South Asian Jesuit leaders met in India to discuss ‘a new way of being Jesuits’ based on greater cultural understanding and assimilation. The conference that took place from April 25th to 28th was held in Pune city, the western state of Maharashtra. Around 200 Jesuit leaders were present from nineteen provinces and regions and they wore white hats which is popular in western part of India.
Jesuit leaders in South Asia have decided to seek a better understanding of their multicultural background in order to better serve their mission areas.The method encourages people to share their innermost thoughts without feeling shame, or harboring any fear of being judged. They used “spiritual conversation,” a method advocated by their founder St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), to foster greater understanding and strengthen their communities. The Jesuits used this to speak about their issues with different cultures in order to try and gain a better understanding of the issues involved. Jesuits must forgo their traditional food and culture and adapt to the ways, food and music of the people where they preach. They should assimilate these new cultures,” Father Pereira said.
Attendees showed their concern how communities in South Asia have to nurture their own distinct cultures and suggested Jesuits should accept and celebrate these if they hope to be more effective in carrying out their mission. “The assembly presented a new way for us to relate to each other,” said Father Prince Clarence from the southern Indian state of Kerala. The discussions challenged people to “come out of their comfort zones,” he said. Father Joe Arun said Jesuit Superior General Arturo Soso had asked them to open their minds, and that their efforts moving forward would be characterized by a greater sense of empathy and inter-cultural understanding.
