The month of November has been a month of blessings for the Arrupe International Residence Community in many ways.
In the first week of the month the Rector, Fr Matsumoto (JPN), and Fr Jimmy Meehan (PHI) made their annual retreat. In the absence of Fr. Matsumoto, Fr Bill Currie (JPN) led the community as an acting rector.
On November 12 we started our classes and life began to move as usual.
On November 14 the community celebrated the 100th birthday anniversary of Fr Pedro Arrupe. Fr Rodolfo V Fernandez (PHI) celebrated the Mass. Fr Adolfo Nicolas (JPN), the President of JCEAO, Fr Daniel Patrick L Huang, the Provincial of Philippines Province, the first Rector of Arrupe International Residence, Fr. William J McGarry (MIC), and some former Arrupeans, were also present at the occasion. On behalf of the Arrupe community, we give our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all the scholastics who made this event more joyful with their creative participation throughout the celebration. Our special thanks goes to the minister of the house, Bro Dinh Ngoc Tinh (ASL), for providing us delicious food.
On November 16, Fr Nicolas gave an Exhortation on his annual visitation. While addressing the Arrupe community, Fr. Nicolas brought out four important points to reflect over: (i) Where can we find our Prayer when immersed in Study? (ii) How can we maintain a healthy struggle for a joyful Chastity? (iii) Is Poverty still possible in our privileged environment? (iv) What are some helpful directions for our Community life? In his ending words Fr. Nicolas said, “We are never ‘home’, neither mentally, intellectually… nor spiritually, humanly… We are in process of growth, of following, Christ, of becoming Jesuits like Saint Ignatius wanted us…”
On November 23 –24, the Community had its monthly recollection. The points were given by Fr Wajira Nampet (PHI). The theme of the Recollection was Prayer through Memories to Acknowledge Who Jesus is. Fr Wajira also celebrated Mass at the end of the Recollection.
On November 25, the community celebrated the birthdays of all those who born in this month followed by the usual monthly meeting.