangement of province boundaries.

4. Optimize the New Virtual PulpitJames Martin (Editor-at-large at America

magazine), has really optimized the use of facebook, the new-age pulpit, in a way many of us could emulate. His daily posts range from the latest among church and societal trends, contentious government policies, scandals, book releases, creative Jesuit ministries, church history, obituaries, you name it. He dabbles with sticky issues and raises pertinent questions, whilst always taking a stand. There couldn't be a better engagement with and influence on a modern googleised world.

5. Recognize the Intellectualism that governs each of our Ministries

Our General has sounded us a telling reminder that the intellectual apostolate is to be considered a modern-day frontier. This being so, many Jesuits (definitely many in India) conveniently forget that an intellectual rigour which involves the necessary research and study (on lived realities) ought to permeate all our ministries. Do we recognize and pursue that intellectual striving in each of our ministries?

6. Retain Apostolic DiversityOur charism, based on need and aptitude,

naturally lends itself to apostolic diversity. I'm reminded of Br Navarro and his research on birds, Br Pinheiro who made wine for the whole Archdiocese of Mumbai, Br Nicolas Owen who constructed hiding places during the persecution in England, and so many more creative heads. This diversity and creativity is getting lost of late because we tend to simply fit into our 'laboratory-made apostolates' (to use Pope Francis' term). What ought we to do to retain our apostolic diversity, so distinctive of the Society?

Attractiveness is a state of being. For us Jesuits, being attractive & remaining that way rests in ever discerning God's will for us today. Moreover, if only we are fascinated by God, can we truly fascinate the world.

The Attraction WithinThe Attraction WithinLearoy Rodrigues, SJ

Using GC36 as a springboard for enhancing Jesuit attractivenessUsing GC36 as a springboard for enhancing Jesuit attractiveness

ope Francis when speaking to some people in consecrated life said recently, and famously, 'Fascinate the world! The church grows by P

attraction. Religious life should be attractive.' What kind of attraction? Surely inner attractiveness, and not just externally painted faces. And what does it mean to be inwardly attractive? I personally understand this as a happy sense of being who/what I am called to be; and in my case, a Jesuit – flawed, forgiven, blessed, beautiful.

If we as a body of Jesuits were to give the Pope a rundown of how we plan to be attractive (the Jesuit way) especially in the wake of GC36, what would we say? Whatever we say, we'd have to begin by asking ourselves (even if for the millionth time) – Who are

we as Jesuits today? And having established this, how can we fascinate our world here in South Asia? The point of departure is surely from within. I propose a few points for reflection.

1. Let us be 'Persons of God' once againI think it would suffice to quote Pope Francis

who recently cautioned religious about 'losing their inner serenity, vivacity & boldness, and hiding under papers, becoming practical machines and not persons of God' (cf. ). This is what people want to see in us Jesuits – firstly persons of God, and then everything else.

2. Recapture that 'Sense of the Society'What kept our early Jesuit companions together

was a 'Sense of the Society' – the vision of its founder, its discipline, its ethos, its magnanimity, its limitations. They had this 'we-are-one-body feeling.' Fr George Pattery (POSA) recently dinned into us DNC scholastics the need to cultivate this 'corporate sense' of the Society. Today with whatsapp and what not, our worlds are virtually so close, yet distant from having a real sense of being one body.

3. Foster a sense of Jesuit Nationalism in India We are a nation of Indian Jesuits, of course

besides being a worldwide body & part of this Assistancy. Our personal affiliations though are often coloured by ethnicity, culture, language, caste, and region. The benefits of feeling Indian are obvious – greater maneuverability and sharing of resources, ideas,& personnel. Most importantly for today, it'll facilitate better ministry-evaluation, apostolic load-

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hile seeking to widen the horizons and deepen our spirituality on the occasion of GC-36, it will be rewarding for the Jesuits to W

address the following four concerns with the spirit of Ignatian exploration, for a rich apostolic yield, in the national and international scenario:

Harmony between the Universal and the ParticularPerhaps due to the growing trends of swimming

along with the currents of economic globalization, Jesuits too seem to be mouthing empty slogans of rootless universalism. It runs against the spirit of the universal outlook of St. Ignatius. Ignatian universality has never been the denial of the incarnational particularity. That is why the Jesuits have b e e n p i o n e e r s i n sustaining the dialogue b e t w e e n t h e universality of the G o s p e l a n d t h e particularities of the cultures across the continents. But today one gets an impression that in the name of a universal outlook and frontier mission, Jesuits are beginning to forget the particularity of the world of the impoverished. Any discourse on universality serving the ideologies of the ruling elite eclipsing the cries of particularity of the marginalized people betrays the Gospel. There ought to be a well-balanced harmony between the universal and the particular in our mission priorities.

Renewed Commitment to the MarginalizedThe service of faith that does justice in dialogue with cultures and religions entails a patient dialogue with the marginalized people whose dialogical capacities have been crushed down by the dominant powers. But by and large, there seems to be a growing trend of subtle exclusion of open discourses on empowering the marginalized in the Jesuit world. Perhaps, there might be a sort of commitment-fatigue regarding the aspect of closely accompanying the impoverished. It is indicated by the steady decline of Jesuits engaged in direct social action, practically in all the continents. The Jesuit fire

that enkindled the prophetic spirit of empowering the impoverished against the imposed systems of injustice seems to be taking a back seat. Is it due to the fear of having limited spiritual resources or to inadequate networking to encounter the multiple complexities behind the issues of struggling for justice and promoting human rights of those reduced to be voiceless? GC-36 could speak out again on the necessities of propelling the Jesuits to join hands with the disempowered people, under their leadership, and with renewed vigour.

Ministry for the Addicts among the MarginalizedThe victims of injustice across the globe- be it the

indigenous people, or the forcefully displaced people or those preyed upon by casteism, or those hunted down by r ac i sm- have been targeted by the culture of a d d i c t i o n t h r o u g h various substances. This surreptitious disease eating into the vitals of the poor creates a sense of pessimism against people's assertive power, women's development, and children's education.

The Jesuits could be mandated to comprehensively address this growing menace of the culture of addiction especially crushing the lives of the poor, by creative intervention and timely prevention, for sustaining the culture of recovery.

Personal Ecology of the JesuitsWhile belatedly addressing the felt-need for promoting eco-justice outside, Jesuits could be encouraged to be leaders in their eco-commitment with regard to their own human bodies. The need for integrating contemplation-action, prayer-studies, mysticism- apostolate, or community-works have been traditionally insisted upon. It will be good to address now the need to evolve a healthy balance between cosmic ecology and personal ecology. This may be the need of the hour for our missionary congregation which faces the challenge of changing patterns of consumerism and health care in different countries and cultures.

Is there a Commitment-fatigue among the JesuitsRegarding their Option for the Marginalized?

Is there a Commitment-fatigue among the JesuitsRegarding their Option for the Marginalized?

A. Maria Arul Raja, SJ A. Maria Arul Raja, SJ

[email protected]



“Wherever in the Church, even in the most difficult

and extreme fields, at the crossroads of ideologies, in

the social trenches, there has been and there is

confrontation between the burning exigencies of man

and the perennial message of the Gospel, here also

there have been, and there are, Jesuits.” (Pope Paul

VI address to GC 32, 3rd December 1974).

C 36 comes at a momentous time in the history of the church. We Jesuits, who owe a special Gcommitment to mother church, need to read the

signs of the times and emerge with a creative response that is path breaking. What are the signs of our time?

1. Pope Francis Effect: The electrifying presence of our elder brother, Pope Francis, has set the world on fire with Christian love.

2. Threat to Secularism in India: The rising Hindu fundamentalism is turning out to be a major threat to Christians, especially in India.

3 . I S I S t e r r o r : ISIS at the g l o b a l l e v e l i s threatening the world w i t h r e l i g i o u s persecution s a n d imminent terror attacks.

4. Falling Numbers: Europe was known to have faced a drought concerning religious vocations. The story from India, given the circumstances, may not be much different from Europe, in the near future.

5. Refugees: The ever progressing world of ours is creating increasing number of refugees, who have nowhere to go. The victims of poverty and hunger especially in the third world countries need a hand that cares.

6. Existential quest: There is a rising restlessness in the human heart more than ever today and there is thus a felt need for global interdependence. The challenge of superficiality Vs depth is haunting humanity.

Can the upcoming GC 36 reflect the deeper nuances of the signs of our times and emerge with a creative response? The words of Pope Benedict XVI, to GC 35 (on 21 Feb, 2008), “the Church needs you, relies on you and continues to turn to you with trust…” can serve as a source of inspiration in this regard.

Rayan Joel Lobo, SJ

[email protected]

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Wake up to this World!Wake up to this World!



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