The third module of the second intake of the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) gathered some 30 participants from various parts of Asia for a week of learning, formation and exchange of ideas in the Jesuit mission. It was held at the Silamanee Resort in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand from November 23 to 30. The first module was held in Baguio, Philippines and the second module in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. After six months apart, the participants met again, warmed up to each other in no time and sat in their new learning circles.
In this module, we were reminded of the importance of operational systems in mission development and process. As leaders, it is important that we are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to help us monitor and evaluate our present and future action plans. Jet Magsaysay from Ateneo de Manila University’s Center for Organization Research and Development (Ateneo CORD) shared from his wealth of knowledge on many areas such as critical thinking in problem solving and decision making, identifying the root causes and discernment. Through his sessions, I could draw a strong connection between the Ignatian discipline of discernment and the management process, where both are reliable processes that can increase the chances of a good result. “We cannot control the outcome – but we can control the process.”
The role of finance and money was also clarified by Fr James Tan SJ, Socius and Treasurer of the Malaysia-Singapore Jesuit Region. He presented on the spirituality of money and how it should be rooted in one’s relationship with God. The participants were led into an interactive learning process in the discussion on financial management. Fr Sugiyo Pitoyo SJ, Regional Superior of Thailand, also shared his experience with the minority ethnic group in Northern Thailand. He emphasised that our first and greatest resource is God. He shared about the many “miracles” that came together to build Xavier Learning Community (XLC), the Jesuit higher education institution in Chiang Rai, which left us with a sense of awe and wonder. We were grateful to be given the opportunity to visit XLC where we were welcomed by the students and teachers with dances and stories. It was a memorable day!
The second half of the programme focused on Human Resource Management (HRM) in Jesuit ministries. By following through the employee life cycle, Ateneo CORD Executive Director Bo Peep Franco conveyed the key functions of HRM. Fr Ben Nebres SJ also shed light on the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus which can be seen as a Human Resource document. Much of it is focused on development, support and guidance of members of the order. Lastly, we heard from Kep Phokthavi of Jesuit Prison Ministry Thailand, who shared why she continues to serve the Lord as part of the Jesuit mission for 30 years now.
At the end of a week of intense formation, we sat in our learning circles and shared some of the insights we learnt. Here are some of the insights from my learning circle:
“Leadership is a responsibility and a blessing. There are many expectations placed on the shoulders of a leader from those in authority, benefactors, friends and especially from our staff. As a leader, one has to do his/her best to answer to his/her responsibilities. Leadership is a blessing. Leadership guides oneself to a bare reality about him or herself.” – Fr Min (Korea)
“This module is really informative and helpful in guiding us to reach our institution’s goals and objectives. Since our institution is very new and small, we do not have a Human Resource Department yet, so this module really comes in handy.” – Lia (Timor Leste)
“LDP 3 has provided me with a structure to put the many things and issues in my ministry into proper perspective. Having said that, it has made me see everything as grace and opportunity to wholeheartedly cooperate with God’s mission in Pangantucan and with the indigenous peoples.” – Fr Bros (Philippines)
“Sometimes, I feel that my ministry is tougher than other ministries. However, we do not feel alone in God’s mission because we have some burdens that we can share with others in this journey of LDP.” – Fr Pram (Papua New Guinea)
“The module helped clarify the Jesuit relationship with money, which can be a source of tension in strategic planning. Hearing the experience of others in the conference offers us valuable tools and insights to bring back home, and offers the opportunity to share the tools and templates from my province with others.” – Monika (Australia)
As for myself, this module has equipped me to be a more effective servant in God’s mission. What impacted me the most are the sharing from various resource persons. Also, the site visit to XLC is nothing short of an amazing experience having to see how God is at work in all of his people. As leaders in the Jesuit mission, we are expected to care for both God’s mission as well as for God’s people; those who work with us as well as everyone who are collaborators and beneficiaries. All these do seem like a heavy and daunting task, but as long as we learn to dance with God and his people, we are rest assured that He will carry and guide us through. Let’s dance!
Benedict Lo is the Head of Department for Bible Knowledge studies in St Joseph’s Private School in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, the only Jesuit managed school in the Malaysia-Singapore Jesuit Region. He also coordinates the formation camps and retreats of the secondary students. He loves music and serves passionately in the liturgical ministry in St Joseph’s Cathedral, Kuching.