The transition of the Pakistan Mission from the Sri Lanka Province to the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) has opened new horizons for the Pakistan Jesuits. The first Pakistan Mission assembly with JCAP, held from 21 to 23 September, was a moment of grace and a source of deep consolation, abundant blessings, and gratitude for the mission and the conference.
JCAP President Fr Tony Moreno travelled straight from a meeting in Rome to Lahore to meet with members of the Pakistan Mission, which included four Jesuits and a novice priest, five lay collaborators, and six Pakistani scholastics who participated online from Indonesia, where they are currently pursuing their studies. Also present were Indonesian Provincial Fr Benny Juliawan, JCAP Formation Delegate Fr Riyo Mursanto, and JCAP Dialogue with Islam Coordinator Fr Greg Soetomo, along with Sylvia Miclat, JCAP Assistant Coordinator for Reconciliation with Creation, who served as the facilitator.
Fr Juan Carlos Pallardel, the Local Superior, warmly welcomed everyone, while Fr Moreno presented the objectives of this historic gathering. This was followed by a round of introductions from the participants before proceeding with a presentation of the mission apostolic plan and updates from the three schools given by lay collaborators. Their thoughtful insights and suggestions regarding the mission were received with gratitude and appreciation.
The assembly then divided into smaller groups for Spiritual Conversations, focused on two guiding questions: 1) What blessings and challenges does the Pakistan Mission currently face? 2) What calls of the Spirit are the members being asked to respond to?
JCAP President Fr Tony Moreno SJ presides at the closing Mass
In prayer and reflection, the participants came to recognise the many blessings of the mission and the challenges that may impede its growth and productivity or hinder it from fulfilling Christ’s mission. During the plenary session, many were deeply moved to discern where the Spirit is calling the Pakistan Jesuit Mission. A sense of peace and optimism pervaded the first day of the assembly, which concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by the Archbishop of Lahore, Most Rev Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM.
Presentations continued on the second day from the apostolic works of the mission, including Magis Pakistan, the formation house, Loyola Hall, interreligious dialogue, and programmes during the summer break from both local and visiting Jesuits. These presentations sparked meaningful discussions on the need to accompany young people, the formation of young men, the state of the local church, relations with other religious congregations, the condition of the laity, and the socio-economic situation. Reading the signs of times, the assembly felt a need to revise the current mission apostolic plan to emphasise the prioritisation of certain ministries, the empowerment of collaborators, and charting a clear path forward. The Eucharistic celebration and dinner that capped the day were enriched with the presence of lay collaborators along with the candidates in the formation house.
The final day of the assembly was devoted to discernment in common among the Jesuits on internal matters concerning the Pakistan Mission. It was an incredibly fruitful session, resulting in resolutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the apostolic and community life of the Jesuits in Pakistan, as well as establishing a clear and focused path for the formation of Pakistani Jesuits. Later in the afternoon, the entire group paid a visit to the bishop’s residence, having been graciously invited. Fr Moreno brought the assembly to a close with a Eucharistic celebration, which was followed by dinner at one of the traditional restaurants.
The assembly brought renewed spirits to the Jesuits in Pakistan and their mission partners, giving them high hopes and expectations as they rededicate themselves to fulfilling the mission of Christ entrusted to them with even greater rigour and zeal. [Petras George SJ/Pakistan Jesuits]
