From 26 May to 24 June, six Jesuit scholastics from Arrupe International Residence (AIR), Manila— Carlos Cesar (Brazil), Kriangkrai Tesena (Thailand), Paul Nguyen Xuan Danh (Vietnam), Laurencius Rony Andriyanto (Indonesia), Youngkyun John Mun (Korea), who is studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in the USA, and myself (Myanmar)—embarked on a journey of reflection, sharing, prayer, and friendship in the Lord.
This journey, an experience called Arrupe Month, is a privileged time for Jesuits in their theological studies. For one month, we are invited to reflect on our calling to the priesthood, consider the responsibilities that come with this vocation, and deepen our personal relationship with the Lord.
This year, Arrupe Month was held across three places: Arrupe International Residence in Manila, Xavier Hall in Bangkok, and the Seven Fountains Retreat Center in Chiang Mai. Indeed, having Arrupe Month in Thailand was a unique opportunity for us to reflect on the richness and diversity of the Society of Jesus’ mission. It allowed each of us to experience the universality of the Jesuit vocation concretely and to engage deeply with themes such as inculturation and interreligious dialogue. The programme was guided by Fr Greg Soetomo SJ (Prefect of Spiritual Formation at Arrupe International Residence) and Fr Sarayuth Konsupap, SJ from the Thai region, who served as the coordinator.
Our first week focused on the Jesuit priesthood. The presentations, both onsite and online, from Fr Wardi SJ (AIR Rector), Fr Nguyen Hai Tinh SJ (Vietnam), Fr Benedictus Hari Juliawan SJ (Indonesia), and Fr Jose Celio SJ (Brazil) explored Jesuit formation, ongoing spiritual growth, the challenges and rewards of the priesthood, and maintaining Jesuit identity within ministry. A theme, powerfully emphasised by several speakers, was the ongoing nature of formation, underscoring that the journey towards the priesthood and full incorporation into the Society is a lifelong commitment to personal and spiritual growth.
The second week shifted to human formation. Fr Jordan Orbe SJ (Philippines) highlighted the crucial role of self-care in formation, recognising the importance of mental and emotional well-being for effective ministry. Fr Miguel Garaizabal SJ (Thailand), Fr Joseph Hampson SJ (Thailand), and Fr Sigit Setyo Wibowo SJ (Thailand) discussed Ignatian leadership, navigating contemporary challenges, and the complexities of ministry within multicultural communities. These sessions equipped us with practical strategies for managing stress and fostering healthy, sustainable pastoral care.
Our third week immersed us in the realities of the Jesuit mission in Thailand. Fr Riyo Mursanto SJ (Indonesia) shared a presentation on “Life in Mission,” which provided a framework for understanding the contemporary needs of society and how Jesuits can best serve them. We explored contextualisation and collaboration, hearing firsthand from lay partners Melissa and Mrs Kep; interreligious dialogue with a Buddhist monk; and refugee work from Fr Phaisarn (Thailand). This experience underscored the importance of collaboration, understanding diverse perspectives, and building genuine relationships extending beyond our immediate Jesuit community.
One of the highlights of Arrupe Month is the opportunity for each of us to share our experiences and vocation stories, engage in spiritual conversations, and enjoy moments of friendship that strengthen the bonds uniting us as Jesuits and friends in the Lord.
The culmination of the Arrupe Month is the eight-day retreat. It is a time to pray and integrate all that we have lived, offering to God our lives, our mission, and our desire to serve Christ’s mission as Jesuit priests. It is also a time to pray for one another and for the many people who entrusted their intentions to our prayers.
