Frater, Ave Atque Vale…
"Through many countries and over many seas" did the EAO Major Superiors assemble in the end of June, at Sophia University, Tokyo. Catullus could have provided one of the themes, "and for eternity, Brother, Hail and Farewell."
He left as the President of the JCEAO and came back as Fr. General. So, when Fr Adolfo Nicolás visited us last March 14 – 23, we welcome him with much joy and we were deeply honoured when he shared his Roman experiences. In the midst of his cleaning up his office and packing his things, he graciously spent time with the various communities in the Manila area: EAPI, Arrupe International Residence, Loyola House of Studies, Xavier School.
Fr Daniel Huang, Philippine Provincial, was appointed as one of General Counselors of Father General, and Regional Assistant for East Asia and Oceania. Fr. General gave him up to about a year to prepare for this new assignment. After the General Congregation, Fr Huang will go home, to tie up loose ends, but mostly, to set in motion the search process for a new Provincial. During this period, he may attend some meetings in Rome.
The month of December was a month of celebrations, having parties with friends, sharing gifts and joys with others, especially with the poor and needy. It was a month of enormous blessings for each one of us.
On December 3 some scholastics went to St. Francis Xavier School together with Fr Bill Currie (JPN) to celebrate the feast of Francis Xavier.
Fr Matthias Chae, Provincial of Korea Province, made his annual visitation to the Cambodia Mission from December 2 – 8. In addition to the Manifestation of Conscience by the Jesuits in the mission, team members of the Jesuit Service Cambodia also met with him individually. The meetings were held at the Jesuit house in Phnom Penh for those in Phnom Penh and Banteay Prieb, and at the Battambang Prefecture for those in the northern part of Cambodia. This was followed by a general meeting with all gathered at these two places.
The month of November has been a month of blessings for the Arrupe International Residence Community in many ways.
In the first week of the month the Rector, Fr Matsumoto (JPN), and Fr Jimmy Meehan (PHI) made their annual retreat. In the absence of Fr. Matsumoto, Fr Bill Currie (JPN) led the community as an acting rector.
On November 12 we started our classes and life began to move as usual.
“You will be very busy. Please, give us the honor of washing your laundry for you.” With such a gracious greeting we were welcomed to Vietnam’s Curia, and the hospitality only grew from day to day.
Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, gave this message of gratitude last July 14, 2007 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Jesuits’ return to serve the Church of Vietnam.
Your Eminence,
Your Excellencies,
Representatives of various levels of the Civil Authorities,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Dear Friends:
Once again, major superiors from East Asia and Oceania came face to face to discuss common concerns and issues relevant to the region. This time, they met in Sydney, Australia last January 29 to February 2. The group welcomed its latest member, Fr. John Mace (WIS), Major Superior of the East Timor Region. Their meeting was graced by the presence of Frs. Maria Anthony and Renato Zecchin who provided information on Pakistan. The contributions of Ms. Jenni Winters and Mr.
The Our Lady of Fatima Residence community played the gracious host to the meeting of the Major Superiors last July 11–16.