For the first time, candidates and prenovices of the Society of Jesus from China, the Philippines, and Vietnam gathered on 8 March to foster friendship while engaging in a hope-filled discernment of our vocations. Held via Zoom, the gathering included 19 Vietnamese prenovices, 16 Filipino candidates, and two Chinese candidates.
We began with introductions about the processes of vocation promotion, accompaniment, and discernment in each of the countries. We broke into eight small groups to share about our individual vocation discernment journeys. Within our small groups, we sincerely shared the challenges and difficulties we have encountered along our paths of discernment, as well as joyful stories, supportive friendships, and experiences of God’s love enkindling hope.
After the sharing session, every group presented a summary of points to the plenary. Of striking significance was the focus on God’s love and labour as experienced by the members, as well as the openness of one and all to the process of discernment and formation.
What I found remarkable and truly valuable was how individuals who were initially strangers, separated by geographical distance and differences in language and culture, could share so openly, honestly, and joyfully! Everyone realised that it was Christ who connected us, called us to this journey, and gave us the hope to continue moving forward in peace and joy.
There were five of us in our small group. Some had previously explored a vocation to the seminary, while others had experienced working in different fields, before deciding to discern with the Jesuits. We all acknowledged that vocation discernment is fraught with challenges and difficulties.
What impressed me most during our discussion was that we all shared the same realisation: even if we are not ultimately accepted into the Society, the journey we are on has already been deeply meaningful. We have been formed both spiritually and emotionally, growing closer to God while also gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves. That, in itself, is something wonderful! Perhaps this is a glimpse of the contemplative spirit in action? The Jesuits have taught us that everything is a means to lead us to God—the Society itself is one such means. Whether we continue forward or take a different path, that too is a means. With this awareness, we find greater freedom in our choices.
However, this freedom does not imply indifference or a passive attitude, as if any outcome would be equally acceptable. On the contrary, the more we embrace this freedom, the more we feel compelled to strive harder. This reflects the spirit of magis that we have learnt from Ignatius—the call to give a little more each day for the greater glory of God.
Beyond the content of our sharing, one of the key takeaways for me was the importance of English. In an international order like the Jesuits, language serves as a crucial bridge for connection. We prepared and rehearsed our sharing carefully, recognising that language is not only a tool for communication but also an essential instrument for our future apostolic mission. This session has indeed given us even more motivation to continue improving our language skills.
I hope and pray that this meaningful first meeting will pave the way for many more interesting and brotherly encounters in the future.
Hoàng Phan Văn is a prenovice of the Society of Jesus in Vietnam. He completed English studies at the university and worked as an English teacher prior to discerning with the Jesuits.