The Jesuit Companions in Indigenous Ministry (JCIM) core team convened at Holy Cross Parish in Hsinchu County, Taiwan from 8 to 12 November to advance their mission of meaningful engagement and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples across Asia Pacific.
Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Taiwan, home to the Atayal Peoples, the meeting brought together six members of the core team: from the Philippines, Roel Ravanera of Xavier Science Foundation, Rosalinda Tomas of Ateneo de Davao University Department of Anthropology, and Sailyn Guarin of Fr Leoni Mission Foundation, Mary Khine of Jesuit Refugee Service-Myanmar, Fr Barry Martinson SJ, parish priest of the Atayal Parish of the Holy Cross and host of the gathering, and Fr Bros Flores SJ, JCIM Coordinator. Building on the momentum of their previous meeting in Malaybalay, Philippines, the team discerned and planned the next steps for the network, laying the groundwork for a larger JCIM gathering to be held next year.
One of the core outcomes of the meeting was the affirmation that understanding indigeneity naturally flows into evoking indigenous spirituality. This perspective is essential for Jesuits and collaborators accompanying Indigenous Peoples to better appreciate their traditions and struggles while fostering socio-economic, political, educational, and spiritual empowerment.
“Indigenous spirituality is not just a framework; it is a lived experience that demands immersion, respect, and solidarity. It requires people who work with and for the Indigenous Peoples to enter and live in that world,” said Fr Flores.
The team explored this dynamic further by visiting key locations in Taiwan that can be potential venues for experiential learning. These immersive activities are envisioned as a bridge between intellectual understanding and heartfelt connection to indigenous spirituality.
Another highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on personal connections among indigenous Jesuits and representatives of Jesuit ministries working with Indigenous Peoples across the region. The 2025 meeting seeks to bring a broader group of advocates—Jesuits, lay collaborators, and most especially, Indigenous Peoples themselves—to help shape a JCIM that is more responsive to their needs. By fostering stronger ties, JCIM aims to create a supportive network for collaboration and shared growth. The 2025 gathering will further explore how to deepen these relationships and align Jesuit ministries with their aspirations.
The team also discussed initiatives aimed at ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are well accompanied and empowered, acknowledging that accompaniment starts with deep listening and genuine partnerships. From fostering leadership opportunities to amplifying indigenous voices in broader ecclesiastical and societal platforms, the participants reaffirmed the mission of JCIM to honour the dignity, spirituality, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that they are not only accompanied but, more importantly, empowered to shape their own futures. [JCIM]