In the past few years, the Society of Jesus has been paying more attention to young Jesuit priests, especially in accompanying them from ordination to Final Vows, when they become full members of the Apostolic Body of the Society. This was the focus of the Formation Delegates’ meeting at Manresa Center in Changhua City, Taiwan, from 18 to 24 March.
All delegates across our Jesuit conference participated, either in person or online. Those from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia-Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Province travelled to Taiwan, while delegates from Timor-Leste, Pakistan, and Australia joined via Zoom.
Our meeting was blessed by the generosity of excellent resource persons who joined us via Zoom. Father General’s Assistant for Formation, Fr Mark Ravizza SJ, presented urgent visionary challenges, especially on our role as formation delegates in light of Fr Adolfo Nicolás’s prophetic vision for this digital world, emphasising intellectual depth rooted in context amid the rise of artificial intelligence. Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific, Fr Jojo Magadia SJ, also shared inspiring ideas on accompanying young Jesuit priests towards authentic incorporation into the Society. Fr Jordan Orbe SJ offered practical advice and best practices in the accompaniment of young priests. Fr Jing Porcia SJ was present onsite and offered in-depth guidance based on various documents and his own experiences.
These inputs were discussed and shared in small groups grounded in our local contexts. This dynamic helped us become more aware of the diverse and unique realities in each province and region. We were enriched by the insights that came out from our sharing and discussions. Both formators and young priests navigate our own vocational journeys with limitations, struggles, and dreams. We are deeply mindful that the Spirit is the One calling and accompanying each one of us. It will not make sense to travel together in this vocation journey if each one does not give sufficient time for prayer. Many of our experiences show us that vocational accompaniment means spiritual conversation and discernment. Personal and group accompaniment is a long, unending, and contextual journey towards full incorporation into the Universal Apostolic Body.
No wonder, then, that one of the most meaningful moments was when each one of us shared our consolations and desolations as Formation Delegate in small groups; this was a sharing of our inner life and not so much about our work and activities. Taking the path of accompaniment is like choosing the road less travelled. We feel unworthy and unprepared, especially nowadays, less equipped to cope with the complexities young priests face. But at the same time, we experience many surprises along the way. We are not alone in this quiet mission to travel with young priests. Very often the Lord uses our vulnerability for His own plan. We are deeply aware of how much we must learn to offer meaningful help in formation, confronted by the mystery of the vocational journey.
After three days of hard work, discussion, and interaction, everyone needed a break. We took a day off to explore Lukang Town. We visited the old Tianhou Temple, walked through the streets of the old town, which had a very interesting traditional market, and stopped by the Lukang Museum and Ribbon Factory. That was enough to get to know Changhua City.
