The first JCAP Major Superiors assembly for 2025 was recently held in Koror, Palau. While the Society of Jesus in Micronesia is a mission of the USA East Province, it has long-standing ties with the Jesuits in Asia Pacific, most significantly with the Philippines. In 1668, the first Jesuits to arrive in Guam were Mexican- and Philippine-born, and throughout the 17th to 20th centuries, many Jesuits were martyred on the islands.
Today there are 11 Jesuits in Micronesia, with an upcoming ordination in June adding one more to their number. Traditionally, the Superior of the Jesuits in Micronesia attends the assembly of the Major Superiors in Asia Pacific. At the beginning of the assembly, Fr Edward Quinnan SJ, current Superior, gave an overview of the mission in Micronesia. Despite facing many challenges, they continue to prioritise their work with the youth, marginalised communities, the environment, and partnerships with the local church.
In the succeeding days, guest speakers joined the meeting virtually to share compelling ideas and proposals. Fr Johnny Go SJ’s presentation on Artificial Intelligence, in particular its role in and impact on Jesuit ministries in education and socio-pastoral work, proved very interesting for the participants. Given AI’s great potential and its increasingly ubiquitous role in the way we live, AI literacy is important. Fr Go highlighted that AI should not replace human agency, noting that in the Jesuit mission today, only humans—our leaders and other pastoral workers—are capable of critical thinking, creativity, and ethics.
Fr Nono Alfonso SJ, coordinator for the Philippine Province Social Apostolate, also presented a proposal for the training of lay mission partners in social ministries. Beyond fostering a spirit of fellowship and collaboration, skills in leadership, management, and organisation are essential as the number of Jesuits continues to decline. His proposal outlines a five-module programme spanning five years, covering topics from planning to formation, with a practicum period where participants will propose special projects for the conference.
Fr Gabby Lamug-Nañawa SJ, coordinator of the JCAP Flagship Project, provided an update on Caring for Communities and Creation. A fruit of the JCAP Apostolic Plan 2021-2025, aligned with the Universal Apostolic Preferences and formulated over the pandemic, CCC takes a three-pronged approach: (1) transitioning to cleaner energy, (2) youth leading the future, and (3) strengthening local communities. These strategies directly address the top goals of the Apostolic Plan—responding to the call of poverty and reconciliation, deepening and sharing our charism of Ignatian Spirituality, and collaborating with the youth while incorporating vocation promotion. While CCC has made significant progress, it needs improvement and adjustment, particularly in the context of today’s post-pandemic but still chaotic world.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to planning input from John Paul Villanueva, the new consultant for planning in the conference, ably filling the shoes of Dr Christina Kheng, who served in this role for several years. He brought to the table strategies for agile planning within each unit—whether a province, region, or mission—encouraging space for growth and revision while having the freedom to discern deeper and maintaining alignment with the Jesuit mission, goals, and evolving needs.
Perhaps the most meaningful moments of the assembly did not happen in the meeting room but amongst the communities in Koror. At Sacred Heart Church, where the Major Superiors concelebrated Mass, parishioners generously shared their time and resources with the Major Superiors and JCAP staff. A dinner in the adjoining social hall followed, where the warmth and hospitality of the Palauans were in full force. Another Mass was celebrated by Fr Sakuma Tsutomu, Japanese Provincial, in St Joseph Chapel. A satellite of sorts to Sacred Heart’s main parish, the community turned out to welcome the guests with their trademark hospitality and graciousness. The local youth choir—famed for their musical ability—sang with much spirit and passion, palpably for the greater glory of God.
