Two Thai and one Malaysian scholastics are part of the Arrupe Period, also known as the Arrupe Month, in Spain. The three scholastics have known each other since philosophy studies in Jakarta and are now doing their theology studies in Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid.
The idea of the Arrupe Month came from Fr Pedro Arrupe‘s letter dated 27 December 1979. He wanted scholastics to have a firmer programme during their theology studies so they could delve deeper into the meaning of priestly ministry in the way of the Society of Jesus. It is usually held in the second year of theology studies and runs for one month.
However, the programme organised by the Spanish Province is held over several months with the first meeting from 29 to 31 October 2021 in Salamanca Spirituality Center. There will be a meeting of three days each in January, and March 2022. The last will be two weeks long in August 2022 which will include an eight-day retreat.
Coming from seven different countries and five Jesuit provinces/regions, the scholastics are David Sakda and Francis Phantaraks (Thai Region); Nalerin Erone (Malaysia-Singapore Region); José Luis Olea, Pedro Rodríguez, Rodrigo Sanz, Javier Bailén, and Luis Ortuño (Spanish Province); Andrea Bonavita, Ambrozie Mengheris, Giuseppe La Mela, and Andrew Camilleri (Euro-Mediterranean Province); and Prawin Vilkas (Hazaribag Province). They are accompanied by the director of Arrupe Period, Fr Txema Vicente SJ.
In the first gathering, they were able to share their vital moment, as well as the fears, difficulties, and illusions that arise in this specific time of preparation with a view to priestly ordination. Moments of prayer have been combined with moments of group sharing, all of which are enriched by the contributions that each one has made.
“One of the reflections that touches me is humility. Humility encourages us to be more welcoming, to be more active and to realise that we are sinners, but called by God. I feel at ease as I participate in this preparation process,” shared Scholastic David Sakda.
The climate of closeness, trust, and brotherhood that preside over these special days stands out, despite the diverse origins of each one of them, speaking a kind of common language that unites Jesuits as “friends in the Lord”.
“Nervousness, fear and surprises accompanied me at the beginning,” said Scholastic Nalerin Erone. “But this feeling has turned into a moment of gratitude, consolation and encouragement, a moment to enter into the reality of being, of realising our vocation. It is a moment to be aware of our debility, but at the same time to realise that this vocation is a gift from God and that we are invited to collaborate with him in his mission.”