Every two years, Jesuit brothers, including those in formation, gather from across the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) to discuss topics or themes that affect them. This year, the brothers met in Yogyakarta, Indonesia to reflect and pray over the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs). This was in response to Fr General Arturo Sosa’s invitation for every Jesuit to go through prayerful discernment on the UAPs.
Various speakers were invited to share. Fr Leo Agung Sardi SJ talked on the topic of “Showing the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment” while Fr Paulus Wiryono Priyotamtama SJ shared the Indonesian Province’s effort in the protection of the environment. Br Fransiskus Xaverius Marsono SJ shared his ministry among the youth in the vocational school, while Fr Heribertus Heri Setyawan SJ and Fr Benedictus Hari Juliawan SJ talked about interreligious dialogue and migration, respectively. After several days of discussions, the brothers spent a day in silent recollection guided by JCAP president Fr Tony Moreno SJ.
The meeting did not end with the input sessions and recollection. The brothers also took time to see the sights of Yogyakarta. One significant visit was to a Jesuit-run centre for artists at Omah Petreok where the brothers were treated to a shadow puppet play by two Jesuit brothers. In the evening, they went to Prambanan Temple to watch Ramayana ballet.
Another highlight of the Brothers’ Circle meeting was the province’s celebration of the feast of St Alphonsus Rodriguez, patron saint of Jesuit brothers, in the novitiate in Girisonta, Semarang. It was also an occasion to celebrate the jubilee and Final Vows of seven Jesuits, including one brother. In hand to join the Eucharistic celebration was Indonesian Jesuit Provincial Fr Sunu Hardiyanta SJ with main celebrant Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Pr together with Bishop Robertus Rubiyatmoko Pr and retired Jesuit Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja SJ who gave the homily. There were 500 Jesuits and guests who joined the Mass and partook in the Indonesian feast that followed. It was a wonderful conclusion to the meeting. The participants went home to their respective provinces inspired and energised by the support and companionship of their Jesuit brothers.
Raymund Belleza SJ has been a Jesuit brother for 22 years. He is presently the Director of Administrative Services at the Ateneo de Naga University in the Philippines