This includes updating the “Profile of a Formed Jesuit” in line with GC 36, the UAPs, and the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, and reviewing the formation and cura personalis of the various age groups of Ours accordingly. Improvements will be made where needed, especially for young men in formation, Jesuits post tertianship, and elderly Jesuits. International collaboration for Jesuits in formation, such as through an international / multi-cultural novitiate and other formation programs will be developed. Similarly, collaboration for formation of mission partners will be enhanced. This includes developing “Characteristics of an Ignatian Mission Partner’” and implementing more systematic ways to foster their formation.

Targeted outputs:

10a. The “Profile (or “Characteristics”) of a Formed Jesuit” is re-developed by end-2022. A team is formed in Jan 2021 for this project (to include: one member of the original team; a Brother, a lay partner, an expert in the process) The existing profile and formation programs are examined by May 2021. Reflection on the relevant documents, contexts, and consultations are done by early 2022 and the new profile pilot tested by July 2022.

10b. The “Characteristics of an Ignatian Mission Partner” is developed by end2022 (similar to above steps) and formation opportunities are identified.

10c. Ongoing going review of formation programs is carried out with attention given to the creation of programs for young priests and brothers, posttertianship and elderly Jesuits.

10d. Ongoing periodic conversation among formators in different stages of formation (e.g. Novitiate, First Studies, Regency, etc.) is arranged to align goals, values, and to discuss issues such as dynamics of lay partnership. Resources in each stage of formation such as Ignatian and Jesuit Spirituality are shared, including possible Psycho-Spiritual Sessions/Workshop in the novitiates.

10e. Major Superiors are encouraged to send formands (e.g. regency time), as part of their formation, outside their home Province/Region; to address the tendency towards “provincialism”. (This is case-by-case, as it depends on the balance between a healthy rootedness in local culture and the Jesuit value and experience of international exposure and collaboration. In the case of prolonged travel restriction due to Covid-19, alternatives will be explored.)

 

Responsible team: JCAP Formation Committee in collaboration with formators and Major Superiors.