During the month of July, as mentioned in previous editions of the S.J. Electronic Information Service, Father General made two important trips. One of them was in Asia where he visited the Philippines, (the occasion was the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the return of the Jesuits to the country), and Indonesia, for the 150th anniversary of the “modern” presence of the Society of Jesus in that nation. We present here his responses to our questions.
– The trip to Philippines has been for you a "returning home." What was your impression?
"You are very right that going back to the Philippines is like going home. What never fails to amaze me and make me feel immediately "at home" is the warmth and the always generous welcome of the Filipino people. It felt like I hade never left the country and that the old friendships had multiplied and intensified. Filipinos have this quality (or talent, or charisma, as you like to call it) in relating to people. It takes so little to be "one of them"; maybe sincere appreciation of their persons, life and culture, and that respect you owe to every person. In exchange they give you everything they are and they make a home in their hearts. I am always deeply touched by this generosity of heart, and the graciousness with which they do it in such a way that you are never embarrassed."
– The occasion for the trip to the Philippines, which is practically the only Catholic Asian country, has been the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the return of the Jesuits to the country. Which has been the major contribution of the Society during this century and a half? And what about today?
"I think the contribution has been enormous, and I am aware I do not know half of it. The Society of Jesus has contributed to science, to literature, to research in many areas of human life and knowledge, to art, to music, you name it. If you ask me to underline one particular contribution that stands out, I would say that "Education" has been the greatest contribution, and it continues to be, with the cooperation of many dedicated and highly motivated lay persons and Religious of different Congregations. Naturally we are not the only educators; others were there before we arrived, still others came at the same time or later and have done equally well and contributed likewise, or even more to the Country. But Jesuit Education has been outstanding, of long range influence and continues to be such. The Society of Jesus in the Philippines has always been at the forefront of Social and Church issues in the country. These 150 years give us much material to thank the Lord for. I know that behind the contribution of the Society to the Philippines there are many lay and religious people who have sustained and supported us, as usual. We all know that behind every successful service, there are thousands of little deaths of Jesuits and others, who have given their lives in silence, praying and helping, serving and rejoicing in the fruit that they never harvested. With the words of Saint Paul we can literally say that along the 150 years, some Jesuits prepared the ground, some sowed, some watered, some harvested. It is a time of deep joy and thanksgiving to all those whose names are not in the official chronicle, but who made it possible for the Society to make its joyful contribution."
– In Indonesia also the Jesuits have celebrated the 150th anniversary of their presence in a country that is in majority Muslim. In this context which is the role of the Society today and which role can it play in the future?
"Indonesia is a country with a long history of cultural and religious diversity. There are still parts of Indonesia where Hinduism is alive; parts where old Natural or Cosmic religions continue to have an influence in the life, religiosity and even Festivals of the people; whole Provinces with a strong Christian influence and a very vital community of Catholic or other Christian denominations. The cultural diversity and long term policies of tolerance and peaceful, cooperative co-existence make the exchange and communication with the Moslem population a reality without great difficulties – except when political interests or pseudo-religious motivations raise the level of tension and diffidence across the different groups. The Jesuits have been positively involved in dialogue with different Moslem groups and have worked side by side with them in social issues, at the service of the Conference of Bishops and in local initiatives. This role will continue and we hope that the cultural, more tolerant, South-Asian context will help in making dialogue a daily reality and offer new models of cooperation and communication with other Religions for the rest of the world." (Source: Electronic News Service SJ, September 1, 2009)
When Fr General’s visited the Philippines, he gave a talk during the Jesuit Basic Education Commission (JBEC) Sesquicentennial Congress on July 13 on the Issues and Challenges in Jesuit Education Today. The event was attended by representatives of nine Jesuit Universities and Basic Education Schools.
Themed “LIYAB + SILAB + ALAB,” this special gathering of educators and administrators from all Jesuit basic education schools in the country aims to promote the three major themes of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus: Fire, Frontiers, and Friendship.
Fr General’s keynote address can be read here. It is also available on three-part online video.