The meeting of the socii of the six Jesuit conferences took place from 13 to 17 November at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome. It marked a historic occasion, as it was the very first to be held since the establishment of Jesuit conferences following General Congregation 31, which promoted international cooperation under the leadership of then-Fr General Pedro Arrupe. Thanks to the presidents of the conferences for their recommendations in making this event happen.
Present at this meeting were Sean Michaelson SJ of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States (JCCU), John the Baptist Anyeh-Zamcho SJ of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), Herminio Rico SJ of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), and myself, representing the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP). Two conference socii were unable to participate: Fr Shajumon Chakkalakkal SJ of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA), who was recently appointed as socius to the provincial of the Darjeeling Province, and Raimundo Raimundo Barros SJ of the Conference of Jesuit Provincials in Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL), as their conference assembly coincided with the dates of the meeting in Rome.
The three-and-a-half-day consultation began with faith sharing, serving as a perfect introduction to the entire process. All socii shared that this work was a fulfilling responsibility, offering consoling experiences in many ways. I noticed that the sharing of our reflections enriched our spiritual experiences and, in some cases, revealed similar experiences interpreted from new perspectives.
Following our shared consolations and struggles, we discussed conference-to-conference practices. The socius of the conferences plays a unique role within the Society, with only six socii globally fulfilling this role. The nature of our work involve distinct tasks that set us apart from the socius of a province or region. The socius of the conference serves as the primus inter pares (“first among equals”) for the socii in the provinces and regions, facilitating a space for them to meet and exchange ideas. Despite the differing dynamics and activities, understanding how we navigate the joys and struggles of our work is always enlightening and spiritually uplifting.
Before this meeting, I assumed that the role of the conference and its structure were clear and distinct. However, in discussing detailed mechanisms and practices, it became apparent that certain cases needed clarification and reinforcement. For instance, the role of the conference in relation to provinces and regions still poses questions.
The socii present at this meeting also serve as admonitors of their respective conference presidents, prompting discussions about the tasks of the socius in this particular role. We shared our varied experiences and practices as admonitors. Our unique situations and contexts played a significant role in shaping our experiences of being an admonitor.
Our small group also met with those serving various functions in the General Curia, including the Secretary of the Society of Jesus, Academic Director of Archives (ARSI), Director of Communications and Public Relations, and General Counsellor for Discernment and Apostolic Planning, as well as the Secretary for the Service of Faith. The meeting with the General Treasurer of the Society of Jesus took place on our final day, exploring the new Instructions on Administration and Finance. In these separate meetings, we shared updates, discussed coordination, exchanged concerns, and clarified misunderstandings. My discussion with Fr Mark A Ravizza SJ, General Counsellor for Formation, was unexpectedly enlightening and challenging.
As always, the topic of formation in the Society remains important. With ongoing mobility, this awareness takes on a new understanding. While Jesuit formation in an international setting is no longer a new issue, the practice of trans-conference formation came to the fore in the context of the socii coming from various conferences. Jesuit formation involving travel from one conference to another implies restructuring and has policy consequences that need to be discussed further.
Greg Soetomo SJ, from Indonesia, is the Socius to the President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific.