The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) held its Vocation Promotions Directors meeting from 24 to 28 March at the Saint Robert Bellarmine Community in Taipei, Taiwan. This annual gathering brought together vocation promoters from across the region to deepen collaboration, share resources, and integrate Ignatian Pedagogy into vocation promotion. The theme, “Using Ignatian Pedagogy to Promote Vocations in the 21st Century,” guided discussions on strategic planning, formation, and resource sharing across JCAP provinces and regions.
The meeting began with a Mass at the Jesuit community in the Fu Jen Theologate, which set a reflective and fraternal tone for the gathering. Fr Jun Viray SJ, JCAP President, emphasised the shared mission of vocation promotion and the importance of this work across provinces. Participants took time to introduce themselves, share expectations, and prepare for the days of fruitful discussion ahead. This opening session fostered an environment of openness, mutual support, and collaboration—strengthening the shared goal of nurturing vocations within the Society of Jesus.
On the second day, participants presented reports from their respective provinces, showcasing best practices, challenges, and emerging trends. This exchange offered a clearer picture of the regional landscape and created opportunities for mutual support and collaboration.
Fr Jojo Magadia SJ, Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific, shared global Jesuit membership trends, noting a general decline, except in Africa. Despite these trends, he underscored the importance of prioritising quality over quantity, ensuring that candidates are well-suited for the Jesuit mission. He also highlighted the need for a strong focus on prayer, identity, and community life, considering that young people today seek authenticity and belonging in religious life.
Br Raymund Belleza, SJ, from the International Commission on Jesuit Brothers, led a session on Jesuit brotherhood, focusing on the distinct vocation of Jesuit brothers. He shared insights from the Commission’s recent meeting in Rome, which stressed the need for a more systematic formation process and clearer identity for Jesuit brothers. He reminded everyone that brotherhood is not a fallback option but a calling in its own right, which requires greater promotion and visibility within the Society.
Fr Johnny Go SJ facilitated a workshop on the third day on the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), discussing its five elements—context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation—and their relevance in vocation promotion. He raised the importance of discernment and encouraged participants to focus on God’s greater good rather than personal preference and to meet young people where they are, using technology and digital engagement as tools for guiding them in their discernment.
The group engaged in interactive sessions, applying the IPP framework to various vocation promotion initiatives. These included retreats, discernment programmes, and online engagement strategies. Through this hands-on approach, vocation promoters developed practical tools for helping young people in their discernment journey. The afternoon included a cultural immersion activity, providing a deeper insight into how Jesuit vocations are nurtured in different contexts.
The fourth day continued with further articulation of vocation promotion needs and available resources within JCAP. Participants explored how to strengthen cross-province partnerships, share formation materials, and address challenges in discernment and accompaniment. Emphasis was placed on networking and building sustainable support systems, ensuring that vocation promoters have access to the best resources and practices.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Magis programme and youth ministry initiatives in Taiwan, learning how Ignatian spirituality is being lived out among young people. This visit underscored the importance of grassroots engagement in vocation promotion, showing how programmes rooted in Ignatian spirituality can inspire and attract young people to discern religious life.
On the final day, the focus shifted to developing concrete strategies to enhance vocation promotion. Discussions centred on strengthening digital engagement, deepening personal accompaniment, and fostering vocations in areas with limited Jesuit presence. Proposed strategies included improving social media outreach, designing more interactive discernment retreats and activities, and fostering greater collaboration between provinces to create more dynamic formation programmes.
As the meeting came to a close, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to pray, reflect, and collaborate. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Jesuit vocations with renewed zeal, ensuring a vibrant future for the Society of Jesus in Asia Pacific. With strengthened bonds and a clearer vision, the vocation promoters left Taipei inspired and better equipped to accompany young people in their journey towards religious life.
The vocation promoters are grateful to the Fu Jen Theologate Jesuit community, especially to Fr Przemek Maka SJ and his team of local coordinators for their incredible hospitality and support.
