It’s often hard to put a finger on why we would consider an event good or successful. We could point to the excellent quality of the speakers who shared on a very wide range of topics related to apostolic planning; we could point to the diversity of participants from all over the globe and the opportunity to share experiences and practices; we could point to the well-crafted programme that pushed us all to think, reflect, and pray on the important processes of apostolic planning. All those aspects stand as hallmarks of good events, but what set the recent Apostolic Planning for Renewal and Transformation conference apart was the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit that pervaded all that we did and sent us away with a renewed sense of how planning can revitalise our provinces and regions.
The first sessions of the conference set the stage for openness to the Holy Spirit, with inputs ranging from St Ignatius’ views on planning, essential dispositions for planning, and reflections on how the synodal process is connected with planning. What struck me was how all the presenters mentioned the need not just to include the Spirit in a cursory or perfunctory manner but to truly seek to work with the Holy Spirit as God labours with us in creation. I felt that this strong emphasis opened the participants to the working of the Spirit during the conference, opening hearts and minds to new possibilities.
Another point that struck me was the emphasis on the process. The renewal and transformation in the title of the conference come through conversion, but this is neither one-off nor something that is achieved with the creation of a plan. The process of planning creates change, and this change has to be supported by processes that build communion and connection. These are all buzzwords associated with what’s written on planning and the synodal process, which can remain interesting ideas until we actually start the process of planning.
On my part, I was very grateful for the privilege of being able to attend the meeting, not just to learn about apostolic planning but to be reminded of the range and reach of our least Society. It was a time of renewing old contacts and making new ones, listening to the joys and challenges of our mission all over the world. Transforming the main Aula at the Curia into the laboratory for apostolic planning was no mean feat for the team, and this they did admirably, right down to the AI translation systems that worked well after some initial hiccups. I felt that the space allowed for good listening and honest conversations that helped open many new possibilities for many of us.
One final note from a word that the Pope mentioned previously and was mentioned several times during the conference. Squilibrato is the Italian word for being off balance, not in equilibrium, a feeling that many of us seek to avoid. It is living in this tension of being off balance that could leave space for the Holy Spirit to move us. Being off balance is often used as a means of exercising the core muscles of the body, building strength and agility. Our planning in the state of being off balance can also allow us to bring forth the vision, agility, and passion that Fr General mentioned as being key ingredients of the planning process. The days of the conference brought forth a great amount of hope within me, knowing that we’re not alone as we continue to collaborate with the Spirit and with each other, always slightly off balance in our work of conversion and reconciliation.
Stanley Goh SJ from Singapore is the principal of St Joseph Private Secondary School in Kuching, Malaysia. He was one of over 120 Jesuits, lay partners in mission, and other religious from across the world who participated in the Apostolic Planning and Renewal for Transformation Conference at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome from 5 to 8 December.