Three new cardinals present faces of Catholic Church in Asia
On Feb. 22, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk of Seoul, Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales of Manila and Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun of Hong Kong among the 15 new members he plans to induct into the College of Cardinals in Vatican City on Mar. 24 during his first consistory.
For the secretary general of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), the three new Asian cardinals appointed by the pope reflect facets of Asian church reality, and with the other cardinals of Asia present to the College of Cardinals “a church of the poor, a church struggling in many places for religious freedom, a church committed to interreligious dialogue, and a church that is engaged in social transformation as a call of the gospel and of the kingdom of God.”
Each of the Asians named cardinal has a “significant role” because of the context of their local church, said Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato City, Philippines. (www.catholic.org 2/23/2006)
It is also worth mentioning that of the 15 cardinals, one is a Jesuit, Fr Albert Vanhoye, a theologian who was formerly the rector of the Pontifical Biblical Institute and secretary of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. On the latter he worked closely with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Order of Brilliant Star awarded to Cardinal Shan
On Feb. 16 the 83-year old Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-hsi, SJ received from the President of Taiwan the medal of the Order of Brilliant Star, first class, in recognition of his efforts to promote the relations between Taiwan and the Holy See. In thanking the President for the distinction, Cardinal Shan said that he was “an ordinary priest who had worked in Taiwan for 40 years serving the needy according to Jesus’ spirit of service and sacrifice”.
Fr Shan’s resignation as bishop of Kaohsiung was accepted by the Pope on Jan. 5 of this year. He was President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference for 18 years.
@ JCEAO OFFICE
On Mar. 10 to 24, Fr. Nicolas and Fr. Minh-Uoc will visit East Timor. This will be Fr. Minh-Uoc’s first visit to the Mission.
@ EAO SECRETARIATS (AJCU-EAO, China Desk, Ignatian Spirituality Animation, Inter-religious Dialogue, JEC-EAO, JESCOMEAO, Social Apostolate)
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities-East Asia and Oceania (AJCU-EAO)
The meeting of ICAJE, convened by Fr Thomas Roach, the Secretary for Education of the Society of Jesus, took place on Feb. 18–21 in Rome. The members represented six assistancies: Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, South Asia and East Asia & Oceania. Three new members came for the first time to this bi-yearly event: from North America (Ralh Metts), South Asia (Norbert Menezes) and EAO (Riyo Mursanto). Also very special at this time was the presence of Fr. Pierre Salembier, Father General’s Delegate to the World Union of Jesuit Alumni/ae. Fr Roach invited the participants to report on the situation of the education ministry from each continent, focusing on developments that took place after the last meeting in December 2003. Reflections were made and plans were designed to ensure that the characteristics of Jesuit Education continue to flourish in our schools. Fr. General gave a reminder to exert much effort in nurturing these characteristics, especially now that the numbers of the Jesuits in our educational institutions are dwindling. This is the time to always empower our lay partners.
China Desk
Consultation on China. On Valentine’s Day Feb. 14 seven Jesuits – Louis Gendron, Adolfo Nicolás, Ron Anton, John Lee, Pham Minh-Uoc, Ismael Zuloaga, and Tom Steinbugler – met at the JCEAO Office for a consultation on our ministries in China Mainland. Among the works discussed were BiMBA (Beijing International MBA) and The Beijing Center. The group also discussed the prospects of extending our service to the poorer areas in the South.
Fr. Louis Gendron said that it is important to have EAO support for China.
Jesuits Engaged in Social Communication in East Asia and Oceania (JESCOMEAO)
Xu Guangqi TV documentary broadcast in China. On the evening of Jan. 25, Nanjing’s Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation’s all-China satellite TV channel aired a four-part documentary on Paul Xu Guangqi, the close colleague and companion of Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci and one of the founders of the Chinese Catholic Church. The documentary is a co-production of JBC and Taipei’s Kuangchi Program Service. Paul Xu Guangqi, whose tomb and memorial museum is in Shanghai’s Xujiahui (Xu Family Estate) district, was a brilliant intellectual and statesman of the late Ming Dynasty who rose to become the Grand Secretary of the Chongzhen Emperor.
The TV documentary bills Xu as “The first Chinese to open himself to the outside world; the forerunner of western science in China; and the most important figure in China’s green revolution.”
The first half-hour episode of the series re-enacts Xu’s meeting with Matteo Ricci in Nanjing in 1600, describes his baptism into the Catholic Faith, includes an interview with Italy’s former Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, who wrote a popular book on Ricci, and interviews with several Chinese scholars. Episode Two describes the significant results of the Xu-Ricci collaboration–especially the translation of six books of Euclid’s Elements which introduced geometry into the Chinese educational system and revolutionized scientific thought in China. Episode Three deals with Xu’s masterwork on agriculture, the Nongzheng Quanshu. By introducing the cultivation of sweet potatoes, cabbages, and other ‘famine crops able to survive floods and droughts that destroyed the rice crops, Xu was chiefly responsible for China’s increased prosperity and subsequent geometric population growth. The fourth episode describes Xu’s close collaboration with the Jesuits in reforming the Chinese calendar as well as missionary Fr. Adam Schall von Bell’s efforts to help defend the Ming Dynasty with western military technology.
The documentary attributes Xu’s relationship with the Jesuits as one of the key elements in his great contribution to China’s development. The deep friendship and close collaboration between Ricci and Xu is a model for East-West dialogue and cooperation today. They are seen as examples of globalization at its best.
At a press conference held in Nanjing on Jan. 25, attended by KPS President Mr. Zhou Wenyi and Fr Jerry Martinson, it was announced that the documentary will be broadcast repeatedly throughout China and will be followed by other co-productions between Kuangchi Program Service and Jiangsu TV.
@ INTERNATIONAL WORKS (AIR, EAPI, EAO Tertianship)
Arrupe International Residence (AIR)
The last few weeks were time for busy visitations: the Philippine Provincial, Fr Danny Huang, visited his scholastics on Jan. 26–27, and Fr Louis Gendron his Chinese scholastics on Feb. 13–17. Fr Nicolás’ timetable was also filled with staff and scholastics from AIR coming to see him.
@ ASSISTANCY COMMON AREAS (Cambodia, East Timor, Myanmar)
Cambodia
Msgr. Kike’s visit to Australia. Msgr Kike Figaredo went to Australia to express his thanks for the generous support his community has received, both in terms of funding and the care and prayers that come with it.
As head of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, Msgr Figaredo runs a number of programs in his diocese with the assistance of Jesuit Mission in Australia. One of his main passions is providing care for children who have been left disabled by landmines or polio. His Arrupe Centre for the Disabled houses a number of children aged 9 to 22, whom he has helped get access to education and other opportunities for their future.
Another important project is the community health centre that the diocese has set up. Jesuit Mission in Australia has helped add a new extension, dormitories and toilets to the shelter. The hospital can care for up to 30 patients at a time. A doctor and a nurse work full-time at the centre with a team of social workers.
The educational programs are what’s really providing people, including Msgr Figaredo, with hope for the future. To support these educational programs, Jesuit Mission in Australia is providing scholarships for high school, primary & university students. Around 300 students currently receive scholarships.
Jesuit Gathering. From Jan. 25 to Feb. 5 Frs Adolfo Nicolás and Pham Minh-Uoc visited our Jesuit brothers in Cambodia. The trip to the country of Angkor Wat was Fr Minh-Uoc’s first as new socius to Fr Nicolás.
On Saturday Jan. 28, at the Jesuit Residence in Phnom Penh where Jesuit Service staff and many invited guests gathered, Fr Nicolás gave a talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was received with enthusiastic praise. One participant said afterward: “I have been disillusioned and been away from the Church for forty years, but today listening to the talk gives me hope.” The same talk, given four days later at the gathering of Battambang diocese clergy, was also described as excellent.
Then the sixteen Jesuits working in Cambodia including Msgr Kike, Frs Nicolás and Minh-Uoc, and a special guest, Fr Geoffrey Meagher, an Australian Jesuit who has been working in India for forty years, gathered at Arrupe Center for the Disabled for two days to share and exchange ideas about their works, and also to work out a vision for future apostolate in the mission.
In-gun’s Study in Sri Lanka. Fr Joseph In-gun Kang, a Korean Jesuit who had been working in Jesuit Service Cambodia for three and half years, was given a new mission: to study in Sri Lanka for a doctorate in Pali and Buddhism. After finishing his studies, he will return to Cambodia to work for the inter-religious dialogue in Cambodia and in the other parts of our Assistancy.
In-gun arrived in Colombo late January and now enjoys the warm hospitality of Sri Lankan Jesuit community. Fr Paul Kriyangyot, a Thai Jesuit who has been staying there for more than a year, guides In-gun all the time as an Angel. They will study together at the same school, the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Kelaniya University.
His new address in Sri Lanka: Fr. Joseph In-gun Kang, SJ, 31 “Nirmala” Clifford Place,
Galle Road, Bambalapitaya, Colombo 00400, Sri Lanka, Tel: (94-11)-258-4755 Fax: (94-11)- 258-5266.
East Timor
At the beginning of this year, Fr Eduard Calistus Ratu Dopo, Director of St. Joseph’s College in Dili, ran a one-week Basic Leadership Training for the candidates of the school’s Students’ Council from Jan. 7–13. On the same dates, Br Plinio Gusmao led the annual retreat for the 3rd year students in Dare.
In the middle of February, the Students’ Council successfully conducted their first activity for the Saint Joseph’s Cup (SANYOS CUP) event. On Feb. 25 the Students’ Council, accompanied by Fr Hermes Binlayo and Mr Tomas Ora, supplied 4,5 tons of rice to farmers whose harvest failed because of natural disasters in Hatubuiliku–Ainaro District.
Every afternoon after school, the Council also organizes the School Intern Sport and Arts Festival for the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day, which will culminate with a Mass on Mar. 19.
With the excellent collaboration of St. Joseph’s lay teachers, the Feb. 25–26 retreat on Ignatian Spirituality for the teachers in Dare, facilitated by Br. Plinio Gusmao, was very productive.
Myanmar
New Major Superior. Father General has appointed Fr Paul Edward Pollock (63) as Regional Superior of the Thailand Region and Major Superior of the Myanmar Mission. After taking office on Jan. 25, he left for the USA for a month’s enforced rest and recuperation.
Tha Htoo hospitalized. After seeing the doctor several times, Tha Htoo, a first year novice, was finally admitted at the Mandalay Hospital on Jan. 27. He was diagnosed as having a thyroid disorder. The doctors immediately performed an operation on the evening of the same day. It lasted for three hours.
New Assignments. On the last weekend of January, Fr Brian Frain moved from Berchman’s House to the Candidacy House. His new assignment is Acting Director of the Candidacy Program. Br Valerio, after returning from Manila on Apr. 1, will take up the mission of Candidacy Director, with Fr Brian as his assistant and counsel.
Fr Clay will move to Berchman’s House, will have a chance to leisurely prepare himself for his further studies in Manila, and to assist in the smooth handover of the Candidacy Program. Fr Clay will be leaving for Manila by the end of March, as soon as his teaching commitments at the Language Institute are finished.
Fr Wardi is now back in Taunggyi. Fr Beda has returned to Thailand after spending many weeks accompanying the novices in Taunggyi.
Christmas Activities. On Dec. 16, which marked the end of the school term, the English Institute run by Jesuits in Yangon held a Christmas party. It began with a Mass with Fr Clay Pareira as the main celebrant, accompanied by Frs Lorenzo (KOR) and J. Lito Salazar (NYK). During the party, the Institute also gave certificates to students who passed their exams. Parts of the Christmas program were arranged by students either in English or Burmese language. The Catholic Korean community also performed a nice song in English, Korean and even in Burmese.
Six novices arrived in Yangon to arrange their passports. Some got their passports easily, while the others had to wait for three to six days.
Fr Irsan left for Yangon on Dec. 25. He left his beloved novices and beloved students of English Institute at Taunggyi on his way to Tertianship in Australia.
From Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, Jesuit candidates spent their holidays at Taunggyi. They were accompanied by Fr Lito, while Fr Director was arranging a meeting for the alumni of candidates in Yangon and Br Louis was visiting his family. Second-year candidates made a three-day retreat accompanied by Fr Lito. First-year candidates made their retreat with Fr Beda. The novices had an outing to Pindaya and Kalaw on 30 December. At the end of 2005, the novices arranged a New Year’s party. Among the guests were Fr Lito and the candidates, Fr Augustine and his pre-candidates, some teachers of the English institute and also Charity sisters. After dinner, they went to the sisters’ compound to join in New Year’s program with the orphans, the handicapped and the people in the neighborhood. The celebration ended with a midnight Mass, with Fr Lito as the main celebrant.
Novitiate Pilgrimage and Experiments. While the Master of novices and the socius were not around, the activities in the novitiate continued. On Jan. 3, three first-year novices (Gabriel, Michael and Paul) made their pilgrimage. They walked from Myeithila to Nyaelepy for ten days. It is around 240 miles. Three-second years novices (Alex, Augustine and Michel) went to Loilem to do their hospital experiment. Another group of three (Antonio, Bassilio and Stephen) went to KyaineTong for the leper hospital. Their experiments took a month and a half.
@ PROVINCE/REGION (Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia-Singapore, Micronesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam)
Final Vows. The following Jesuits have been invited to take their final vows:
From China Province: Olivier Lardinois, Howard Lui Ching-hay, Thierry Meynard, Augustine Tsang Hing-to, Matteo Chu Li-teh, Fermin Rodriguez Sampedro, Ignatius Shen Teh-chung, Artur Wardega. The dates for final vows will be decided in the near future.
From Australian Province: John Martis, Feb. 18 in Perth, Western Australia; Nguyen Viet Huy Feb. 26 in Adelaide, South Australia; Richard Leonard, Mar. 5 in Melbourne, Victoria.
From East Timor Mission: Filomeno Simão Jacob Abel, Mar. 19 in Dili.
Congratulations to all the vovendi.
Australia
The film Unlikely Companions is a celebration of our Jubilee year. It was produced at the Province’s request to draw attention to the Jubilee and the significance of Ignatius, Faber and Xavier as people who embody Jesuit mission and spirit; and also to communicate to people what the Province is and where it is headed. The film is now available for use. A brief summary of the personalities of Ignatius, Xavier and Faber; a description of the film and its purpose; a poster of the cover of the DVD and further information about the Jubilee can all be found at the Province website http://www.jubilee2006.jesuit.org.au/
The cost of the DVD is AUD10.00 for individual copies, with reduced price for bulk orders and delivery. To place the orders, contact Tom Cranitch, Chief Executive Officer, Jesuit Publications, PO Box 553, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia, Tel +61 3 9427 7311, Fax +61 3 9428 4450, Email jespub@jespub.jesuit.org.au
China
Fr Howard Lui Ching-hay was appointed as the new superior of the Macau Fatima community, Fr John Jao Chih-ch’eng as the new superior of the Holy Family community in Taipei, and Fr Olivier Lardinois as the new superior of the Hsinchu community. The three former superiors: Fr Luis Chang Yu-kung is 81 years old, Fr Eugenio Matis will reach 80 on Feb. 21, and Fr Manolo Tapia has been suffering with Parkinson’s disease.
Fr Gregory Hyde is “formator” for the young Jesuits who are now in Hong Kong. Fr Gregory, from the Detroit Province, is currently learning Cantonese.
Archbishop Cheng from Taipei has agreed to appoint Fr Ignatius Hung Wan-liu as Assistant Pastor of the Sacred Heart Parish in Tien Center. The Provincial also made a request to Archbishop Cheng to appoint Fr Aquilino Miguelez as the pastor of Wufeng in the mountain district of Hsinchu. Fr Del Valle will continue to live in Wufeng as long as his health will permit.
The Chinese Province now has a new Commission for Formation, with the following members: Luciano Morra (Convener), Alfonso Arcay, Matthew Hsu Shen-yi, Robert Ng Chi-fun, and George Yeung Kowk-fai.
Fr Riyo Mursanto on Chinese Studies. On Jan. 10, Fr. Riyo arrived in the cold UIBE campus in Beijing to be greeted warmly by Fr Ron Anton, who was waiting for his arrival with everything well prepared to the smallest detail.
On the next Tuesday morning, they talked about the programs: full from Monday until Friday, starting with the language study four days a week, plus several hours about history of Chinese religions, ethics, Taoism, Asian values, doing business in China, China through photography, Chinese political philosophy. Fr Riyo also takes a class of Contemporary Chinese Film where he learns about China from watching films. His day in UIBE campus starts at 8 a.m. with Chinese classes. The schedules will keep him busy from morning until evening.
There are 46 new students coming from US and from ESADE in Spain. All these are Fr Riyo’s batch-mates.
Indonesia
The Wedabhakti School of Theology in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley successfully ran a workshop on Indonesian Interreligious Dialogue on Jan. 8-20 in Yogyakarta. Professors and students of the two schools actively participated in the workshop, which included staying in some Islamic boarding houses. The workshop aimed to promote intercultural understanding, interreligious respect, and international cooperation.
Scholastics and Brothers of Hermanum College at Jakarta spent a week of community service in Jember, East Java, in the third week of January. They joined other religious congregations and youth helping the victims of landslide after very heavy rains in the area. The scholastics performed the community service and spent their vacation allowance to help the victims voluntarily as an expression of solidarity with those in need. The second batch from the same formation house of ours carried out this humanitarian service in the same Moslem area in the beginning of February.
Philippines
Please visit the Center for Ignatian Spirituality-Philippines website: www.cisphil.blogspot.com