The pervasive presence and massive influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) on human life today is beyond question. It is true that AI was created as a tool to improve human life. However, it is steadily becoming more powerful and autonomous, shaping the way we live in ways we had never imagined before. This trend permeates across all ages and cultures. Even faith and religious life are not free from the impacts of this digital world.
These new challenges and tensions were addressed by the Formation Delegates of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) during a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City from 9 to 15 March. The discussions focused on finding meaningful and fruitful ways of responding to the challenges and opportunities AI presents in our formation programmes.
Formation delegates from Cambodia, Japan, Korea, the Chinese Province, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia-Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Australia participated in the gathering. Unfortunately, the delegate from Thailand could not attend, as he is completing his Tertianship in Australia. The meeting was also blessed by the presence of JCAP President Fr Primitivo Viray SJ and General Counsellor for Formation Fr Mark Ravizza SJ.
To help us to understand the complex issue of AI and digital technologies in formation, we invited three competent resource persons: Dr Nguyen Duc Loc, who discussed AI’s positive and negative impacts on human development; Sr Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung ACI, who addressed AI in religious formation; and Fr Johnny Go SJ, who explored the pros and cons of using AI in accompanying the digital generation in their formation journey.
In our approach to AI, we were advised against adopting extreme positions as either boosters or doomsters. Following Ignatian principles, we must take a moderate and balanced approach. AI is a powerful tool which can either enhance or diminish our humanity. We must never ask AI to take over our independent minds and creativity. Surely, AI can help us improve our lives and work, but we must learn to ask the right questions.
Formators now face an urgent need to develop dual skills. On one hand, we must be mature and skilled men in the traditions of the Spiritual Exercises and Constitutions; on the other hand, we must have sufficient digital literacy, including how to effectively engage with AI.
During our discussions, we shared hopes and concerns at the conference level, highlighting the need for more trainings in innovative approaches, including digital technologies, such as Zoom, recorded modules, and other tools.
Personal and group accompaniment for formands throughout the various stages of their formation, including as young Jesuit priests, has become more urgent in the face of AI. Some provinces already have regular programmes for young priests, from ordination through final vows, while other provinces assign dedicated Jesuits to accompany them.
We also reaffirmed the importance of English as our common language for formation and mission at the conference level, something that all the formands must be aware of.
Another priority we identified is the sharing of formation resources and personnel. “Resource person sharing” across provinces and regions can address disparities in formation expertise. By exploring both onsite and online platforms, provinces and regions with limited resources can access experienced formators and spiritual directors, ensuring consistent accompaniment for Jesuits in formation.
