In August of 1534, a small group of seven companions gathered in the little chapel of the Crypt of Saint Denis in Montmartre, Paris, to celebrate the Eucharist. There they pronounced their vows, and promised to go to Jerusalem to spend their lives in the service of their Lord. As a result of the prevailing armed conflicts and disruptions in 1537, their desire to … [Read more...]
“Giving Birth” at GC 36
It is still three weeks before the Church begins the Season of Advent. I may not always have the patience and the grace of the Biblical Job, but I love the Advent Season. It is a period of waiting, of expecting, of longing, of hoping, of desiring! St. Ignatius was big on desires. He enjoined Jesuits, and everyone else, to be people of desires, big and great desires (though not … [Read more...]
One step at a time
Slowly, but surely and confidently, the tortoise eventually arrives at its destination! In the dizzyingly fast pace of life, there is some wisdom in occasionally taking a pause, stepping back a little, taking stock, resetting one’s compass and refreshing oneself, before again putting one foot after the other. When a seed is planted, patience is needed to allow the needed time … [Read more...]
The Eyes and Ears of the Heart
At our Jesuit School of Theology—Hekima University College—in Nairobi, Kenya, there are a series of unique paintings of the Way/Stations of the Cross in the chapel. Of the various people portrayed, only the eyes of one person—those of Jesus—are open. All others are closed! I have often wondered what the artist, poet and theologian from Cameroun, Fr. Engelbert MVENG, SJ, wanted … [Read more...]
Gathered around St. Ignatius to give thanks
Fr. Arturo Sosa is one day old today as the 31st Superior General of the Society of Jesus! At 11:25am yesterday, 14 October, he was declared elected. Pope Francis was immediately informed. At 11:35am the Vicar General proclaimed the “Decree of Election.” At 11:40am, the new General made his profession of faith. And so begins a new mission, a new life, for this man who turns 68 … [Read more...]
A leap of faith
There is a certain level of uneasiness in not knowing in advance the final outcome of a process. In general we are more comfortable with having a high degree and guarantee of success before making an investment. But not so in a spiritual process such as the murmuratio! This is a four day period of more intense and indepth search, one-to-one conversation, prayerful reflection … [Read more...]
In God’s Hands
A child on his/her mother’s back (or hands) does not worry about the journey, so says an African proverb. The child feels secure, cared for, protected and loved by the mother. When around mid-morning of Monday, 3 October 2016, Fr. General Adolfo Nicolás tendered his resignation to General Congregation (GC) 36, there was certainly no doubt that that was a “matter of greater … [Read more...]