12 April 2023

Of brotherhood and solidarity: The vocation of Jesuit Brothers

The Brothers from our Jesuit conference met in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 27 March to 1 April. We were officially welcomed with a solemn Eucharistic celebration by Fr Beda Yassao SJ.

Fr Beda shared how he was edified by the brothers and how this nurtured his own vocation as a Jesuit. This reminded me of Fr General Arturo Sosa’s message to us in Rome, where he mentioned that in every Jesuit vocation story, there is a brother who, in one way or another, helped shape the narrative of his journey as a Jesuit. He also stressed two valuable traits of Jesuit Brothers, namely, humility and availability.

After the Mass, we all went to the conference room in Arrupe Hall for our first session with Fr Riyo Mursanto SJ, the Formation Delegate of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP). In welcoming us to the JCAP Brothers Circle Meeting, he shared how his own life and vocation had been influenced by the vocation of the brothers. He also emphasised how, by virtue of our baptism, all Christians, regardless of our specific vocation, are called to share in Christ’s mission as people of God. As Jesuits, we share one and the same vocation.

Being a Jesuit, Fr Riyo stressed, is not about what we do, but who we are. Quoting Fr General Peter Hans-Kolvenbach at General Congregation 34 in 1995, he said: “In some ways the religious brother embodies religious life in its essence, and so is able to illustrate that life with particular clarity.” In other words, if you want to know what it means to be a Jesuit, look to the example of a Brother.

We share with our fellow Jesuit priests the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. We share our Ignatian spirituality and charism. These are the most fundamental aspects of what it means to be a Jesuit. Whereas a Jesuit priest is often identified by his sacramental ministry, the brothers have no such alternative markers. We are simply Jesuits.

Fr Miguel Garaizábal SJ, the Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Thailand, graced our meeting on the second day. He welcomed us to the country and to the Seven Fountains Spirituality Center, and gave an informative talk on the history of the Jesuits in Thailand.

Those who represented JCAP in the World Jesuit Brothers Assembly in Rome last year related their significant learning experiences from the meeting. Br Tran Thien Kinh SJ from Vietnam highlighted Fr General Sosa’s message that our life as Jesuit Brothers and our mission should go together. He also shared his consolations on how the Society of Jesus is growing in its appreciation of the Brothers. As for vocation promotions, he stressed the need for collaboration, synodality, and flexibility to strengthen our connection with young people.

Br Nobuchika Muraoka SJ from Japan shared what transpired in our discussion on the identity of Jesuit Brothers. To be a Jesuit Brother today is to be grounded in one’s (Ignatian) spirituality and vows, which should be expressed through action in our ministry and community. Our vows and spirituality define our identity and are rooted in a prophetic call to be living witnesses of God’s love to the people.

Br Joseph Tu Kaung SJ from Myanmar shared his insights on the formation of Jesuit Brothers today. He mentioned the salient points given by Fr Mark Ravizza SJ on the integrating and integrated aspects of Jesuit formation. Formation is seen as excellence for mission, and he emphasised on the flexible and discerning nature of formation for Jesuit Brothers.

I shared about the history of the Jesuit Brothers, based on Br Wenceslao Sotto’s presentation and article. It was enlightening for all of us to delve deeper into the history of the Brothers in the Society. This knowledge calls us to embrace our history and identity, and to see it with new eyes as our prophetic vocation, while embracing our identity of humble service to the church and to the Society of Jesus.

After all the sessions, we concluded with a recollection facilitated by Br Raymund Belleza SJ from the Philippines. He focused on the theme, Jesuit Brothers in Solidarity. He stressed the synodal process and asked the participants to reflect gratefully on the past and discern the way forward.

The brothers committed to producing a coffee-table book on Brothers in JCAP as a collaborative effort to promote Jesuit brotherhood. This is also the final year of my term as the convener of the JCAP Brothers Circle, and I will be passing on the leadership to younger brothers.

At the end of the meeting, we had the opportunity to explore the city and immerse ourselves in the beautiful countryside of Thailand. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Emmaus House, a farm inspired by Laudato sí that provides assistance to former inmates in Thailand. They served us a sumptuous Thai lunch and the tamarind juice was delicious. However, the hospitality of the people was even more memorable.

We also visited two beautiful Buddhist temples in northern Thailand: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai and Wat Ban Den in Mae Taeng district.

We are grateful to the Jesuits in Thailand for their generosity and hospitality. Special thanks go to Br Paul Pok SJ, our local coordinator who took excellent care of us and ensured that we had a happy and meaningful experience of brotherhood and solidarity to carry home with us.