Nineteen members of the Region of Micronesia gathered in Pohnpei (at a renovated Pastoral Center on the ground of the former PATS) for retreat and Regional Assembly June 6th to 13th.
Fr Joseph Doan, assistant for EAO, together with local spiritual directors Tom McGrath, Joe Cavanagh, and Bill McGarry gave individual directed retreats to the members. One evening, a session was held for sharing among the younger members of the Region. At our closing Mass, we celebrated the anniversaries of members of our Region as Jesuits: Fr John Curran, 60 years; Fr Fran Hezel, 60 years; Fr Bill Rakowicz, 40 years; Fr Rich McAuliff, 25 years. Fr John Curran preached on the three founders and those in formation renewed their vows: Frs Arthur Leger, Ken Urumolug, and Wayne Tkel; scholastics Yasinorai Yamuachi and Buddy Haryadi; and Br Dave Antonelli. Those unable to be present were John Sheehan (no passport), Eddy Anthony (in Manila), Fran Hezel (at Jubilee celebration in New York), and Msgr James Gould who was conducting his own leadership program in Majuro.
The eight-day retreat was followed by a Regional Assembly. There was sharing on the joys and sorrows throughout the Region. This included on-going developments for MSC’s to eventually take over the mission in the Marshalls, six-year accreditation of Xavier High School, as well as the uncertain situation regarding the split of the Diocese of the Carolines and future church leadership in this area. Fr Joseph Doan informed us of the developments in East Timor, China and Rome. Fr Bill McGarry gave a presentation on Jesuit identity, contrasting aspects of monastic life with Jesuit life. This was followed by some discussion on vocations to the Society. Time was also give to the upcoming Provincial Congregation, as well as, addressing issue regarding the Jesuit Health Trust program.
The afternoon was spent considering our hopes and dreams. Ken Hezel, Regional Superior , spoke of the effectiveness of the ad hoc committee on education set up two years ago and suggested a new committee be formed to which issues concerning Justice in Micronesia might be addressed by Jesuits of the Region. After some discussion, other issues surfaced including how best consolidate our Jesuit resources for the future, serious effort in vocation promotion, effective lad leadership training, continuing formation of clergy, the need for Catholic high schools in Yap and Pohnpei, and media work. A note of urgency was expressed in all of this.
The day after the Town Hall meeting, consultors remained for a meeting to discuss the implications of the above while others enjoyed a day of Villa.
In Guam, a modest home has been purchased by Jesuits of the Region. It will be called Guam Pedro (House of Pedro) in honor of the lay companion martyred with Blessed Diego San Vitores in the 1600’s. The house will be a guest home for visiting Jesuits and other clergy from Micronesia and as office of the Regional Superior after December.
