As the feast of St. Ignatius was celebrated last July, Jesuits from the Thai region recalled the numerous graces of the past year. Many, from the eldest to the youngest member, say they feel invigorated by the six-month communal discernment, which began in November 2008, and culminated with a retreat led by Fr Daniel Patrick Huang (PHI), Regional Assistant for East Asia and Oceania, in April 2009.
Fr Sigmund Laschenski, 84, the most senior Jesuit, said he appreciated Fr Huang departing from the usual Ignatian retreat format and giving points on GC35. Fr. Huang’s introductory talk to us was “by far the most moving, inside account of the General Congregation yet.” His points on Renewing our friendship (Degrees 1, 5, and 6), and Frontiers (Degree 6) challenged “our own Jesuit diversity in the light of the Ignatian Way handed down to us through 470 years.” His crucial talk on Friends in the Lord: friendship, community and mission challenged us to heighten collaboration among us.
Fr Huang also helped us to reflect and pray over conversion beyond complacency and fear, as well as for “honesty, transparency and sensitivity,” Fr. Laschenski said. The thrust on Renewed Commitment to Mission, Frontiers made us reflect on globalization and respond to it through “scholarship, spirituality and mission among and to the poor.” We felt moved by Pope Benedict’s message to the Congregation, “Turn your gaze to the future in order to respond to the expectations the Church has of you.”
The retreat ended with a note of thanksgiving, especially for “the spirituality of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and for our retreat master, Fr. Danny Huang, who, in the spirit of the Exercises from the first day to the last, guided us with loving care to make the spirit of GC35 our own.”
For Fr Vinai Boonlue, the discernment process and retreat fostered a sense of “belonging as Jesuits”. He pointed out that the “fire in Thailand was almost extinguished but the retreat rekindled the fire”. Scholastic Manasan Wongvarn said the whole experience fostered a sense of “togetherness” and encouraged members to “move forward without fear.” He said it was like seeing “hope at the end of the tunnel”.
Nopparat Ruankool, 22, the youngest in the group, said, “I liked it when everyone came together before the Eucharist at night. We just keep silent before the Lord. On May 4, the last night, we had a sharing. I was moved. I felt that I am not alone, but have friends with me. The one hour before the Lord was one hour of love and companionship as Jesuits”. (Contributor: Sch. Jaime Rivera)