New General... New Dreams... New Visions

A group is known by its leader. So, with the election of the new General, new dreams, new visions and renewed hopes of Soldiers under the banner of Christ are on soar. Here are a few views which I picked up in my interaction with a few jesuits through phone, email and in person... Everybody is welcome express views and concerns...

“I welcome the appointment of New Superior – Genenral Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, to address the challenges of third millennium, that we are faciing. Jesuits are always known for commitment and imparting quality education. This millennium also suggests the Jesuits to be more oriented to unprivileged people by being alive to Gods love and mercy.” - Rt. Rev. M. Joji D. D, Archbishop of Hyderabad.

“Society should use its presence in parishes, schools, universities publishing houses to achieve universal literacy. every boy/girl and man/woman should be literate at least in their own language of culture. For long our schools and colleges were used by certain elite. but now our educational institutions should cater to those underprivileged who cannot afford education. through Education we should work for in self-confidence, dignity and freedom. Towards this goal we have follow the methodology of Paulo Fereire . The education helps them them to involve in sociological reflection to undestand the dynamics of disparity between rich and poor. this is the deep education that can be rendered.”

“Society should seriously take part in anti-war apostlates. When we scan around we find mass manufacture and sale of weapons to the poor and vulnerable countries, which are always kept in conflict and warlike situations. Added to this, neo-imperilisitc designs of European, American countries always drive the poor countries to perpetual poverty. Manufacture and trade of weapons, invasion, conflict, bloodshed of every kind, neo-imperialism are both anti-gospel and anti-human. Having been called to stand a witness to His values, we should fight out these evils.”

“We should work for people centered economics, science, technology, politics, education and religion. Centrality of the human being should be the point of concern in all our endeavours.” - Fr. Samuel Rayan S. J, Professor (Emeritus), Vidyajyoti.

Though he is basically a Spaniard, but culturally he is Japanese, and his heart is with Asia. I am happy that right man is chosen at right time. A man with pastoral and theological background added with his experience of Asian problems, Asian identity may act like Fr. Arrupe by giving down to earth directives to deal with the Asian complexities and problems. - Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj, Secretary, Jesuit Social Action(JESA).

Born in western hemisphere and living in east, has the global perspective and quite inserted in Asian Phenomena of culture and religion. His mind is universal and so his heart. So, borders of different kind can be crossed with a message of Jesus the Incarnate. Profoundly human and without any cultural inhibitions welcoming the creative and forward looking leadership to the Society of Jesus today. Interaction between culture and religion a major concern of today. - Fr. T.K. John S.J Professor (Emeritus), Vidyajyoti.

“I knew Fr. Adolfo Nicolas because he was the Secretary of GC 34, in which I had the privilege to participate. At that time ,he was the Provincial of Japan. I am very happy and grateful to God the he has been elected as our General. Whenever I approached to him for something or other, he was very friendly and smiling, and made me feel at home. He is a charismatic leader whom spontaneously people admire. During the GC 34, one of my companions (I do not remember who exactly), made a comment – Fr. Adolfo Nicolas will make a very good candidate for the General. There is no surprise that he has been elected General, and I hear with a thumping majority.”

“ His mission today is to take forward our social concerns with the fire and zeal of Rev. Fr. Arrupe. We know that the option for the poor and struggling and fighting for Justice and Human Rights have cooled off all over the world,in the Society of Jesus. It is the time to regain our fervour and enthusiasm. And Fr. Adolfo being an experienced man of the far east and having been in the thick of the struggles for the oppressed and marginalised,will do justice to our mission of Justice. He also has another important mission and it is to keep Pope Benedict, cool. He surely will help the Pope and collaborate with him keeping The Society's relationship warm and purposeful.” - Fr. A.X.J. Bosco S. J, Director, CITRA (Andhra Jesuit Social Centre).

"He is a blend of both West and East. He is elected at an historical juncture, When the the Asian Jesuits number is growing numerically. So,they have the defining role to play within the society and outside the society, they have the responsibility to shape the world. A perfect blend of reality and spiritualty would be fitting and prophetic. Governance, Formation, and definition of Mission and Vision need to be sharpened. There should be blend of Diplomacy and Prophetic Radicality."

"In the present Global context challenges are plenty and there should be Afro – Asian networking of Jesuits to empower marginalised and oppressed." -Fr. Amal Kulandaisamy S.J, Rector of Loyola College, Chennai.

"Fr. Adolfo Castillian, a spaniard belongs to Castillian. Two years ago he was in Delhi, attending a seminar on “Identity of Asain Jesuits”. He was President of Asian Provincials. He very much helped the Japanese Bishops conference with documents regarding Rome projects. He had good realtions with local church heirarchy."

"He is reflective like Fr. Arrupe. and theologically influenced. With his Asian roots, there can be wider openings in China. Secularisation in Europe and America and low vocations may have to be dealt." - Fr. Gispert – Sauch S J, Professor (Emiritus), Vidyajyoti.

“Good visionary and known for leadership qualities. He always challenges people to wake up to the new realities. His background in theology helps in discernment and faith. We must do more than what we do. We must handle all dimensions of human life. Asian reality calls us to respond to challenges of today and tomorrow with an apt vision and direction. Universal challenges need to be faced with local interests and context. The present trends of the world are consumerism, technological dependency, secularisation... but our stand is always to discern to bring people together with greater interaction for the well being of the world. Interaction between Jesuits of developed countries and developing countries should be continued at greater scale. Liberative and Holistic approach is important in our works.” - Fr. Arokiasamy Soosai S J, Professor (Emiritus), Vidyajyoti

“Very good choice in the person of Adolf Nicholas. Though he is a Spaniard, with his long association with Asian, we can correctly say he has an Asian heart to understand various cultures. As he knows the problems of Asia as an insider, he is emotionally involved with Asian reality.”

“Modern world as it is evolving now, leaves us with a lots of challenges like imperialistic globalisation, which is responsible for conflict, leaving the world in a self centred and techno-centric life, where the opportunity for some becomes the deprivation for many, basically becoming a world, void of neighbours. We have to address these problems by evangelisation of globalisation, that is bringing Kingdom values of Jesus in to the self centred global phenomena, and effecting change to bring the globalisation to the benefit of everybody. We can achieve this through the Intervention of Holy Spirit and in partenership with many collaborators.” - Fr.John Chathanatt S. J, Principal, Vidyajyoti.

"Society at this juncture should respond to problem of AIDS in Africa and extreme differences between rich and poor, technological revolution and its dehumanising phase, to address to those who dont believe in christ and to address the dropping down of standards in the Society of Jesus." - Sch. Ceaser S.J, Studying theology at Vidayajyoti.

He is an excellent human being. basically a theologian, progressive in his outlook with his background of West and East. I wish him to be the combination of both Arrupe and Kolvenbach being Extrovert and reticent. The problem of globalisation, secularisation, low vocations, religious fundamentalism should be addressed. - Fr. Francis Gonsalves S J, Professor, Vidyajyoti

"He is spirit inspired choice and a gift for us. Being aware of the cultural pluralism and down to earth issues of today, with a blend of the East and the west, he would lead the Jesuits to rediscover our apostolic aggressivity, inspire us to be integrated persons with others in these changing times, to guide us to serve the church and accompny us in lovijg the humanity and all forms of life in the Jesus way." - Sch. Joseph Puthenkulam S J, Studying theology at Vidyajyoti.

“We should continue to think with the church. Society needs to find its foundation of mission of Christ under the directive of Pope. So, he has to find ways and means of coordinating the society's work in accordance with popes direction. Should find ways of bringing the element spiritual dimension in a more tangible way in all its activities. All programs to be in tune with God's work and kingdom of God.” - Fr. John Joseph S. J, Registrar and Spiritual Director, Vidyajyoti.

“He is very cordial, he is a man who looks forward, especially open to respond to different cultures of Asia. He is also a man to bring Church in concrete terms with Asian realities. Grounded in theology and Christian tradition, who can understand and appreciate the Asian culture. Social and Dialogue ministries may take precedence. Openness to other cultures involving collaborative ventures with other cultures and religions in all our works.” - Fr. Leonard Fernando S. J, Professor, Vidyajyoti.

“He is a man of Dialogue, with his exchanges with Buddhism, and cultural vibrance with east. He having expericed the povert of Asia, cultural and religious divergence , I expect him to draw on some directive in our ministry.of dialogue.” - Fr. Victor Edwin S J, Secretary, Secretariat for Dialogue (JSD).

"The dawn of 21^st century is disturbed by violence of various forms; namely religious fanaticism, economic disparities- rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer- even the little lands that give them sustenance are snatched away to create Special Economic Zones to accommodate MNCs. Declaration of wars and intrusion of the mighty armed nations into oil rich and other poor nations with vested interests, like in Iraq and Afghan resulted in massacre of lakhs of civilians including Children. Technological revolutions generating huge quantities of e-waste , topsy-turvy the climate pattern; all these forms of violence exhibit a bleak future for human dignity and welfare."

"I dream of environment friendly citizens of the world who would envision an eco and a human friendly development to give its due importance to human dignity. I wish Fr. General gives much attention to environmental refugees created due to various human activities degrading the mother earth." - Sch. Xavier Savari, Studying Theology at Vidya Jyoti.

"Society has passed the baton to a very experienced person indeed! Therefore our expectations from him are also quite high. Society has innumerable apostolates so he must be a man in touch with the ground realities of the world and should become a torch bearer to the whole Catholic Church. He is not only a leader of 19000 Jesuits in the Society of Jesus but also a leader of 1/3 of the total population in the world, particularly to 1+ billion Catholics in the world. In this changing time he has to find answerers to the following spheres of human life where people struggle to find meaning:

- Peoples' Alienation from spiritual and moral life
- An answer for AIDS ravaged Africa
- protecting the rights of the unborn (abortion)
- Euthanasia
- Terrorism
- Bridge the gap between warring countries
- Third country resettlement for the refugees
- Must be a visionary and must be able to find answers for tomorrow's problems today" - Sch. Johnson Padiyara S J, Studying Theology at Vidyajyoti

Gathering on Islam Christian Brotherhood

A session of reflection on 'Interfaith Dialogue between Islam and Christainty' was organised by The Islamic Studies Association at 5.30 pm in St. Xaviers School, Delhi. This was in response to an open letter titled 'A Common Word between Us and You' was written by 138 Muslim leaders addressed to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders. The Muslim leaders emphasised in the letter ' Love of God and Love of Neighbour'. His Holiness was particularly impressed by the attention given to the twofold commandment to love God and one's Neighbour. This reflection was organised to help the ISA to formulate the response to the Letter.

During the session Dr. Pushpa Anbu S.V.D, Secretary of Islamic Studies Association presented the synopsis of the letter signifying its contents in the emerging global as well as Indian context That Muslims and Christians make up the half of the world population. Without peace between these two groups, there cannot be peace in the in the world. The basis for peace and understanding already exists in the in the principles of both faiths- love for One God and love for the neighbour- Quoting from the Quran, He is God, the One!/ God the self-sufficient Besought of all! (Al – Ikhlas, 112: 1-2), So invoke the name of thy Lord and devote thy self to him with a complete devotion. (Al – Muzzammil, 73: 8). Quoting the Prophet Muhammad on love for the neighbour “None of you has faith until you love for your neighbour what you love for yourself.” On the Christian side Jesus said in the New Testament, “'Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength'. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this, ' You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.” God Calling for the unity of Muslims, Christians, (Jews) “ O People of Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you, that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no parner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then they say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered unto Him” (Aal 'Imran 3: 64) – Thus in obedience to Holy Quran Muslims invite Christians to come togather on the basis of what is common to both: Two commandments of Love.

Later, Dr. Paul Jackson S.J, President of Islamic Studies Association addressed the gathering on the elements of conformity and conflict between Islam and Christianity. With regard to conformity he once again he highlighted the two commandments of love. Stressing on the need to reconcile on conflict is that We Christians regard Jesus as Son of God, While our Muslim brethren regard as Prophet. Then Fr. Gisbert – Sauch S.J had read out the draft on 'Christian Response from Indian Setting” which was prepared by ISA. The draft acknowledges the appreciation for the initiative taken by Muslim Brethren as 'a beautiful gift'. Further it mentions that this letter encourages us to seek in our common faith in One God the inspiration to come together for mutual understanding and friendship and to be at the service of peace and of people in need. It takes note of the prominence given to the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament, there by including Jews also, Which expresses the inclusivist attitude of Muslims and continues to say “Our common belief in God the Creator and Sustainer enables us to feel related to one another at the very deepest level of our being. We are aware of our observable differences in beliefs and practices, but consider them as challenges rather than as obstacles to mutual appreciation. Belief in One God is surely a great foundation for our shared religious experience. It enables us to realise that we are not alone in our cosmos, and find in this belief the strongest basis for the protection of our liberty. By surrendering to the one Transcendent yet loving God we affirm that we cannot surrender our freedom to any created reality”. Finally assuring the support it mentions “Our common belief in God the Creator and Sustainer enables us to feel related to one another at the very deepest level of our being. We are aware of our observable differences in beliefs and practices, but consider them as challenges rather than as obstacles to mutual appreciation. Belief in One God is surely a great foundation for our shared religious experience. It enables us to realise that we are not alone in our cosmos, and find in this belief the strongest basis for the protection of our liberty. By surrendering to the one Transcendent yet loving God we affirm that we cannot surrender our freedom to any created reality. Such love will impel us to collaborate with one another in promoting constructive changes leading to the welfare and improvement of diverse communities and individuals so as to build a truly inclusive Indian society. Concrete projects to strengthen mutual understanding, appreciation and cooperation will have to be worked out the the level of specific places and institutions. Mutual visits to one another on the important festivals of the year may be a beginning of friendlier relations available to most peoples. Educational and other institutions will surely be able to undertake other projects at various levels of society.”

Then many suggestions were proposed by the participants, namely, this message of brotherhood between Islam and Christianity should be disseminated by using wide communication mould, apart from scholarly efforts, there should be popular grass root level measures, so, the response may be translated in Urdu, the message of brotherhood may be communicated in all the catholic Educational Institution, networking with other groups which work for the same task, Indian Social Institute, Delhi may take initiative to contact all Imams in Delhi, were a few of the suggestions. It is a point of interest to be aware of Islamic Jesus in Nader Talebzadeh's Iranian movie, 'Jesus, the Spirit of God,' as an Islamic answer to Western productions like Mel Gibson's 2004 blockbuster 'The Passion of the Christ'.

There were about 80 participants. The Reflection was locally organised by Fr. Victor Edwin. S.J, Jesuit Secretary for Dialogue

The Islamic Studies Association (ISA) is composed of Catholics interested in a serious study of Islam and in establishing cordial contacts with their Muslim neighbours. It was founded at a meeting convened by the Secretary of the CBCI Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism in Agra, March 1979.

New Jesuit Superior- General to be Elected on 19th

Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach Superior General of Society of Jesus resigned on 14.1.08. He continues to be acting General till the new General is elected. New General to be elected on 19th of this month. GC 35 is already in session with 225 delegates, of which 43 are from South Asian Assistancy, to elect the new General. The process of election is already on. The election itself is preceded by four days of "information gathering," called "murmuratio." Each member of the Congregation is allowed to ask any other member of the congregation about any particular member of the Society who might be an apt Superior General. There cannot be lobbying, in whatsoever manner. No Jesuit may seek the position for himself or for anyone else. All delegates may seek information about this or that Jesuit. This “murmaratio” is only among the delegates of the congregation. At the end of these four days of conversation among the members of the Congregation, a Jesuit is chosen to speak to the members of the Congregation about their duty to elect a new Superior General.

Then a secret ballot in writing is taken, collected and counted. Many rounds of voting is conducted until someone receives a simple majority vote and is elected the new Superior General. Commenting on the election process of General, famous Jesuit Indologist, Prof. Gispert-Sauch said “Process of election is one of spiritual search as it involves intense prayer and fasting.”

The qualities that are sought in General are that he should be closely united with God our Lord and intimate with him in prayer and all his actions, be a person whose example in the practice of all virtues is a help to the other members of the Society, he ought to be endowed with great understanding and judgment, who can undertake enterprises and carry them to successful completion, one with physical energies to fulfill his office, and finally he ought to have extrinsic endowments such as reputation, high esteem and whatever else aids toward prestige with those within and without the Society. Sharing on the expectations of the new General, veteran theologian, Prof (Emiritus), Samuel Rayan S. J said “Somebody who can guide and inspire and fulfill its vocation in todays and tomorrows context of crisis and scientific revolution in the world”. Sch. Johnson S.J of Calcutta Province expects the new General to be a man with vision, not for just this century, but coming century to lead the Society and the church, as present socio political world is full of conflicts like fundamentalism, terrorism, poverty, globalization etc. Stressing on the intercultural background Prof. Gispert-Sauch S.J said “he should be a man with intercultural background, who is loyal to the traditions of Church and Society and who can understand the modern world’s cultural trends.”

b.j. shailendra s.j

Beginning of a New Dawn

AYCM convention at Ranchi

Ranchi: AYCM (Adivasi Yuva Chethana Manch) conducted a tribal youth convention at St. Xavier's college, Ranchi (Jharkhand) from 27th - 30th December. About 750 students, both tribal and non-tribal students from various states of India. This four day convention was inaugurated by Prof. Victor Tigga, Vice – Chancellor of Siddhu Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka. On the occasion he gave a call for unity of tribal youth to strengthen and to create a fearless and clean tribal society through a non political movement. Inaugural Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Telesphore Toppo, Cardinal and Bishop of Ranchi. He stressed the need for the better solidarity saying “participation of Christ with us, should drive us to participate with each other”.

The theme of the convention was “Beginning of a New Dawn – Adivasi Conscientization for Unity and Solidarity”. All the four days participants were addressed and appealed by eminent pesonalities like Mr. Benjamin Lakra, Auditor general, Kolkota, Frs. Alex Ekka s.j, James Toppo sj, Beni Ekka sj, Mr. Ratnakar Bhengra, Advocate, Ranchi High Court and other local social activists on various topics namely 'Golden History of Indigenous, 'Adivasi is my Identity', 'Adivasi Culture – Our Pride and Heritage', 'V and VI Schedule of Indian Constitution, Impact of Globalisation on Adivasis etc... There was a spirit of revolution when it was turn of the students to voice out their minds in the panel discussions.

The convention ended with a rally on the roads of Ranchi, which disseminated the seriousness of the issues of indigenous shouting. Mr. Bandhu Tirkey, Minister of Education and Human Resources, Jharkand State addressed the participants at the end of the rally. He wanted the tribal youth to be sensitive by going back to their villages and develop after their education.

AYCM is part of AICUF(All India Catholic University Federation) was formed in 1994 to be a platform for voice of tribals. It is the first convention since the beginning of AYCM. Speaking on the objectives of AYCM Mr. Vinay Prakash Ekka, convenor of AYCM said “To come out from the culture of silence, voice out and fight for the preservation of Adivasi culture and identity”.

The Convention was locally organised by Rev. Fr. Walter Ekka s.j, AICUF State Advisor for Jharkand. Fr. Fulgence Ekka is the AYCM Coordinator.

B.J. Shailendra s.j