This past week, I was fortunate to have attended the 2nd Global Development Meeting in Rome held from May 21 to 24. From the presentations given by the other Jesuit Conference delegates to the talk by Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ on the subject of the Universal Apostolic Preferences, to the testimonials by selected donors and benefactors, to the talks by Jesuit authorities on discernment and communication strategies – all these provided me with a front row seat to the different and healthy perspectives on how to share our gifts from God. The resource speakers and their voices of experience helped me better appreciate the world of fundraising as a very important ministry.

In the six months or so preceding the conference, we were furnished all sorts of reading materials, such as the very enlightening piece by Henri JM Nouwen, “The Spirituality of Fundraising”. In the book, Nouwen says that asking for money is not something to be dreaded or feel embarrased about but embraced as a way of inviting others into our vision (ministry) of bringing about the Kingdom of God. This message was a constant reminder at the various talks given, discussions and sharing.

Delegates of the development meeting with Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ

Through the constant prodding and guidance of the conference speakers, I also had a better appreciation of communal discernment. There were the usual reminders for active listening, the personal prayers or reflections, the spiritual conversations in pairs and in groups, and the sharing exercises. All these aided in putting order and clarity in the whole communal discernment process.

In meeting the various conference delegates, and hearing out the resource speakers, I share in everyone’s enthusiasm for mission, the dreams and plans for the growth and development of each of our Conferences and Mission offices. I am most grateful for this very recent joyful experience, which I view as a spirituality of giving and serves as a reminder of God’s grace in our lives.