Be inspired by the First Companions in Venice. This was the message of Jesuit Superior General Fr Arturo Sosa SJ to the young Jesuits in formation in the Philippines.
Just hours after arriving from Cagayan De Oro City on December 14, Fr General Sosa addressed an eclectic audience of novices and formands in First Studies, Regency and Theology at the Cardinal Sin Center, Loyola School of Theology in Manila. Many of them are Southeast Asian and African residents of Arrupe International Residence.
He reminded the formands that their mission as Jesuits should go beyond mere “work”, and counselled them to look to the First Companions in Venice for inspiration to carry on.
“The most powerful image in the Society is the First Companions, our inspiration for our life and mission”, he said. “They lived close to the poor, served the poor and lived with the conditions of the poor, and led a spiritual life of prayer.”
Fr General Sosa heard the formands’ general sentiments and various “lights and shadows” concerning formation, which was presented by Fr Silvino Borres SJ, Loyola House of Studies Rector.
The Superior General said he felt pleased to have gained “a better picture of the context of where you are, and I’m happy for this opportunity at the end of the visit”.
He provided a quick recap of the five main points he underscored during his discussions from days past, namely, the Universal Apostolic Preferences, poverty in life’s missions, safeguarding of minors, collaboration and the Synod on Young People, and faith and vocational discernment.
He also gave importance to the value of building community in the Society, just like the First Companions.
“Being Jesuit means more than just doing what we do, but a way of living together and collaborating together”, he said. “To build a community is our mission in the Society forever – from the novitiate to the infirmary. The Eucharist is the source of our community life, the foundation of our energy that makes possibilities.”
Reflecting on the topic of discernment, Fr General Sosa highlighted the two “legs” of every Jesuit: their spiritual life and the intellectual way of approaching reality.
“They need to be in equilibrium in order for us to run because the times demand us to do so. The structure of probation is the time to test, prove and see if a man has a vocation to the Society, to the religious and consecrated life. Together with intellectual formation, a Jesuit needs time and all the dimensions of his person”, he stressed.
During the celebration of the Holy Mass, Fr General Sosa encouraged the formands to think concretely of God’s surprises: “Brothers, do we listen to God in our lives? Are we still being called to go to Mass fervently? Let us allow God to surprise us.”
In his homily, he centred on the Jesuit ideal of the magis, which does not simply mean “extra”.
“For a Jesuit to live out the magis, he must have space in his heart for the ever-greater God”, said Fr General, urging them to listen to God’s voice.
“In times of crises, suffering, and vulnerability, how is God creating space in your life?” he asked. “People listen to God when they are open to surprises, when they see them as God’s way of opening up space again. Let us listen to God’s voice once more.” [Jesuit Communications Philippines]