Printer’s Name: Jerry Leo Sequeira S.J., Indian, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. Editor: M.A.Joe Antony S.J. Antony M.A.Joe Editor: Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Indian, S.J., Sequeira Leo Jerry Name: Printer’s

Place of Publication: Anand, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Anand, Publication: of Place

Publisher’s Name: Jerry Leo Sequeira S.J., Indian, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Indian, S.J., Sequeira Leo Jerry Name: Publisher’s

of the Month, Posted at Anand H.O. H.O. Anand at Posted Month, the of 10 Posting: of Date Month, the of Published on 8 on Published

th

th Jivan July -2014

Up to 30.06.2014 to Up Prepayment Without Post to Licensed • AND/320/2012-14 No. Reg.

JIVAN NEWS AND VIEWS OF JESUITS IN INDIA, INDIA, IN JESUITS OF VIEWS AND NEWS JIVAN R.N.I. No. GUJENG/2001/5676 No. R.N.I. • 2014 July No. of Pages 32 including cover including 32 Pages of No.

garden Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates

By Carolyn Grassi

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates watching Greek armies, Roman archers, legionnaires armed to the teeth, British forces, American military, empire-building further, further east and south across your deserts, hills, ravines, cities, villages, their shape-shifting alliances, offensives, counter- insurgencies, crushing the centuries old silk-trade routes

Oh Tigris descending Armenian highlands, Oh Euphrates born in Kurdistan, watering Kunsa’s garden of Eden, marrying as one grand current sweeping through Basra emptying into the Persian Sea

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates witness of Greeks, Romans, British, Americans sighting enemies over the next ridge, ever expanding military exploits taking a toll on men, women, children, plants, animals, here and at home: the homeless, the unemployed, the sick, the orphans,

the widows, the aged, the rich richer, the poor poorer. Courtesy: (excerpts from a poem published in) America

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 2 garden Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates

By Carolyn Grassi

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates watching Greek armies, Roman archers, legionnaires armed to the teeth, British forces, American military, empire-building further, further east and south across your deserts, hills, ravines, cities, villages, their shape-shifting alliances, offensives, counter- insurgencies, crushing the centuries old silk-trade routes

Oh Tigris descending Armenian highlands, Oh Euphrates born in Kurdistan, watering Kunsa’s garden of Eden, marrying as one grand current sweeping through Basra emptying into the Persian Sea

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates witness of Greeks, Romans, British, Americans sighting enemies over the next ridge, ever expanding military exploits taking a toll on men, women, children, plants, animals, here and at home: the homeless, the unemployed, the sick, the orphans,

the widows, the aged, the rich richer, the poor poorer. Courtesy: (excerpts from a poem published in) America

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 2 what do you think?

hat can you do when you there is little reason to hope for... And JULY 2014 Ware hit all of a sudden by the inescapable truth is that the U.S.’s Editor: the shocking news of a fellow Jesuit departure from Afghanistan will not being abducted in Afghanistan? (See p. bring an end to the storms of that region, M.A. Joe Antony, SJ 11) When you listen to those who have nor shield us from their effects.” Editorial office administration, typing & layout: grasped the ground realities of the war- Indian newspapers which flashed Udaya Prabhu torn nation, you understand there is the news of Premkumar’s abduction Visuvasam nothing much you can do. You can pray, forgot about it once another news story Correspondents: hope and wait. You can also read. Ever broke: 40 Indians kidnapped by the ISIS Benedict Santosh, John Rose, since this tragedy occurred, I have been in Iraq. It is rumoured that hundreds Shailendra Boora, Victor Edwin reading anything that may shed light on of Indians are trapped in the ongoing Advisory Board: what is really happening in Afghanistan conflict. Since it was Iraq, I remembered Agapit Tirkey, Benny S., and the neighbouring countries. an extremely forthright article published I read Time’s cover story (16 June by America (10 Feb ‘14). Titled, ‘What Jerry Rosario, John Joseph, ‘14) titled,“No soldier left behind” by We Wrought’ it was written by Cathy V.T. Jose, Luke Rodrigues, David Von Drehle. It was about the Breen, a peace activist who has spent Michael Amaladoss, Rex A. Pai American soldier, Bowe Bergdahl, held years in Iraq. Publisher’s Name by the Taliban in Afghanistan for more She says, “I first went to Iraq in the Jerry Leo Sequeira, S.J. than four years. In order to secure his fall of 2002... In January 2004, Voices (the Indian release, the U.S. government had to peace group she belonged to) decided to Gujarat Sahitya Prakash release five prisoners - all Taliban leaders no longer travel to central or southern P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388001, Gujarat accused of all kinds of crimes. Iraq for fear of risking the lives of Iraqis Place of Publication Later more information began to who associated with us. The United Anand, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388001, Gujarat surface. Soon after Bergdahl was sent to States not only occupied their country; it Afghanistan, “he quickly grew cynical also created a path for terrorist groups to Printer’s Name about his mission. “These people need enter Iraq.. After the fall of the regime, I Jerry Leo Sequeira, S.J. Indian help, yet what they get is the most saw firsthand groups from surrounding Gujarat Sahitya Prakash conceited country in the world telling countries descend on Baghdad... Al P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388001, Gujarat them that they are nothing and that Qaeda was not even in Iraq before the Printing at they are stupid, that they have no idea U.S. invasion in 2003.” Anand Press how to live,” he wrote in an email to “Between 2005 and 2011 I lived P.B. No. 95, Gamdi - Anand - 388001, Gujarat his parents... Sometime after midnight for a total of four years in Jordan and Matter for publication on 30 June 2009, Bergdahl made a neat Syria to witness and call attention to the to be sent to: pile of his armor, along with a note dire situation of hundreds of thousands The Editor, Jivan of farewell, then disappeared... More of Iraqi refugees who were forced to C/o IDCR than 24 hours later, U.S. intelligence flee the violence and death threats and, P.B. 3301, Loyola College, Chennai - 600 034 intercepted Taliban radio calls indicating far too often, the tragic deaths and/or Phone: 91-44-28175656 that they had captured an American kidnapping of family members. Late email: [email protected] soldier.” in 2011, I was finally able to return to Circulation & change of address: The American people and so the Iraq after a nine-year absence... My Circulation Manager, Jivan, American government want to withdraw latest trip was in May of last year. Back Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, their troops and declare that the messy in the United States, I open my e-mail Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. war is over. But “the Bergdahl story messages with dread, wondering if email: [email protected] shows why wars continue to gnaw and I can take more bad news from Iraq, Annual Subscription: Rs.250/- grind long after the end is officially more stories of explosions and killings. As a service of information for the pronounced. Too much is smashed No one is safe. There is no safe space South Asian Jesuit Assistancy, Jivan is sent to Jesuits and their colleagues, and bloodied to be wrapped up neatly. in Iraq, not in schools, buses, mosques, collaborators and friends. Articles People must live, sometimes in turmoil, soccer stadiums.. There is no place to appearing in Jivan express the views sometimes for centuries, with loose ends. go, and no country wants to take Iraqi of the authors and not of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia. The Editor What lies in store for Afghanistan and its refugees... I receive report after report of regrets he is unable to return articles and neighbors after the U.S. departs?” kidnappings, assassinations and suicide photographs. So please keep a copy of The war in Afghanistan could end bombings.” whatever you send for publication. All material sent for publication may be for Americans, but for Afghans? “The What can we do? Says Cathy Breen, edited for reasons of space, clarity or peace of Kabul will rest on the ability of “We can only trust God that we will be policy. Readers are requested to donate Afghan factions to coexist, which, given shown the way.” generously towards Jesuit ministries. the long history of this troubled land, - M.A.J.A

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 3 cover feature

Universal Mission of the Society in Collaboration: Challenges for South Asia

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 4 cover feature

By Anthony da Silva, SJ The concept of universal mission is neither originally nor uniquely Jesuit. It derives principally from the theological Introduction concept of “God’s mission” (missio Dei). At the Vatican, on 27 April 2014, surrounded by more than a million Described simply, God’s mission is to pilgrims from all over the world, Pope Francis raised to the sainthood, former make known the love of God for each Popes, John XXIII and John Paul II. Since I was fortunate to be in Rome on of us, for the world, for the cosmos. that day, I mingled with the pilgrims and could experience first-hand the rich For us humans it means, to share in the diversity of the Church, as a result of her universal mission. The atmosphere at St movement of God’s love for the entire Peter’s Square and the adjoining cobble-stoned streets of Rome was spiritually cosmos. As Jesuit theologian Michael energizing and humanly electrifying. The previous night many had slept under the Amaladoss says: “ …the mission of God - stars with fellow-believers who were strangers. The momentous event provided Father , Word and the Spirit – is to gather the pilgrims a ready platform to share their common faith in a myriad different all things together and that this is a task ways. The spontaneous outbursts of prayer, song, dance, ritual celebrations… of everyone and everything. We have to in polyphony of languages highlighted the multi-cultural Church of Christ and collaborate with all people of good will her universal mission. and with creation itself.”4 Thus we see In recent years, the universal character of the Jesuit mission has also come quickly the universal character of God’s under the repeated focus of Fr General, Adolfo Nicolás. In fact, in his 2013 letter1 mission. Moreover, all other missions are on how to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Restoration of the Society, a mere sharing in the universal mission Fr Nicolás proposes “universal mission” of the Society as one among five themes of God. Thus the Church, the Society for our “prayer, reflection and discernment”. He re-visits the history of the of Jesus, and all others are sharers in Society at the time of the restoration and emphasizes that within 15 years after this single mission, which always has a the restoration of the Society in 1814, and during the Generalate of Fr Roothaan universal perspective. Various texts from (1829-1853),the restored Society promoted strongly its universal mission by the Gospels richly reinforce this universal starting new Jesuit works and Provinces in “Asia, Africa, America and Australia. vision of God’s mission.5 Of the 5,209 members of the Society, 19% worked outside the Provinces they The Jesuit narrative of mission had entered.”2 Therefore, Fr Nicolás asks, “what might be the significance of this from its inception a universal character as strong sense of universal mission in the newly reestablished Society, for us well. Already in the Spiritual Exercises, (Jesuits) today?”3 Ignatius makes references to universal The reason the Society today, in its 200th anniversary since the restoration, mission in several key meditations. In still remains focused on the universal mission is because this concept belongs to the contemplation on the Eternal King, the very foundational experience of the Society. Whereas Religious Orders of his Ignatius presents Him as universal time tended to remain focused locally, Ignatius felt that the mission of the Jesuits Lord, saying, “My will is to conquer the was to go to the whole world, a universal or global mission. Father Nicolás in whole world…”6 The contemplation on asking us to reflect on this challenge of universality in the Jesuit vocation today, the Incarnation further reinforces this is seeking to re-capture this spirit for mission in our global world. universal vision when the Three Divine In order to foster a more fruitful conversation and reflection on universal Persons are said to gaze on the “whole mission, among Jesuits as well as among our collaborators in the South Asian surface or circuit of the world, full of Assistancy, it may be helpful initially to seek an understanding of the very concept people…” and say to one another, “let us of “universal mission” and its application in the Jesuit world. work the redemption of the human race.”7 From “God’s universal mission” to the universal mission of the Church The meditation of the Two Standards and the Society of Jesus clearly presents Christ who chooses

1 Nicolás, Adolfo, Letter to the Whole Society on: Commemoration of the second centenary of the Restoration of the Society of Jesus, 2013/17, Rome 2 Nicolás, Adolfo, p. 2, 2013/17, Rome 3 Nicolás, Adolfo, p. 2, 2013/17, Rome 4 Amaladoss, Michael, Editorial Comment, IGNIS, p. 5, No. 2013.3, Chennai, India 5 Mathew, 28:19-20; Mark, 16:15; John, 3:16-17 6 Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, (97) 7 Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, (102, 107) 8 Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, (145)

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 5 cover feature his disciples and many others and of men and women that the Lord loves, universal dimension in all we (Jesuits) “sends them throughout the whole since they are in the world.”12 In fact, do.”14 world…among people of every state and Fr Jeronimo Nadal, an early companion The Ignatian emphasis on condition.”8 In the Contemplation to of Ignatius, summarizes the mind of collaboration in mission between the Attain Love, Ignatius presents God as Ignatius when he says pithily, “the Father, Son and Spirit in the meditation the universal Lord of the cosmos, who world is our house.” 13 on the Incarnation in his Spiritual “labors and works for me in all creatures The more recent General Exercises, reinforces for us the value on the face of the earth.” 9 Congregations (from 32 to 35) have and importance of the collaboration In later years when Ignatius wrote spelt out more specifically the universal dimension in our mission today. So the Constitutions of the Society of mission of the Society of Jesus within the Society of Jesus “acknowledges as a Jesus, he focused strongly on universal the wider context of God’s mission, as: grace of our day and a hope for the future mission in the context of sending Jesuits the service of faith and the promotion that laity take an active, conscientious, on mission. He stated forcefully that of justice, with a preferential option and responsible part in the mission the Superior, “should keep the greater for the poor and in dialogue with other of the Church in this great moment service of God and the more universal religious traditions. of history… Jesuits are both “men for good before his eyes as the norm to “Men on Mission - men of others, and men with others… To be men hold oneself on the right course.” … The Collaboration” ( GC 35: 6, n. 17) with others is a central aspect of our more universal the good is, the more it We see rather quickly that the charism and deepens our identity.”15 is divine.” 10 It was this kind of thinking mission of God being universal makes it Similarly, GC 35 acknowledges our that impelled Ignatius to ask Francis also large and complex; in fact, as large gratitude to our collaborators stating, Xavier whether he would go to India and complex as the world we wish to “We are humbled and grateful that so in place of the sick Fr Bobadilla. Xavier serve. Naturally, no single individual many… have chosen both to work with simply replied, “Here I am. Send me.”11 or single organization can respond fully us and to share our sense of mission Ignatius missioned him to India and to such a mission. The response has and our passion to reach out to the men Xavier left promptly in 1540, never to got to be a collaborative response, in and women of our broken but lovable return to Europe again. partnership and solidarity with other world...We are enriched by people from Ignatius valued greatly universal women and men of good-will, across other religious traditions…with whom mission as it introduced a freshness cultures, nations and religions. This we labour in seeking a more just world… and newness into how to be a Religious challenge applies no less to the Jesuits. we must look to our collaborators in for his times. Ignatius’ unique insight As Fr Nicolás points out, “…many of mission and say, with gratitude and into Religious life for a global world the areas (of mission) we Jesuits want affection, that the call we have received was that his new Society was to be an to contribute to are much larger and is a call shared by us together.” 16 apostolic body, which was fully engaged more complex than we can address by Fr Nicolás not only endorses with the world, rendering service ourselves …Moreover, we rejoice that we strongly the collaboration vision of the everywhere and anywhere, where the are able to work with so many others of most recent General Congregation in need was greatest. As Fr Kolvenbach good will and good heart, well-educated 2008, but is urging Jesuits to create a (quoted in GC 35) says very well, “ men and women with excellent training culture of collaboration in all Jesuit a stable monastery does not serve us and skills for cooperative planning apostolic activities. In writing to (Jesuits), because we have …the entire and international networking. We are Jesuit Major Superiors in 2010, he world to tell about the good news…we blessed to cooperate with them for the says, “I think it is essential that every do not close ourselves up in cloister, but good of all humankind. However, such Jesuit understand and accept that remain in the world amid the multitude cooperation underlines the need of a collaboration is not a temporary or

9 Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, (236). 10 Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, Chapter 2, (622). 11 Nicolás, Adolfo, Letter to the Whole Society on: Universal Vocation of the Jesuit, p. 3, 2009/04, Rome. 12 GC 35, (2008), decree 2, number 23. 13 Jeronimo Nadal, MHSI 90, p. 469-470. 14 Nicolás, Adolfo, Letter to the Whole Society on: Universal Vocation of the Jesuit, p. 2, 2009/04, Rome. 15 GC 34,(1995), decree 13, numbers 1 & 4. 16 GC35, (2008), decree 06, number 3.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 6 cover feature even recent development. A realistic or even conscious unwillingness to stray attempts at collaboration. An look at our history clearly indicates that think of reorganizing the boundaries encouraging sign during this year, as collaboration is not a new phenomenon. of present Provinces/Regions mainly we commemorate the 200th anniversary From the time of our Father Ignatius, because of the attachment to the past of the restoration of the Society, has everything that the Jesuits have been history of each unit”. been the various apostolic projects able to accomplish has been due to the We do have presently four undertaken collaboratively and zonally generous and selfless dedication and Jesuit geographic zones to encourage by all the Provincials of the JCSA. The help of many other people. Even our most famous and brilliant Jesuits did not accomplish what they did all by themselves. We have to be thankful for all the people with whom we have worked – from the beginning of our history.”17 Four Challenges: Here are four challenges for the A serious reflection South Asian Assistancy in the light of our universal mission. Having seen on how to provide a the rich history and the importance formation programme of universal mission in the Society, we are now well poised to reflect on which would address its implications and challenges for the local as well as universal Jesuits of South Asia. In his letter on, ‘Universal needs of the Society Vocation of the Jesuit’ (2009), Fr is the need of the hour. Nicolás mentions two challenges that are particularly relevant and important for our Assistancy. The first challenge concerns, “the need to restructure the Society at all levels (Provinces, Conferences and Central Government) so that we can better respond to new and more universal challenges”. The Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) has already begun a reflection on this challenge. In South Asia we have today, 4047 Jesuits, distributed over 18 Provinces and 2 Regions. Do we need this many administrative units? Which units could be combined for greater apostolic effectiveness? However, the Jesuit Provincial of Delhi, Fr Varkey Perekkatt in his extensive article in apostolic collaboration. However, projects range from inter-Provincial Jivan (October 2013) bemoans that, “the zonal collaboration tends to remain retreats, zonal Ignatian formation South Asian Assistancy does not seem restricted only to formation needs of programmes for collaborators, zonal to feel the need for a reorganization our Scholastics. Unfortunately, other Ignatian Youth programmes, to inter- of its Provinces/Regions for greater apostolic sectors, such as, pastoral, Provincial field visits of mission-stations apostolic effectiveness… Moreover, educational, spirituality, social justice and other apostolic ventures. However, there seems to be a certain unconscious etc operate in Province silos with only the entire discernment exercise of

17 Adolfo Nicolás, Response to Annual Letters, 2010, p. 3.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 7 cover feature

such Ignatian training programmes in the entire Assistancy. The Gujarat “We have the entire Province has recently initiated a world to tell about process towards the creation of such an Ignatian program for collaborators. the good news.” Several Provinces of the JCSA have plans - Fr Kolvenbach to do something similar. Experiences in other parts of the Society indicate that Ignatian formation programmes have resulted in strong and meaningful partnerships for mission among Jesuits and our collaborators. Moreover, such programmes have even enabled Jesuits to work willingly and successfully under the direction of our lay collaborators. reorganization of the JCSA, would about universal mission. Following Furthermore, these partnerships need to be done from the perspective the lead of Fr Nicolás, we should in mission have inspired some Jesuits of mission effectiveness and apostolic ask: should not the JCSA be looking and their collaborators to create digital needs, if it is to take off seriously in our more outwards, towards the universal networks for mission; thus, new global Assistancy. As Fr Nicolás emphasizes Society where the need may be greater? apostolic platforms related to education, in his letter, “the discernment of Major Should not at least 5% - 7% (200- social justice, refugees, ecology, etc. Superiors…should explicitly include 300) of the South Asian Jesuits be are available today on the web, while the apostolic needs and works of the encouraged and supported to opt for strengthening universal mission. Two Conference as well as those of the international missions, within as well examples of highly successful global universal Society.” as beyond the Assistancy? Such a networks of the Society, for universal The second challenge Fr Nicolás universal apostolic thrust would surely mission are: first, the Fe y Alegria mentions in the same letter of 2009, is provide new apostolic dynamism to the network of schools and colleges across the universal missionary thrust of the Assistancy, promote local vocations 16 countries in Latin America, serving Society . He says, “I encourage all Major and strengthen greatly a new culture of over one million students, with the Superiors to establish or continue the Jesuit collaboration in South Asia. dedication and expertise of 34,000 practice of many Provinces in the A third challenge that remains Jesuit collaborators; second, the Jesuit past, who generously sent 10% to closely connected with the universal Refugee Services (JRS) which serves 25% of their members abroad. …We mission is that of creating and 600,000 refugees in 50 countries, with should send abroad Jesuits who are promoting South Asian Ignatian the commitment and expertise of 1,400 academically and spiritually gifted, formation programs to train Jesuit Jesuit collaborators. even if the cost to the sending Province collaborators, and other women and More recently some Jesuits in is great”. However, the South Asian men of good-will. In this regard, a Europe have launched a website to reality with its exploding population of uniquely South Asian contribution promote Jesuit Networking for the more than one billion, its dehumanizing to Ignatian spirituality would be the universal mission of the Society. The mass poverty, dozens of languages and incorporation of a multi-religious response this far has been extremely multiple cultures and religions has and inter-religious ethos that would encouraging with many younger Jesuits tended to leave us at times, excessively appeal particularly to our collaborators and their collaborators responding focused on our local and regional of other faith traditions. Such a enthusiastically to the call for greater needs to the neglect of the universal, common Ignatian platform would collaboration. The website may be global reality. As we commemorate open new doors for collaboration and visited at www.jesuitnetworking.org our past, we are in a better position networking for mission, nationally and A fourth challenge that the JCSA now to raise some futuristic questions internationally. Presently we have no will have to address in the context

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 8 cover feature of universal mission is that of the reflection on how to provide a Jesuit identity and self-understanding formation of at least some young formation programme which would as the largest apostolic body of Jesuits scholastics at international venues. address local as well as universal needs in the present day Society? Fr Nicolás insists that, “we need of the Society, is the need of the hour. As Fr Nicolás says pointedly to foster in all our scholastics and Sending young Scholastics abroad about this historic event, “We wish brothers a universal availability to to experience Regency and/or do to understand and appreciate our be sent anywhere in the world. They theological studies is a productive way past better so that we may go forward should be told that offering themselves to gain an appreciation for universal into the future with “renewed fervor voluntarily for difficult assignments mission. Also, Scholastics at that age and zeal” (GC35: 1) for our life and

Should not at least 5% - 7% of the South Asian Jesuits - about 200 - 300 Jesuits - be encouraged to opt for international missions,?

abroad is a very good way of expressing have an easier time learning a new mission today”. May this be the vision and strengthening this availability. … language and immersing themselves that drives the JCSA forward as all of Learning foreign languages, especially fully in new cultures for mission South Asia experiences at the present those that are more widely used in Challenged in such international, time a new churning of the Spirit, the world (English, Chinese, Spanish, frontier situations, young Jesuits politically, religiously, culturally, and etc) has to be considered part of our become both, beneficiaries of, as well as economically. training. …It would be ideal if all benefactors to universal mission.  Jesuits had a meaningful international Conclusion experience as part of their training”.18 What better time than this 200th Anthony da Silva SJ, is the outgoing Secretary for Collaboration, in Rome. He will Given the immense complexity anniversary of the restoration of the soon be joining the Staff of Xavier Centre of of languages, cultures and nationalities Society, for the South Asian Assistancy Historical Research in Goa. He can be contacted within the JCSA itself, a serious to explore in greater depth its own at [email protected]

18 Adolfo Nicolás, Letter to the Whole Society on: Universal Vocation of the Jesuit, p. 3, 2009/04, Rome.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 9 jesuits - assistancy Assistancy Appointments New POSA Fr George Pattery, SJ (CCU), 63, was, for the past two years, President (Acting) of and Appointed by Fr General Professor at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. During his sabbatical year Fr George Pattery (CCU) Provincial of South Asia in 2011 he was Visiting Faculty at Fr Raj Irudaya (MDU) Assistancy Delegate for Formation Holy Cross College, Worcester, & ex officio Consultor of the POSA Massachusetts,U.S. For a full term Fr Francis Kurien (HAZ) Consultor of the POSA & Chair of six years he was the Provincial Superior of Calcutta Jesuits (2005- of the Central Zone 2011). Fr Sebasti L. Raj (MDU) Consultor of the POSA & Chair He was Reader, Department of of the South Zone. Philosophy & Religion, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal Appointed by Provincial of South Asia for nine years (1996-2005). At the same time he was the Director and approved by Fr General: of Bengal Regional Theologate, Santiniketan and also taught theology. Revisors He has represented his Calcutta Province at the Fr Alex Gnanapragasam (JAM): Procurators Congregation (2003), Provincials’ Congregation Revisor for Sadhana Institute, Lonavla (2006), and General Congregation (2008). He was a member Fr Trevor Miranda (BOM): of the Jesuit International Ad Hoc Commission on Review of ‘Ratio’ in 2012. Revisor for Papal Seminary, JDV, DNC Having done his Master’s in both philosophy and theology, Fr Sebastian Jeerakassery (DEL): he went to the Gregorian University, Rome for his Doctorate Revisor for ISI-Delhi, Jesuit Conference of India in Theology. His thesis was on ‘Faith and Justice Struggle in Fr Claudius Tauro (DUM): Mahatma Gandhi in Relation to Indian Christian Theology’. Revisor for VJ, SN, ISI- Bangalore As a theologian, he contributes to national and international periodicals. Appointed by Provincial of South Asia: Fr Pattery was earlier a diocesan priest and served as Lecturer in Morning Star College, Barrackpore, West Bengal and Vidyajyoti, Delhi: also served in the diocese of Trissur in Kerala. He hails from Fr Edwin Victor (DEL) Islamic Studies and Dialogue with Kombathukadavu, Irinjalakuda, Trissur. Kerala. His two sisters Islam are Franciscan Clarists and two brothers are happily married. Fr George Pattery will take charge as POSA on 31 Oct JDV, Pune: ‘14 in the presence of Fr General during the JCSA Meet at Fr S. Selvarathinam (KAR) President, JDV, Pune Phesama (KHM). Indian Social Institute, Delhi: Fr Ranjit Tigga (MAP), Staff Br Vincent Devasia P (DAR) Admin, Treasurer of Institute & Min of Jesuit Community New ADF Indian Social Institute, Bangalore: Raj Irudaya, SJ (MDU), 61, Fr Louis Prakash (PAT) Director the new Assistancy Delegate for JEPASA: Formation (ADF), was for the past two Fr Gerard C. Rodricks (BOM) Secretary, JEPASA years MDU Province’s Coordinator for Formation. Outgoing: Born in Madurai, Raj joined the The South Asia Assistancy is deeply grateful to the Jesuits in 1972 and was ordained following who have rendered their dedicated services to the a priest in 1987. He made his final Common Houses and Works: profession in the Society in 1998. Gratian Carlo (KHM) as ADF (now Dir. of NVSC, will be After doing P.G. degrees in an attached member of the DNC Community); Social Work and Psychology, he went Fr Nirmal Raj (DUM) as Consultor; Fr Antony Pothireddy to the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome to do his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture. He did his (AND) as Consultor; Fr George Pattery (CCU) as Act President Doctorate in Theology at St Peter’s, Bangalore. JDV; Fr M.K. George Mutholil (KER) as Dir. ISI-Bangalorte; Fr He taught Scripture at Arul Kadal, the Regional Marianus Kujur (RAN) as HOD Tribal Unit and Asst Research Theologate in Chennai and was its Superior for a few years. Director at ISI-Delhi; Fr T.V. George (CCU) as Min and Treasurer He has also taught at several other institutions. Fr Raj assumed ISI Delhi community, Chief Fin off, Admn, Treasurer JCI. charge as the ADF in June ‘14.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 10 between us

By Stan Fernandes, SJ

Alexis Premkumar, 47, (MDU) has been working in Afghanistan as the Country Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) for the past three years. On 02 June 14, he visited a school run by JRS School at Sohadat, Afghanistan the JRS at Sohadat, about 35 km away from Herat City, a place where the ‘returnees’ - Afghan faith traditions and age, expresses the hope that Prem will citizens who earlier fled to other countries and return safe, as God protects those he has chosen. I am very later returned - are settled. Just before Prem left much touched by the support of the Afghan children and the school, he was abducted by unidentified gun men. Till today no group youth, especially those JRS has been serving. The children has claimed responsibility. These are excerpts from the letters of Stan offer prayers before starting classes and the youth pray in Fernandes, SJ, South Asian Regional Director of JRS, to Jesuits in mosques during the times of ‘namaz’. We have every reason India dated 12 June and 22 June ‘14: to believe that our prayers will bring about a change in the hearts of Prem’s captors and they will soon set him free. Dear Jesuit companions, The second round of elections in Afghanistan Christ’s Peace! The Crisis Management Team (CMT) concluded on June 14, and the counting of ballots began set up on the very first day has been constantly engaged soon after. Unfortunately, both candidates, citing fraud in discerning what God wants us to do at each moment, and rigging, have demanded the countermanding of the though a number of factors are beyond our grasp and reach. The systems and mechanisms we have in place at various counting. We earnestly hope that the counting will proceed levels, including one by the Madurai Province to accompany smoothly and the transition to new government will take Prem’s family in Devakottai, are extremely useful to keep place peacefully. A stable political atmosphere will be an our hopes alive. A number of professionals with experience enormous help to the local agencies on the ground to focus and expertise in handling such situations are guiding the on securing Prem’s safe release. CMT. Recently, on 17 June, quoting a top Indian diplomat One great consolation is that all those working in Kabul, NDTV stated, “Abducted in Afghanistan, Indian tirelessly on the ground: government officials, local aid worker Alexis Prem Kumar is safe. India is confident community leaders, and some organizations indicate of getting him rescued unharmed soon.” From different that no harm has been caused to Prem till now. No one, sources, we have learnt that both Indian and Afghan however, is able to confirm this comforting information. But, governments are putting in their best efforts. It is consoling strengthened by the many voices of hope, we move forward to note that, though 21 days have passed since Prem’s in solidarity to face the challenges of the difficult road that abduction on 2 June, so far as we know, there has been no may lie ahead. At this moment, with glimpses of hope amidst hint that Prem has been harmed in any way. However, it still the seemingly overwhelming darkness, we rely totally on remains a matter of grave concern that no one has claimed God’s providence. In solidarity and companionship, we responsibility, or communicated any demands. It will take strive to support one another, specially the members of time to get a clearer picture. Prem’s family and those working tirelessly on the ground For all who are engaged in search of Prem, the primary for Prem’s safe release. concern is getting Prem back safe and unharmed. Along with From my personal knowledge of Prem, I am confident your prayer for Prem, at this point in time, I appeal to you that he experiences close union with God, and our companionship will be a source of great strength for him for special prayers also for those who are working on the in his isolation and ordeal. ground under complex and volatile situations and under I am deeply grateful to all who share our pain and severe stress. We do not have many options, as there are only unflinching hope. It is heartening to note that many priests, a handful of persons available, Jesuits and lay, on the ground religious and lay persons are with us at this crisis moment, who can absorb the stress and continue to engage in this. especially Jesuits across assistancies and the global JRS May our Good Shepherd protect Prem and all those family. Everyone, cutting across geographical boundaries, who are working for his safe return soon. 

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 11 jesuits - assistancy Call of the Universal Society JCSA meet in Bhubaneswar

bout 35 members of the Jesuit Conference of South receive the grace to be and to go with Jesus for the mission. To Asia (JCSA) gathered in the lush green campus of the be authentic ‘contemplatives in action’, seeking and finding God AXavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneswar in all things, which indeed is the clearest indication of the depth on 26 April - 2 May, ‘14. Welcoming the members of the JCSA and of spirituality, we must continually return to the Spiritual Exercises. the facilitators, Fr Edward Muduvassery, the POSA, reminded the Fr Swebert spoke on the challenges of Higher Education group that we are primarily called to a ‘ spiritual governance’ based in India. He pointed out that in the Assistancy, 230 Jesuits and on the privileged process of manifestation of conscience. We are 4483 lay collaborators cater to the higher educational needs of not to be ruled by feelings but by faith. We are not managers 79,892 students in South Asia. He called for a concerted effort at per se, rather mentors accompanying our brothers in fraternal improving the quality of Jesuit Higher Education. His presentation charity.Our governance and ways of proceeding should follow on RUSA (Rashtriya Uchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) showed the new from a perspective of greater universality, reminded Fr Edward. possibilities for Indian Jesuits. The biannual JCSA meets have the specific objectives of Highlighting the possibilities for creative changes in our sharing, evaluating, planning and networking among the various secondary educational apostolate, Fr Jose Messa made an

Provinces of the Conference. The unique features of this meeting impassioned plea for quality educational service, especially for the were: It had eight new Provincials taking charge in coming poor, by means of networking and collaboration. He elaborated months. It had to also discern and identify candidates for a new on the evolution of thinking on Education from Ratio Studiorum POSA, as the present one will complete his term by the end of to the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm. He reminded the group the year. The agenda included inputs on Higher Education and that through 2120 schools, formal and non-formal, the Society Secondary Education besides sharing on the Xavier University, of Jesus is now serving 2,000,343 students across the world. Bhubaneswar by Paul Fernandez, its first Vice Chancellor, and We need a new imagination to come up with “mission driven” discussions on the administrative issues proposed by the POSA. institutions, he said. The special inputs for the meetings were by Fr Lisbert D’Souza, The hospitality of the XIMB community helped us beat the the General Assistant from Rome, Fr Jose Messa, Secretary for sweltering heat of Bhubaneswar. For the first time in the history Secondary Education, and Fr Swebert D’Silva, Principal , St. of JCSA meetings, we had a basket ball match between POSA’s Aloysius College, Mangalore. team and the XIMB team which, to the merriment of all, was a Prior to the meeting there was a two-day orientation for tough battle of veterans. We had a one-day outing to the new the new Provincials, guided by Frs Lisbert and Edward. Fr campus of Xavier University, the Konarak temple, and the sea at Stany, the new Provincial of Karnataka, shared his views on Puri. Frs Tony Uvary, the acting superior, Paul Fernandez, the ‘Spirituality of Governance and Leadership’. Fr Michael Dhanaraj director of XIM, Augustine Vattamattam, the administrator and (JAM) presented the Statutes of JCSA and their implications. Fr the community of Loyola School were kind and hospitable. Fr Gratian Carlo, outgoing ADF, spoke on our Formation. Fr Alex Tony S, the Orissa Mission superior, and Archbishop John Barwa, Mascarenhas (JAM) explained the important aspects of financial S.V.D. and his team joined us for a meal. ‘A Big Thank You’ to management based on our norms and the vow of poverty. Mike Dhanaraj, the outgoing provincial of Jamshedpur and the Pierre Jacob, SJ, the veteran spiritual director, led the Jamshedpur Province! recollection on the first day. He spoke on ‘Depth in Our Spiritual This JCSA meet’s focus was on the universality of our Life’. In order to recover depth in our spiritual life and to maintain mission and therefore the need for more intense collaboration. it, there is only one way: live out the Spiritual Exercises, he ‘Our identity is defined as servant and collaborator in a mission said. Only a conversion, a return to the covenant would help us which is also shared’ (GC 35). - George Mutholil, SJ

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 12 interview

we are in a world economic system that isn’t good. At the center of all economic ‘The Idolatry of Money’ systems must be man and woman, and everything else must be in service of men. - With just left-overs we can feed But we have put money at the center, the god of money. We have fallen into a sin of all the hungry, says Pope Francis idolatry, the idolatry of money. The economy is moved by the ambition of having more and, paradoxically, it feeds a throwaway culture. Young people Palestinian President Mahmoud are thrown away when their natality is Abbas, Pope Francis and Israeli President Shimon Peres before limited. The elderly are also discarded the prayer for peace because they are not useful anymore. In throwing away the kids and elderly, the future of a people is thrown away because the young people are going to push forcefully forward and because the elderly give us wisdom. They have the memory of that people and they have to pass it on to the young people. And now it is common to throw the young people away with unemployment. Someone told me that 75 In an interview granted to the Spanish- You have broken many security million young Europeans under 25 years magazine, La Vanguardia on 09 June ‘14 - a day protocols to bring yourself closer to the of age are unemployed. That is an atrocity. after the prayer for peace he organized with the people. But we are discarding an entire generation Presidents of Israel and Palestine -Pope Francis I know that something could happen to maintain an economic system that can’t spoke freely on a variety of issues. The text was to me, but it’s in the hands of God. I hold up anymore, a system that to survive translated into English from the original Spanish remember that in Brazil they had prepared must make war, as the great empires have by CNA’s Alan Holdren, Estefania Augirre and a closed Popemobile for me, with glass, but always done. But as a Third World War Elise Harris. Excerpts from the interview: I couldn’t greet the people and tell them can’t be waged, they make zonal wars. that I love them from within a sardine tin. What does this mean? That they produce Violence in the name of God Even if it’s made of glass, for me that is a and sell weapons, and with this the balance dominates the Middle East. wall. It’s true that something could happen sheets of the idolatrous economies, the great world economies that sacrifice man It’s a contradiction. Violence in the to me, but let’s be realistic, at my age I don’t at the feet of the idol of money, are sorted name of God does not correspond with have much to lose. out. our time. It’s something ancient. With Why is it important that the historical perspective, one has to say that Church be poor and humble? The prayer for peace on Sunday Christians, at times, have practiced it. Poverty and humility are at the wasn’t easy to organize nor did it When I think of the Thirty Years War, center of the Gospel and I say it in a have precedents in the Middle East or there was violence in the name of God. theological sense, not in a sociological one. anywhere in the world. How did you Today it is unimaginable, right? We You can’t understand the Gospel without feel? arrive, sometimes, by way of religion to poverty, but we have to distinguish it from Here, in the Vatican, 99% said it very serious, very grave contradictions. pauperism. I think that Jesus wants us would not happen and then the 1% started Fundamentalism, for example. The three bishops not to be princes but servants. to grow. I felt that we were feeling pushed religions, we have our fundamentalist What can the Church do to reduce towards something that had not occurred groups, small in relation to all the rest. the growing inequality between the rich to us and that, little by little, started to take And, what do you think about and the poor? shape. It was not at all a political act - I fundamentalism? It’s proven that with the food that felt that from the beginning - but it was A fundamentalist group, although is left over we could feed the people who rather a religious act: opening a window it may not kill anyone, although it may are hungry. When you see photographs to the world. not strike anyone, is violent. The mental of undernourished kids in different parts Why did you choose to place structure of fundamentalists is violence in of the world, you take your head in your yourself in the eye of the hurricane, the the name of God. hands, it incomprehensible. I believe that Middle East?

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 13 interview

The true eye of the hurricane, due this. We even have those who deny the The invitation to Jerusalem to the enthusiasm that there was, was holocaust, which is crazy. from my brother Bartholomew was to the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro Do you still feel like a parish priest commemorate the encounter between Paul last year. I decided to go to the Holy Land or do you assume your role as head of VI and Athenagoras I50 years ago. It was because President Peres invited me. I the Church? an encounter after more than a thousand knew that his mandate would finish this The dimension of parish priest is years of separation. Since the Second Spring, so I felt obliged, in some way, to go that which most shows my vocation. Vatican Council, the Catholic Church beforehand. His invitation accelerated the Serving the people comes from within me. has made efforts to become closer and the trip. I did not think of doing it. Turn off the lights to not spend a lot of Orthodox Church has done the same. Some Why is it important for every money, for example. They are things that orthodox churches are closer than others. Christian to visit Jerusalem and the a parish priest does. But I also feel like the I wanted Bartholomew to be with me in Holy Land? Pope. It helps me to do things seriously. Jerusalem and there emerged the plan to Because of revelation. For us, it all My collaborators are very serious and also come to the Vatican to pray. For us it’s started there. It is like “heaven on earth.” professional. I have help to carry out my necessary because it’s not conceivable that A foretaste of what awaits us hereafter, in duty. One doesn’t need to play the parish we Christians are divided; it’s a historical the heavenly Jerusalem. priest Pope. It would be immature. When sin that we have to repair. You and your friend, the Rabbi a head of state comes, I have to receive What do you think of the Skorka, hugged each other in front of the him with the dignity and the protocol renunciation of Benedict XVI? Western Wall. What importance has that are deserved. It is true that with the Pope Benedict has made a very that gesture had for the reconciliation protocol I have my problems, but one has significant act. He has opened the door, between Christians and Jews? to respect it. has created an institution, of the eventual Well, my good friend professor You are changing a lot of things. popes emeritus. 70 years ago, there were Omar Abu, president of the Institute for Towards what future are these changes no emeritus bishops. Today so many are Inter-religious Dialogue of Buenos Aires, going? there? Well, as we live longer, we arrive at was also at the Wall. I wanted to invite I am no illumined one. I don’t have an age when we cannot go on with things. him. He is a very religious man and a any personal project that I’ve brought with I will do the same as him, asking the Lord father-of-two. He is also friends with Rabbi me under an arm, simply because I never to enlighten me when the time comes and Skorka and I love them both a lot, and I thought that they were going to leave me that he tell me what I have to do, and and wanted that this friendship between the here, in the Vatican. Everyone knows this. he will tell me for sure. three be seen as a witness. I came with a little piece of luggage to go You have a room reserved in a You told me a year ago that “within straight back to Buenos Aires. What I am retirement home in Buenos Aires. every Christian there is a Jew.” doing is carrying out what we Cardinals Yes, its a retirement house for elderly Perhaps it would be more correct reflected upon during the General priests. I was leaving the archdiocese at to say, “You cannot live your Christianity, Congregations. During the conclave, we the end of last year and and had already you cannot be a real Christian, if you do all met every day to discuss the problems submitted my resignation to Benedict XVI not recognize your Jewish roots.” I don’t of the Church. From there come reflections when I turned 75. I chose a room and said speak of Jewish in the sense of the Semitic and recommendations. One very concrete “I want to come to live here.” I will work as race but rather in the religious sense. I one was that the next Pope had to count a priest, helping the parishes. This is what think that inter-religious dialogue needs to on an external council, that is, a team of was going to be my future before being deepen in this, in Christianity’s Jewish root assessors that didn’t live in the Vatican. elected the Pope. and in the Christian flowering of Judaism. And you created the so-called I am not going to ask you whom I understand it is a challenge, a hot potato, Council of Eight. you support in the World Cup…. but it can be done as brothers. I pray every They are eight Cardinals from all Brazilians asked me to remain day the Divine Office with the Psalms of the continents and a coordinator. They neutral (laughs) and I keep my word, David. We pray all the 150 psalms in one gather every two or three months here. because Brazil and Argentina are always week. My prayer is Jewish and I have the Now, the first of July we have four days of antagonistic. Eucharist, which is Christian. meetings, and we are going to be making How would you like to be the changes that the cardinals ask of us. How do you see anti-Semitism? remembered in history? It is not obligatory that we do it but it I cannot explain why it happens, I have not thought about it, but I like but I think it is very linked, in general, and would be imprudent not to listen to those who know. it when one remembers someone and says: without it being a fixed rule, to the right “He was a good guy, he did what he could. wing. Antisemitism usually nests better You have also made a great effort He wasn’t so bad.” I’m OK with that. in right-wing political tendencies than in to become closer to the Orthodox  the left, right? And it still continues like Church. Courtesy: La Vanguardia

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 14 perception Winners and Losers: - What the results of Indian Elections 2014 can mean

By Rudi Heredia, SJ The BJP now has 280 seats, and and generously funded by these. with its allies in the NDA 336; the They expect a huge pay-off from the Congress has just 44, and 60 with its development projected on the Gujarat Surprise and Shock allies in the UPA. Was this a negative model, which has already paid rich The results of the Indian anti-incumbency vote against the dividends for them in that State. parliamentary elections of 2014 came as Congress and the UPA, or was it a Congress Loses an undeserved surprise for the winners, majoritarian mandate for the Gujarat The Congress’s loss seems a self- and an unexpected shock to the losers. model of development and its Hindutva filling death-wish. Their campaign The two largest national parties, BJP inspiration so successfully marketed by never really took off. Senior leaders the BJP? What do these results mean for distanced themselves from the electoral and Congress, found themselves at the minorities and the marginalised? fray. It was very different from the way the two opposite extremes with their The Congress failed to heed the it fought the general elections of 2004 highest and the lowest tally ever in the clear early warning in their losses and 2009. The overall performance of Lok Sabha to date. Regional parties in nine State legislative elections in the UPA over ten years at the Centre with a strong identity within their 2013. On the other hand, once the BJP was better than that of the NDA in six States, where the national parties had anointed Narendra Modi as its prime years. “Measures of human development a weak presence, also did well: the ministerial candidate, he led single- – nutrition, educational attainment, life TMC, BJD, AIDMK; others without any mindedly and relentlessly pursued expectancy, etc – continued to record supporting alliance faired disastrously: his goal, constantly supported by the slow improvement even as poverty the SP, BSP, JDU, RJD and DMK. media owned by corporate businesses fell quite sharply. … Real GDP grew

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 15 perception at nearly 6% per year under the NDA, In the context of a global economic this the tragic casualty was religious which increased to 7.6% during UPA’s slowdown, corruption, inflation, rising tolerance. Politicisation and conflict rule (Ghatak et al, 2014: “Growth in unemployment, heightened aspirations readily followed, as religious belief the Time of UPA: Myths and Reality”, and expectations of a new generation became more a defining ideology than Economic and Political Weekly, April 19, of first-time voters, increasing violence a humanising faith. Vol 49, No 34. pp. 34 –43). against the marginalized and minorities, In order to mobilise and Its populist and welfare schemes even populist welfare measures could consolidate their hold on the Hindu were expected to yield rich returns at not retain the core voter base the community, the BJP had once played the hustings: NREGA 2005, RTI 2005, Congress had always relied on. on ‘Hindu victimhood’ - which actually threatened religious minorities experience: ‘Religion in danger.’ Now In the context of a global economic slowdown, Hindutvawadis used ‘Hindu pride’ for corruption, inflation, rising unemployment, heightened the same purpose: “Say with pride I am a Hindu (Garva se kaho, ham Hindu aspirations and expectations of a new generation hain). This stuck a chord with the neo- of first-time voters, increasing violence against the middle class Hindus, who were then readily coopted to a neo-liberal Gujarat marginalized and minorities, even populist welfare model and its supposed promise of rapid progress and higher standards of measures could not retain the core voter base the living. (‘Good times are a coming’, ‘Ache Congress had always relied on. din aane wale hain’) Corporate businesses used the media they controlled to promote aggressively this feel-good Recognition of Forest Rights Act 2006, Furthermore, the Congress factor and personalise its appeal in a RTE 2009, NFS 2013, Land Acquisition does suffer from a serious dynastic ‘strong’ leader. Act 2014, the Lokpal And Lokayukta problem, which is part of the burden The BJP now soft pedals their talk Act 2014. But the Congress’s electoral of its history. Unless it addresses this of a ‘Hindu model of development’ in campaign did not effectively publicize urgently it will be unable to reinvent favour of a more globalised one. As a these genuine achievements. It fell itself and to recover its credibility and right- leaning party its ideology can best victim to the unintended consequences relevance in a changed situation. be described as neo-liberal capitalism of their earlier success. BJP Gains with Hindu characteristics. We can Land acquisition for development The election rhetoric of the wonder how much of the ‘Hindu’ will generated severe conflicts with those Congress was secularism versus be left in this development once it is deprived of their land; the expansion communalism; that of the BJP was globalised, as much as we can wonder of education without a corresponding good governance versus incompetent how much of the ‘socialism’ is left in increase in quality led to a shortage government. But the real decider was the Chinese model of development. of skilled man-power; low quality of the corporate interests and the media Authoritarian structures are common to services to the ordinary citizen and they controlled, which supported the both. India, with its formal democracy, the failure to tackle corruption that BJP, while anti-incumbency worked must moderate this tendency. Or else inevitably accompanies the rapid against the Congress. we will have a democracy controlled creation of new wealth, alienated the Secularism, as state neutrality not by the inclusion and participation people, particularly the neo-middle on religious matters, (sarva dharma of people through their representatives, class, whose expectations were raised nirapekshata) must further extend but by vested business interests through during UPA I, and who then felt to an equal respect for all religions their lobbies. The United States, hailed betrayed by UPA II. The media played (sarva dharma sambhava). But here as the promised land of development this up as incompetence and crony aggressive, liberal secular rationalists, by the powerful neo-conservative capitalism. The timid-tepid response who have no stake in religious business elites in this county, is the of the government only encouraged belief, have hollowed out this later prime example of this. charges of governmental paralysis, understanding, putting popular The parameters of this which in fact was more the result of an religious traditions on the defensive. development have not been elaborated. outrageously unruly Parliament led by an These, in turn, responded with an even A critique of the Gujarat model exposes unconscionably aggressive Opposition. more aggressive fundamentalism. In all it as more myth than reality, more

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 16 perception rhetoric than performance, more top- then the Gujarat model of development responsible for the defeat of the NDA. down implementation than down-up chips in. Violence must cease so that But by 2014 the pogrom of 2002 was no consensus. The official development and development can accelerate. The early longer the issue. Consumerist societies HRD figures from Gujarat are not better concerns expressed by the business have very short memories when good than other high-performing States. This lobby after the riots of 2002 in Gujarat times are promised! is sure fire evidence of uneven growth were soon gone, as the Gaura Yatras Deserving and Discerning and skewed development. No wonder marketed a business-friendly, vibrant This election was a rejection of the poor and the marginalised hardly Gujarat. Impatient corporate houses the Congress for its corruption and figured in the BJP’s campaign rhetoric. were the first to celebrate this neo- ineptitude. It was lost by the Congress Neither did ‘growth with equity’ or liberal development model and project more than won by the BJP or rather won ‘equality with development’. The it to the national stage. for them by business-sponsored media. neo-middle class is caught between However, the inevitable tensions This cannot be construed as a massive mandate to extend the Gujarat model to the rest of the country. Indeed, the Gujarat model of communal conflict did not yield the same dividends when extended to Khandhamal in Odisha. The success of the BJP campaign is an alarming reflection on an uncritical Courtesy: www.india.com electorate taken in by the mantra of development and good governance. They never asked the obvious crucial questions: Development for whom? Governance by whom? The business lobbies that sponsored the campaign had their answer long ago: capitalists’ growth, governance to protect their interests. The consumerist neo-middle the rich who profited most from the and stress of this skewed development economic growth, and the poor who will compel these groups to return to class that has been wowed for now may benefited somewhat from the welfare the identity politics of Hindutva. In learn from their disillusionment. measures. They may well experience order to consolidate flagging support The remains of the day seem to short term gains with such neo-liberal and contain discontent and dissent, be twofold. The Congress needs to development. But the huge costs such these elements will once again use the find a leader to address the failure development inflicts on the poor and politics of difference, even the politics of their dynastic politics; the BJP’s the environment lead to instability of hate and polarise communities. The leader, larger than the party now, may in the long term. This will betray the violence and insecurity that follow will make it subservient to him and bring rising expectations of the very classes affect the poor among the minorities it down if he flounders. A critical that initially benefitted from it. But as the most. and alert citizenry is essential for always it is the weakest in the society During this electoral campaign an inclusive, participative rights- who have to bear the greatest burden. the provocation against Bangladeshi based democracy. This is the Unjust exclusions and severe migrants in the North-East and the substantive democracy established inequalities only invite extremism and Musaffarnagar carnage that affected by our Constitution. Without violence. The Maoist-controlled rural hundreds of Muslims proved that this, electoral democracy leads to and forest districts in Central India are these groups, even while talking of majoritarianism and authoritarianism, evidence of this. development, will not hesitate to use and the marginalization of the poor and Minoritiy Apprehensions polarising identity politics for electoral minorities. It has happened elsewhere If the poor and marginalised have gains. No party is above such cynical use in South Asia. It happened during the much to fear in this Gujarat model of of communal violence when electoral 1977-79 Emergency here. development, minority communities gains can be reaped, but the BJP is the It can happen again.  have much to dread in the Gujarat party that has used and benefitted most Fr Rudi Heredia, SJ (BOM) is a writer model of communal polarisation. Once by communal violence. Vajpayee had and independent researcher. He resides at the majority support is consolidated said that Gujarat riots were mainly Campion Jesuit Residence, Mumbai.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 17 roots

By HEDWIG LEWIS, SJ Influences The ‘Principle and Foundation’ of the Exercises flows directly from the Ignatius’ spiritual encounters at Cardoner experience: all reality coming Manresa reached a climax one day in forth from God, all reality returning to what has come to be known as “the God, all reality seen and understood sublime illumination”. It was the only in God. It is finally experienced pinnacle of all the mystical graces he had as an interiorly assimilated, realized received at Manresa. and established attitude for life in the The event ‘Contemplation to Attain Love’ which “One time [Ignatius] was going closes the Spiritual Exercises in accord out of his devotion to a church… The with the characteristic Ignatian “world- road ran next to the river. As he went affirming” spirituality and ideal of along occupied with his devotions, he “loving and serving the Divine Majesty sat down for a little while with his face in all things” (SpEx. 233), or of “finding towards the river which was running God in all things, loving him in all deep. While he was seated there, the creatures and all creatures in him” (see eyes of his understanding began to Const 288). The distinctive hallmark be opened; though he did not see any CARDONER: of Ignatian and Jesuit spirituality, vision, he understood and knew many A foundational experience: “inner freedom” or total availability, things both spiritual and matters of faith takes its origin and inspiration from and of learning, and this was with so touchstone for all his later decision- the founding grace of Cardoner. The great an enlightenment that everything making. In this sense he was constantly opening paragraphs of Part X of the seemed new to him. Though there were referring back to Cardoner. Jerome Constitutions (812-814) contain a many he cannot set forth the details Nadal noted: “Whenever questions were marvellous theological-spiritual synthesis that he understood then, except that put to him on matters of importance, of nature and grace, of transcendence he experienced a great clarity in his he would refer to that grace and light”, and immanence, of the divine and understanding. This was such that in that is, to what he understood at the the human, which then is concretely the whole course of his life, through Cardoner. Before that he had noticed itemized in the rest of that chapter. At sixty-two years, even if he gathered and wondered (as at Loyola), but did its roots lies the all-integrating synthesis- up all the many helps he had had from not understand. He was still, in his own experience of the Cardoner. God and all the many things he knew word, ‘blind’ (AB 14). But henceforth Impact and added them together, he does not there is in him an assurance that was not Ignatius’ divine illumination at think they would amount to as much there before. Cardoner can be described in modern- as he had received at that one time.” Pedagogy day scientific terms as an ‘altered state (Autobiography (AB) 30) The Cardoner experience did of consciousness’, the transition from Effects not give Ignatius a direct answer to all the rational, reflective consciousness There is a tendency to interpret the questions that he was facing in his to the field of profound intuition. Its Ignatius’ words as indicating that he was life, still less answers to the questions effects are long-lasting, and it is usually given new knowledge, that the content emanating more broadly from his the point of departure for a person’s of his knowledge of God and the world cultural milieu. But it did give him insertion into the real world. It affects was increased. While the text does not a tool, a means by which he could the deepest layers of one’s being, so exclude such a reading, neither does it approach all questions; it gave him a that one becomes aware of the newness demand it. Ignatius said that he was methodology. Building on his personal of things. ‘From that day he seemed to given an intellectual grasp of realities, experience Ignatius began to fashion be quite another man, and possessed of secular as well as religious, which he a pedagogy by which he could enable a new intellect’ (see AB 30). Ignatius already knew. If he had been receiving others to learn that methodology. He felt himself more free, more the creator new knowledge there would be no sense knew that everything lay in the hands of his self-identity, open to others in a in saying that ‘all these things seemed of God who alone could gift his people different way. He gives up his excessive new to him’. They were familiar realities with wisdom and understanding. ways, trims his hair, pares his nails, starts seen in a new light and with a greater But, having seen at the Cardoner the eating meat again and abandons the idea profundity. interconnectedness of all things, the of becoming a Carthusian, because he What Ignatius learned through human and the divine, he also knew that saw “the fruit which he bore in dealing Cardoner was a deepened understanding a way could be found to co-operate with with souls” (AB 29). He is transformed of discernment, which became the God’s initiative and activity. from a recluse into an apostle. 

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 18 3rd prize winning short story Hope-givers

By Sebastian Thangadurai, SJ but he groped for words. “John, aren’t all alone. Mobile phones, facebook, we happy with our salaries, although internet, become means of swift social the atmosphere here is not so... We gratification but they do nothing to harles sweated a lot even need to... forego certain things to be... cure them of the inner vacuum and in that air conditioned to be.. happy,” answered Charles with emptiness they felt. This is what John Croom. The news of John’s much difficulty. “Are you sure, Charles?” said he hated. resignation shocked him terribly. He John stung him again. “Are you sure you John argued that what they looked for John in the adjacent room are happy?” That was the end of their called ‘outsourcing’ was nothing but through the transparent glass. In that conversation that day. exploitation. It is not sharing the chilly room, people, with headsets on, But earlier John had poured out workload but finding cheap labor. It were busy talking to clients over the his feelings to Charles many a time. earned big profits for the companies but phone or replying to e-mails. They were Since they were childhood friends, the workers who worked really hard had all glued to the computer screen. Some they could freely open their hearts to to be satisfied with a poor salary. What took time off from their hectic work each other. John was very clear in his is valued is not the person but the work. and sipped from a cup. Charles looked thinking and he would put across his If the company could find another man all around. John was not there and his ideas to people in a distinct manner, for still cheaper remuneration, it will absence confirmed what he had just which always brought appreciation employ him. It is mere exploitation, heard. He couldn’t believe it. from different quarters. He was of the said John. John and Charles hailed from opinion that when individuals became Unable to find him anywhere in the same village. Becoming a software a part of a large company like that of an the office Charles called John. Contrary engineer was their childhood dream. MNC, they had to work very hard just to what Charles expected, John was They grew up hearing about and then to survive. So they had to be constantly quite cool. “Charles, I spoke my mind seeing men who had always plenty learning, updating and presenting their at different occasions. My conscience of money, because of the fat salaries ideas to their seniors. If the seniors were did not allow me to work any longer. I they earned in multinational software pleased, it will bring them job security thought that I was selfish, wanting a job companies. They followed their dream and even promotions. So to escape being just for the salary it offered but ignoring and realized it five years ago when they an unknown part of a big group, they had my parents and my inner happiness.” entered the posh office of a big MNC in to devise strategies and invent concepts John’s resignation and the a gigantic skyscraper. There were about which would mark them out as smart, explanation he offered made Charles a thousand software IT employees. After unique individuals. This compelled the think. Only a fortnight ago, his parents four years of toil, both were promoted employees to act in a way which was not had come to visit him. He had been to the position of team leaders. Though natural to them but which they thought asking his aged parents to stay with him they were working in the same company would please the seniors. John felt that permanently. They had no need to rely for the same project in adjacent rooms, this was where the compromises began. on farming back in their village as their they hardly got time to meet. Such was He was sure that if they continued such son earned a handsome salary. But their their work. a life, they would lose their individuality stay in Chennai was not very pleasant. A month ago their monthly salary gradually. They could hardly speak to their son as touched the Rs 200,000 per month mark. The pressure to excel made life he was busy all the time with his office Charles was trying to figure out what highly competitive where they were work. His week-end too was consumed could have driven John to resign such a constantly chasing success. But just by his hectic emergency work. His lucrative job. He could only recall a brief when they would think they have parents felt out of place. They couldn’t conversation between them after their achieved it, they would realize that bear to see their son suffer this way. They salary hike was announced. “Charles, success has been redefined. So they had had a good house in the village and could are you happy and able to think freely in to begin again from the beginning. Their breathe fresh air there. Here all looked our working environment?” asked John. professional lives soon destroyed their artificial and dangerous: from food to air. His strange query shook Charles for a personal lives. They have innumerable They could not enjoy what their son’s moment. He knew for sure the answer ‘friends’ but would still find themselves money could buy.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 19 short story

They recalled that they had toiled use all his intelligence and skills for be money givers or job givers, but all of us can hard to get their son educated. But they agriculture. be hope-givers. I hope you too would become didn’t expect that the education they A few days after Charles talked one some day. I need fresh air and people here gave him would land him in such a life. to John, he received an e-mail from him: need fresh thinkers. They felt that they were with him and Hi Charles, yet he seemed be far away. One day his I’m sorry for not informing you about I have already had an open air meeting mother mustered all her courage and my resignation. I didn’t want to shock you and with some of the farmers here. We discussed told Charles, “Son, we want to get back further I didn’t exactly know how to put things some of the issues like poor marketing and to our village. We are not happy here. across to you at that moment. intermediaries who exploit them. They all We can’t see you suffer this way for the I’ve now found a new job which is very remain hopeful about a brighter future. So do I. sake of money. Come, let’s go and live satisfying to me and to my family. I don’t know

“I need fresh air and people here need fresh thinkers.”

a peaceful life in our village.” Charles if you heard about it. I have taken up farming Love, could not digest what his mother said. in our village as I’ve been telling you for a long John. He obviously did not want to leave his time. People in the field have experience and I Charles kept looking at the job which brought quick money and have some scientific knowledge and innovative e-mail. He read it again and again. take up farming which he considered a ideas. If experience and knowledge come Then he typed his reply: waste of time and energy. He thought together, new things will happen. I’m going to he earned in a month what his parents show the way. I’m sure more and more people Dear John, took a whole year to make. Finally his will follow me . Thanks for making me take this step parents left Chennai hoping that their We have land and labour. What we need after a long time. I am resigning my job son would understand their feelings. is proper planning. The executive meetings and here and going back to my village to take up Charles remembered that once planning we had in our office are going to be farming. I too want to be a hope-giver. John too had suggested something of great help to me. I know it’s a bit of a risk, Your friend, similar. He had once proposed to but I would say it’s a reasonable risk. Farmers Charles about taking up farming here are selling their land to corporate Charles.  together after leaving their IT job, but companies, citing poor monsoons and meagre Having finished his studies in English Charles ignored it. John saw farming as income. They are unaware of mechanized Literature at Loyola College, Chennai, Sch an enriching profession that enriches farming and modern irrigation. I think my Sebastian Thangadurai, SJ (MDU) is currently a third year student of theology at Vidya Jyoti, oneself and the society. He wanted to studies will instill hope in them. We may not Delhi.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 20 interivew

Fr Dany Younes, SJ is the new long time opposing the regime, and had What is Provincial of the Jesuit Near East Province. enough political organization to lead, For an exclusive interview to Jivan he spoke once the regime fell. But the demands to Victor Edwin on the current volatile of the initial crowd movement have not happening in situation in the region: been fulfilled, and the march towards democracy will continue in as much West Asia? The Arab Spring created a as the Arab soul persists in the search momentum for change: transparency, for herself. democracy, and accountability. What has happened to that momentum? Christian minorities experience Nations, just like individuals, different forms of oppression in a have their own internal struggles to number of West Asian countries, overcome before they aquire their real including Egypt. How do Christians identity. The situation of the Arab cope with the prevailing situation? nations at the end of the colonial Christians in post-colonial Arab period was calling for such a struggle, countries have contributed beyond where the clashes between tradition their proportion to the establishment and modernity opposed despotism on of modern States, which was the one side and religious fanaticism on right thing to do. But the tension the other. This situation presented between the resulting despotism to the people a difficult alternative: and the latent religious fanaticism either support a tyrannical regime proved too much for their precarious that nurtures corruption and military existence. As citizens, they were often control of the lives of people, or oppressed just like all other citizens, supporting a seemingly democratic but as Christians, they had also to movement of religious revival that face the charge of being against the actually has no understanding Islamic movement. Their support of whatsoever of the economic and social the establishment of a modern State challenges of the current situation. made them appear sometimes as The tension was building for decades, favorable to the prevailing regime. and exploded mainly on economic Christians, when persecuted, respond grounds when, in Tunisia, a man in different ways: some just leave their While Sufi spirituality is strongly burned himself to death out of despair. homeland and seek refuge in Europe, present in different parts of the Arab That event sparked an angry crowd North America or Australia; others world, it remains a marginal movement. movement that very soon caused make an option either for or against The prevailing movements belong the end of a despotic regime. Many the regime, exposing themselves, and mainly to political Islam, drawing more similar crowd movements followed their communities, to the wrath of the on a literal understanding of Islamic in different countries, even if under other side; in some places they seek to Law, or on a political vision of the different circumstances. When the protect themselves with weapons; and mission of Islam, than on spirituality. population itself is made up of different some try to make clear their option for Some writers explain the current religious communities, the movement a democratic State, unlike both the old situation much more on the basis degenerated into a civil war, because regimes and the religious movements. of post-colonial feelings than as a one or more of those communities What the Christians lack mainly is a manifestation of Islam as a religion actually support the regime, usually strong leadership and a clear statement and worldview. Others see it as a the against the demographically dominant of their intention. result of centuries-long clash between one. When the variety of religious A large number of South Asian Sunnis and Shias, the two main families denominations is not a major factor, Muslims draw nourishment from the of Islamic communities - a reminder of the movement was soon taken over by Sufi spirituality. Is Sufi spirituality the religious wars between Catholics religious movements who were for a popular among West Asian Muslims? and Protestants in Europe.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 21 interview

How do you read the tension in education, founding hundreds a lot to do. Mainly, we contribute to between political and religious of small schools and a University. what the Catholic Church in general movements of Islam in your part of Eventually, they were more and more offers, through our institutions and the world? Is the political dimension in communication with the Muslim personal relations. Our pastoral care an essential aspect of Islam? community. Now we have a Center reaches out for many Orthodox and The struggle is within the heart for Islamic-Christian Studies at the Protestant believers who are interested of Islam. It is like a spiritual warfare University, which was created by in the Spiritual Exercises or the Youth that will decide what Islam will look both a Jesuit and a Muslim friend Movements that we animate. like in the future. It is, of course, up during the civil war in Lebanon. The to the Muslims to decide, but we same movement of communication What are the other apostolates need to see clearly the drive beneath led to another event: the creation of Jesuits are involved in? the rise of political Islam. It would be a Muslim-Christian national feast in We are involved in education: very naïve to think that the political Lebanon on 25 March, celebrating two schools in Egypt, five in Lebanon, configuration of the world has nothing together Our Lady. This feast, endorsed a University. We are involved in the to do with it. In this struggle, we need by the Lebanese government, gives social apostolate: through JRS serving to hear the voice of those among the place for a yearly joint celebration held thousands of people across the different Muslims who want peace and freedom. in the Jesuit high-school in Beirut. A countries of the Province, as well as Most of my Muslim friends, even those Center for Studies of Christian-Arab through the Center for Migrants, who actually are militant politically, Literature seeks to support the current serving mainly Asian and African desire a reconciled society as much theological dialogue with a better household workers coming to Lebanon as I do, but you cannot escape the knowledge of the predecessors. In Egypt from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia struggle, exactly like, on an individual and Syria, we give spiritual retreats for and many other places, then through level, in the Spiritual Exercises. The Christians and Muslims together. In different NGOs in Egypt and Lebanon. tension between worship and political Turkey and Algeria, the communication We are involved in the intellectual involvement is not strange to the with Muslims takes more a personal apostolate through our Publishing Christian tension between the two approach, through friendship or cultural House (called Dar el Machreq), and main commandments: love of God, and gatherings. Actually, we aim at making the Centers of Research within the love of the neighbor. The real question dialogue with Islam not so much a University. We are involved in pastoral is: can you love God without struggling ministry in itself, but a dimension of and spiritual apostolates through the to achieve justice? Can you struggle all our ministries. We thank God for Exercises, the formation of Clergy, to achieve justice without facing the the steps we have already taken in that Spiritual Direction, Movements of the structures of injustice? Can you face direction, but a lot is still waiting to Youth. those structures without fighting them? be done. Of course, luminous examples of non- Could South Asian Jesuits help violent struggles do exist; some of them West Asia is the home of many their counterparts in West Asia in come to us from South Asia. Those are, ancient Christian Churches. Do some way? alas, the exceptions. Spirituality has a Jesuits contribute today toward The first answer that comes to lot to offer to the political realm, but ecumenical relations between my mind is: “Come and see”. I believe for this to happen we need imagination different Churches? that we need to have a better mutual and innovation. Actually most of the Jesuits of knowledge before we can name the the Province come from those different areas of possible collaboration. We Like quite a few Arab Christian Churches, of whom many are in are so happy to have Bimal Kerketta theologians have done in the past communion with Rome, and many are with us. His contributions to our life do Jesuits of the Near East Province not. So the first ecumenical effort is made and mission are greatly appreciated. I contribute to the dialogue with within the Society herself, reconciling wonder if our Province could serve as Muslims? rites and traditions, sometimes with a place among others for Regency or The Jesuits arrived in the Near- ease, sometimes after some effort. As Tertianship experiments for Jesuits of East mainly to help in the formation of for the relations with non-Catholic South Asia, or for a sabbatical. Such ties the clergy. Very soon, they were involved denominations, I think we still have can be of great help for the future. 

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 22 31 July special

By Wesley D’Costa, SJ our lives, in the pleasant and unpleasant events, how God is always working for the good of all those who love him. ere are 10 traits of the We seldom find time in our busy extra-ordinary man schedules for reviews. Yet, for us to grow whose feast we celebrate in our spiritual lives and encounter God it on 31 July. Not merely is of utmost importance that we make the thoseH who belong to the Society he review a daily practice. founded, but all those inside and outside 4. Solidarity with the poor: Though the Catholic Church who admire St hailing from a noble family, St Ignatius Ignatius of Loyola can conisder these traits chose to live a life of poverty. He considered and ask themselves how many of these poverty to be the foundation of religious life they can claim to have or practice. and loved it like his own mother. In this 1. A Personal Love for Jesus: he just imitated Jesus, who had nowhere We know what happened. Having been to lay his head. He desired and tried to injured in the battle of Pamplona, St serve the poorest of the poor. He would Ignatius was convalescing in the castle of often beg for alms and distribute it among Loyola. It was here that he encountered the poor. He and his companions, though Jesus. Not having much to do he read the being some of the most learned men in books, The Life of Christ and The Lives Europe, would find time while studying to of Saints. Spending hours contemplating the events in the life of Jesus Christ, he serve the poor and the sick. The sons and grew in knowledge of Christ, fell in love daughters of Ignatius, therefore, should with him and was filled with a deep desire similarly serve the poor. to serve him. How many of these 10 Ignatian Traits do you have? This intimate personal knowledge In his letters and the Constitutions 5. Considering God alone as of Christ is what we need to strive for. We, he stressed the need to constantly edify refuge: of course, know a lot about Jesus. But those around. He takes it a step further St Ignatius calls himself ‘the Pilgrim’. what matters most is that we know Jesus when he states that even in illness, when He often went on pilgrimages without food and experience Him personally. Only then a person is most prone to fluctuating or money, travelling on foot, placing his can we love him. Only then can we imitate temperaments and moods, one must be a complete trust on God and relying only Christ in the way we think, speak and act, source of edification. Therefore followers on the dependable providence of God. keeping always at the back of our minds of Ignatius should constantly monitor the He even refused to take along with him a the secret formula: what would Jesus do impact of their speech and actions and companion on any of his pilgrimages, lest in this situation? check if they edify or scandalise others. in times of his weakness or need he would 2. Intent to edify: 3. Review and Reflection: turn to his companion for help rather than St Ignatius was very particular “A life unexamined is a life unlived,” God. He wanted only God as his refuge. that he should not mislead anyone, that said Plato. In today’s world the review Very often we place our trust in our what he said and did should not cause has become a popular management abilities, intelliegence, influence, money, a scandal. So he reflected deeply about procedure. The corporate world, sports positions etc. Like Ignatius, we must learn what he said and did, even more about teams and educational institutions have to trust our Father in heaven who loves everything he wrote, because he believed regular reviews of performance. Already us dearly. that the written word was permanent. back then in the 16th century St Ignatius 6. Finding God in all things: Never did he utter a useless word. Always stressed the need to review - to review our Ignatius grew in his spiritual life to did he speak of the things of God and life, our actions, our words, thoughts and the extent of finding God in all creatures encouraged spiritual conversations. Those even our prayer. The review helps us know and creation. He considered all of creation who knew him said his meals were frugal if we have failed or succeeded- and if we as a loving gift of God and that God is but his manners were regal, as the sole have failed, to take steps to improve and laboring and working for each one of purpose was the edification of all to the if we succeeded, to build on that success. us in his creation. Whether it was a bird greater service and praise of God. It also helps us to see the ‘hand of God’ in soaring in the sky, or a worm squirming

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 23 spirit matters on the ground or an acquaintance he met - far as.’ The purpose of our life, as taught by or applause. We may do something good, everything drew this mystic to God and His the Church and many saints like Augustine, only for being trumpeted in public. Many love that was manifest to him in everything. is to attain our salvation. St Ignatius called people ask, ‘How discreet must we be?’ This is the grace every exercitant this the end of our lives and believed that Our left hand must not know what our right prays for at the end of the Spiritual everything else on the face of the earth hand is doing. Very often our involvement Exercises. Every follower of Ignatius was geared to help us attain this end. So in works of charity, parish activities or even should ask for this grace - a hallmark of we use everything, in as much as it helps my writing this article could be so that we Ignatian spirituality. We need this grace in us attain salvation. may be noticed and appreciated. But a order to be aware of God’ involvement in So Ignatius pursued his studies pure intention will look for only the glory our lives. If we experience God’s presence at a late age - not to fulfill his personal of God and the good of others. in creation, we will treat it with respect and ambitions or for self glorification but 10. MAGIS: St Ignatius had an reverence and safeguard its beauty and because he felt it was necessary to attain unmatched spirit of generosity. The attitude diversity. his salvation. All the material goods of mediocrity, the “chalta hai” attitude was 7. The art of discernment: provided by generous benefactors were unacceptable to him. He would do even The ‘discernment of spirits’ is a main also used by him not for his own fulfillment the daily ordinary tasks extraordinarily well contribution of St.Ignatius to the Church. It but rather in the service and praise of God. because he did it all out of an immense

Every follower of Ignatius should ask for this grace - finding God in all creatures and creation - a hallmark of Ignatian spirituality. was he who explained the the process of If any of these were taken away it did not love for God. He wanted to do as much sifting the various spirits acting upon us. It disturb him because he knew that these as he could in the service of the eternal is this that enables us to become interiorly were the means - not the end. This is what king. “ What more can I do for Christ?” is free, enabling us to make decisions, gave him inner freedom. the question that drove him to do more so that none of the choices we make The followers of St Ignatius can and more - to do things better and better. come from our own selfish motives and never, therefore, forget the purpose, the In one of his letters addressed to inclinations but from a desire to act always end of their lives. the young Jesuits he tells them that it truly in accordance with the will of God. 9. Purity of Intention : In this too Ignatius followed Jesus .Ignatius made tremendous efforts would be a cause for embarrassment, if who said that his food was to do the will of so that he may not fall prey to the folly of the ones who in their quest for worldly his Father. He was ready for a complete vain glory. i.e. the desire to be appreciated, treasures worked with more vigour and surrender - of his mind, memory, intellect to be spoken well off. He overcame this zeal towards their goals, than we who were and will - placing himself in the hands of by constantly examining himself and on the quest for the treasures of heaven. God, allowing God to use him ‘as an old becoming aware, making sure that all his Conclusion: So in this month of man carries his walking stick’. actions, operations and intentions were July, while preparing for the feast of this Part of learning Ignatian spirituality solely for the praise and service of God. is learning the art of discernment. The goal, Even something as sacred as prayer could great saint whom we claim as our father, of course is to live the will of God, keeping be contaminated by impure intentions. St we can assess ourselves to see if we are in mind that the wisdom of God surpasses Ignatius gives us the formula to overcome truly his sons (and daughters) - if we truly all our understanding and knowledge. these impure intentions: “Ad Majorem Dei have his traits - if we practice his spirituality 8. Tantum Quantum Gloriam”. ‘Do everything for the greater in our daily lives.  “Let a man possess his goods glory of God not for self- glorification.” and not be possessed by them,” said St Jesus says that we must do good for Sch Wesley D’Costa, SJ (BOM) studies at Ignatius. ‘Tantum Quantum’ means ‘in so the sake of God alone, not for appreciation Xavier Training College, Belgaum, Karnataka.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 24 first person

began to dream that one day I would also be where he had been: to meet with Eskimos, especially the ones he had An Indian baptized and taught catechism, to see the aurora borealis and the sun at midnight, to ride on the frozen Yukon river. Jesuit I still can’t believe that I am not dreaming when I write that I’ve been to Alakanuk and Emmonakabout where goes Segundo Llorente built churches, dedicated to St Ignatius and to the Sacred Heart, in that order. The daydreams became a reality after I was requested by the local in search bishop to help out in those parishes during the Easter break this year. Magnificent statues of St Ignatius and St Theresa of of the Avila and a painting of St Francis Xavier at the altar give indications of what charged Segundo’s childhood devotion, his Apostle missionary zeal, and his adult spirituality. What I saw of his delightful people and what I experienced of the harsh elements he had to bear with only increased my of the adulation. No wonder his close friend, Louis Renner, SJ, the editor of Alaskan Shepherd, with whom he maintained a Eskimos voluminous correspondence, recalls him as always joyous and exuberant and refers to him as a modern-day mystic. Thomas By John Rose, SJ year for me…because I did not know Merton described him as a “remarkable any English. My confreres at recreation person, a sort of legend” in Alaska. were having a good time cracking jokes Llorente was born near Leon, Spain, and laughing while I stood there with a on 18 November 1906, the oldest of hen I was still a Scholastic, silly grin, looking like a perfect idiot. Then nine children - seven boys and two girls. an elderly yet very active English itself made me very angry….Take Amando, one of his brothers, also became Wmissionary - Garriz Bapu the word laughter. But if you put an ‘s’ a Jesuit. In 1923 he entered the Jesuit to his people of North Gujarat - placed a before it, then you have slaughter with an novitiate at Carrion de los Condes in book, Memoirs of a Yukon Priest, in my entirely different sound. The only person Castile and, after philosophical studies, hand and told me to read and relish it. in the university who knew Spanish was went in 1930 to Gonzaga University, As usual I glanced at the last chapter, not Fr Julius La Motta, who was a linguist. I Spokane, to learn English. During 1931-34 expecting much, but there was something would go to his room once a week just to he did his theological studies at St Mary’s, in it which gripped me immediately. So, hear myself speak Spanish. He was the Kansas, and after his ordination he was after supper, I began at the very beginning type of man who spoke very little….I was assigned to the Alaska Mission. and it kept me fully awake, well beyond living in a vacuum. Since nature abhors When Segundo first arrived at midnight. vacuums…I turned to the Lord, who did Alaska, he was with two Italian Jesuits, It was an autobiography of Segundo not disappoint me….I conversed with Lucchesi and Tornielli, and the locals Llorente (1906-1989) who was the first the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to my gave his surname an Italianate ending, ever Spanish Jesuit missionary to Alaska, heart’s content. He knew Spanish better so that even today Segundo is known relating his experiences to his Eskimo than I did, so we two had a good time. But as Lorenti—the Spaniards pronounce flock that lived in North Alaska in a territory that implied faith, deep faith, because the Llorente as “Yorente.” The locals were even north of the Arctic Circle. Though Lord never spoke audibly to me (a good nearly all Yup’ikEskimos living on the the geography and names of places were thing He didn’t!), but the soul hears, and banks of the Yukon River that propels not familiar to me, his reflections and that is enough.” expensive salmon fish into their nets. The hilarious narration of experiences kept me Llorente travelled by dog-sleds early days were not easy for him, and completely enthralled. Here is a sample: during winter and in boats during summer. not only because of language problems. “I arrived in Spokane, Washington, I had a chill up my spine as he described His Jesuit companions gave him the on October 1, 1930, and was told that I was how he was almost killed when his dog- impression that Alaska was like a mad to spend one year in Gonzaga University sled plunged into broken ice. While I was house without a keeper, the situation made learning English….It was a very difficult reading about his experiences, I also worse by the sun appearing only for an

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 25 first person

hour during winter and disappearing just Legislature with a special In Memoriam no objections raised, it was. for an hour during summer. He wrote in the document. This states that “he served About the final year of his life, Kotzebue house diary: “Three things kept Renner writes: “In mid-November 1988, me from going insane: the tabernacle, the in Lewiston, Idaho, where Father Llorente typewriter, and the catechism children.” was still active as chaplain at St Joseph’s Llorente not only survived but even Hospital, he collapsed after struggling got to feel that Alaska was like a mother through Mass. He was found to have to him, a fact that he movingly describes cancer of the lymph glands. Told that it in his memoir. He had good rapport with was treatable, he said: ‘No. I’m eighty- the people and made it a point to visit three years old. I want to meet St Ignatius every home at least twice a week. Adults and his first companions.’ This he did, at came every Wednesday, and children the Jesuit House, Gonzaga University, daily after school, for catechism. He with distinction and was loved by all who Spokane, Washington, on January 26, learnt to cut hair and never charged for worked with him.” He is cited, too, for 1989.” services. It is obvious that his love was being “a perceptive and knowledgeable It was around -12ºC during my amply reciprocated, for I came across Alaskan ministry this Holy Week. I asked so many fathers and grandfathers that the people what the temperatures would bore “Lorenti” as their first name. During be like during winter and summer. “-35ºC this year’s Easter Vigil I had to give two to +20ºC,” they replied. John de Britto, children, out of the thirteen I baptized, that working in the area where I come from, same name. Ramnathapuram District in Tamil Nadu, Everything I heard about what in southern India is supposed to have Llorente said and did from all the seniors described the local seasons to his mother I encountered made it clear that he was as hot, hotter, and hottest. Were I to write one of the most extraordinary missionaries to my mother about the Alaskan seasons, of the twentieth century. He was an I couldn’t do better than simply state: cold, excellent and prolific writer too. Through legislator who gave outstanding service colder, and coldest. his writings he not only communicated the during his term.” Whatever I heard of Llorente depths of his own personality but also the reminds me of the Spanish Jesuits in what cultural wealth of the Eskimos he lived was formerly the Bombay Presidency. with and for. His style and clarity made Their pioneering work led to establishing him well known in the English-speaking viable Christian communities from Ugalde world and, since those characteristics Nagar in the Southern hills to Xavier of his writing lent themselves easily to Nagar in the Northern plains of Gujarat. translation, he was also well-known They came over from the Aragon and especially in Spain and South America. Castilian Provinces, and those yet living He wrote a steady stream of articles about are in their 70s and 80s, still very active: everyday life where he was stationed for Feliu, till recently Socius to the Bombay the Spanish mission magazine, El Siglo In Washington DC, Llorente’s close Provincial and still teaching in the Bombay de las Misiones, for over 30 years. But friend and admirer, Alaska’s Senator Seminary; Sopena, famed missionary, it was in his simple naturalness that he Ernest Gruening, after pointing out that with a prosthetic foot ever ready to was most effective. His catechist, 97- Llorente had made history in as much stomp the Katkari highlands; Juan, at year old Benedict, fondly recalled to me: as he was the first Catholic priest to St Peter’s, Bandra, whose pastoral “Father Llorenti was excellent with children hold elective office in a U.S. State, zeal and jauntiness is unmatchable; teaching catechism and telling them scary asked that the lengthy cover-story that Isudas, an acclaimed translator of the ghost stories to entertain them. But when Bible in Gujarati; Larumbe, going up it comes to prayer and devotion to the and down the Aravalli hills to visit his Blessed Sacrament, Hitler’s army had to parishioners; Heredero and Terrasa, learn from him [laughs]. Nobody could talk experts in the Spiritual Exercises and inside the Church premises. He taught us sought after as guides; Aizpun, Arana, how to converse with and listen to Jesus Berechi, Castiella, Corral, Galdos, et al, in silence.” dedicated to the lives of the Adivasis. Llorenti became a citizen of the I have been inspired by their work and United States in 1956 and when Alaska affected by their spirit, and this helps me th became the 49 State in 1959, he was to understand why Llorente had such a big the first to be elected consecutively for impact on the opposite and very different appeared in Time magazine, when two terms, by write-in votes to serve in its part of our hemisphere.  newly formed House of Representatives. Llorente was elected unanimously to the Later on, in Juneau, the State’s capital, House of Representatives, be printed in John Rose, SJ (BOM) is pursuing his he was honored by the Sixteenth Alaska the Congressional Record. There being Ph.D. at Santa Clara University, California.

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 26 obituaries

Anthony P. Milledge, SJ Dhavamony Mariasusai, SJ Francis Pereira, SJ (DAR) 1924 - 2014 (MDU) 1926 - 2014 (BOM) 1931 - 2014 Fr Anthony Paul Fr Dhavamony For those of us Milledge was born Mariasusai, 88/67, went who lived with Francis, on 11 Feb 1924 in to his eternal reward on he came across as a Bournemouth, England. 31 May 2014 in Chennai man who lived in his life The details are important: after a prolonged what he wrote. He was ‘in the Feast of Our Lady of illness and disability. Christ’ and spread God’s Lourdes will go down in An exemplary man of message of love and local history, not only as commitment, devotion grace. Our Pre-Novices the day of his birth, but to one’s mission and used to go to him for the as the name of the mission station in academic excellence, he was a scholar Sacrament of Reconciliation. When I had the Darjeeling Terai which he pioneered of high repute, a prolific writer, a capable my monthly chat with them and asked in 1963. He landed in Montreal, Canada editor, and a revered professor. He them about the highlight of the month, with his parents on 29 Sept 1929, and spent a large part of his life (43 years) they would always reply, “My confession spent the rest of his life in Montreal, at the Gregorian in Rome, in different to Fr. Francis.”Why do you say that?’ before joining the Jesuits on 7 Sept capacities as the Dean of the Faculty “Father is so good in confession. He 1946. He landed in India on 3 Feb 1953, of Missiology, professor, doctoral guide, advises so well and we feel encouraged to begin his long Jesuit life in India, for writer and editor for many years of Studia and come away consoled and joyful.” On the second time as a migrant in a new Missionalia. He was an excellent teacher the occasion of his 50 years of priesthood, country. and students thronged to his classes. His he shared with us in his community the He spent some early years in courses on Phenomenology of Religion, inner secret of his priesthood. He said, the Darjeeling hills for (Nepali study Comparative Religions, Classical and “After my ordination, as I stood before and theology at St Mary’s College, Modern Hinduism were the most popular my parents, who were devoutly kneeling Kurseong), but the rest of his life was ones. He taught at undergraduate, before me with their hands joined and spent in the Darjeeling Terai, among licentiate, and doctoral levels with ease with tears in their eyes, a thought flashed tea garden labourers. In July 1962, he and competence. He was also a visiting across my mind making me feel humble. received the appointment that would professor in USA and Canada. I knew from experience that although my determine his fixed residence for the next Fr Dhavamony hails from Kuthalur, parents were simple, uneducated people 16 years when he was given the task of a prominent parish of the New Madurai they were certainly more holy and had searching for land south of Gayaganga Mission. His baptismal name was only a deeper faith. What did they see in me that could be the centre for a parish on Mariasusai. Since his mother got him now, who was a priest of Christ? I was the southern-most boundary of what after 12 years of prayer and penance in my room in the Manickpur community would become in October of that year, she fondly called him Dhavamony (the after the Ordination. There was a knock the new diocese of Darjeeling. pearl of penance). After he joined the at my door. I said, `Come in.’ The door In the years to come, Fr Tony Jesuits and completed his formation, he opened. It was the Rector, Fr Dominic became familiar in other stations in was sent to Rome to study philosophy. Pereira. He just said, `Fr Francis, I the Terai also: first in Hatighisa (1978), He returned to teach philosophy want to make my confession.’ I nearly Gayaganga (1987), and to pioneer a new (epistemology) at Sacred Heart College, froze. He came and knelt down next to parish (1990) at Goomgooma, a spin-off Shembaganur, Tamil Nadu. Chosen my chair. I was struck by the humility, from Hatighisa. There he stayed until to teach Indology at the Gregorian, he simplicity and frankness of the man, He 2004 when he moved to Jesu Ashram went to Oxford University for his second was the Rector, a tall, imposing person to become, over the years, its acting doctorate, before starting his career and very strict. And this same man was director, Treasurer and Spiritual Father, at the Gregorian. He returned from now kneeling at the feet of this newly and latterly mentor for student nurses Rome seven years ago and joined the ordained priest, who just hours before and the sick. Two days before his 90th community of Loyola College, Chennai. was only Bro. Francis! What did he see birthday, he had a fall which rendered Though reserved and withdrawn by in me now as he was confessing his him bedridden, until he died on 9 June. temperament, with those he felt at ease sins in all humility? The message the He is buried in the Gayaganga cemetery. he would speak of his achievements and Lord was giving me was clear. People Fr General Kolvenbach said it all publications, tease and joke, and allow saw in me now as a priest, the person when he wrote in 1996 to congratulate himself to be kidded. Last two years, of Jesus Christ himself.” This grace of Fr Tony on his Golden Jubilee: “Though he was cared for by the Little Sisters of his ordination captured his being and he you have always been busy with material the Poor in Chennai. All through May, he indeed became a living Christ to all those work and helping the disadvantaged, you suffered from fever and high sugar. The who came in contact with him. Fr Francis see yourself chiefly as a pastor, spending life of a scholar lived mostly in silence was a good man, a good Jesuit and a yourself in your far-flung parishes.” and solitude ended on 31 May. man fully human. - Wilfred Lobo, SJ - Joseph Sebastian, SJ - Tony V. D’Souza, SJ

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 27 obituaries

Gerald Kerketta, SJ Paul Chinnappan, SJ Verus Pereira, SJ (JAM) 1951 - 2014 (MDU) 1928 - 2014 (BOM) 1923 - 2014 Fr Gerald Kerketta, At 12.50 a.m., on Fr Verus Pereira popularly called Gerry, 14 May ‘14, Br. Paul died as he lived, totally joined the Society when Chinnappan joined in tune with what God he was 22 years old. the company of saints, wanted him to do. He He did his novitiate particularly, St Alphonsa was born on 23 Oct in Newman’s Hall, and Bl Devasahayam to 1923, and joined the Ahmedabad, Gujarat, whom he had a special Society on 28 June ordained a priest at the devotion. In the first 1943. He took his first age of 34, 7 years later week of May, he ended vows on 28 June 1945 did his Tertianship at St. Stanislaus, up in the ICU of St Joseph Hospital with and from that moment on lived fully the Sitagarha and 5 years later took his Final several complications. He was scheduled life of a Jesuit. Vows. He seemed to have worn many to have an MRI scan on 14 May but the Fr Verus had a childlike attitude. hats in different fields at different times. end came hours before it could be done. No matter what position he held and what His pastoral ministry began in Paul Chinnappan was the sixth responsibility he was given, this attitude Chaibasa from where he moved to the among seven brothers. His father was remained with him throughout his life. It more interior areas as associate pastor. Mr Swaminathan, a staunch Hindu who was manifested in the manner in which From the pastoral field he moved to the converted to Christianity. He was a native he trusted people and God. He did not field of education. Once again it was doctor (asan), catechist (upadesiar), have a single enemy. He never stopped always in the deep interiors of the tribal a teacher and a community leader. working and this desire to do good was area. As he had begun as a pastor so did His parents brought him up in devout the result of his deep union with God. he end his life as a pastor in Gomoh. Christian faith. Chinnappan was an active He was appointed Assistant Parish Priest and Minister at St Peter’s Parish, Not everyone can walk into these member of the Catholic Action group Bandra, served as the Rector and remote areas that lacked electricity, a and taught catechism to the children in Parish Priest of St Michael’s Church, steady source of water, fewer home the neighbouring villages. From this he Manickpur, (1966-72) St. Peter’s (1972- comforts to lead more or less a ‘hidden got his religious vocation and joined the 74), Bhusawal (1974-78) and back to St. life’. But Fr Gerald was the right man, in novitiate in Shembaganur in 1952. He Peter’s (1978-96). the right place at a time when there were worked in the Shembaganur bakery, in He was transferred to the Shrine few who would accept such a spartan a farm in Kerala (1956-1963) with the of the Infant Jesus in Nashik when he way of life. One can be sure that Gerry celebrated Italian Jesuit missionary, was 73 years of age and yet went with was a Jesuit who was not called to do Fr L.M. Zucol, and, then managed our alacrity and determination because he great things but he did small things with farms in Palayamkottai, Trichy, Dindigul, believed that as long as he was given Singarakottai, Perumalmalai, Oriyur, etc. great love that called for stern discipline an opportunity to do God’s work through He was known for his total dedication to from those he ministered to. reaching out to people, the place and His end came suddenly. On the his work. Paul Chinnappan’s greatest kind of work did not matter. evening of 17 May he was riding a bike. work began when he was transferred In 2003 he was transferred to He ran straight into a stationary trolley and to Carmel, Nagercoil. From 1999 to St. Peter’s again where he took on the died on the spot. His funeral Mass was 2013 he worked on the cause of Martyr responsibility of Minister of the house presided over by Bishop Felix, Provincial Devasagayam. Week after week, he and also Assistant Parish Priest. Though Mike T Raj, and Provincial-Designate, Fr would go on Fridays to Kathadimalai, this was tiring it was what he wanted to George Fernandes. His companion in the place where Devasagayam was do and which gave him great joy. Gomoh, Fr A Alexander touched upon the martyred, and return to Carmel only on He was a Jesuit of unconditional high points of his 41 years in the Society, Sundays or Mondays. There he spent the and total obedience. No matter who the while Fr. Bene Soreng attempted to time receiving the pilgrims, instructing Superior or Provincial was, that Jesuit make Gerry come alive through his short them on Martyr Devasagayam and stood in the place of Christ. This quality and sweet eulogy. Fr Joe Xavier from the praying over them. He printed books and was shown in his joyful response to any Gregorian in Rome said it well when he brochures on the Martyr and dispatched work or responsibility that was given to wrote, “It was a shock to hear the news of them all over the country. He also him. Ignatius expected obedience to Gerry’s unfortunate and untimely death. produced CDs, DVDs, etc. to promote be the hallmark of a Jesuit and in this It arrived unannounced. That makes us the knowledge of and devotion to Martyr regard, Fr Verus received full marks. all really shocked and sad. I am sure Devasagayam. Chinnappan did live to On 14 April Fr Verus spent close to that Gerry’s innocent and sincere face see Martyr Devasagayam beatified on 02 four hours administering the Sacrament will remain in our memory. And we take Dec 2012. of Reconciliation. The next day he went comfort in knowing that Gerry is now His Funeral Mass was on 15 May back to his Father. He had been a Jesuit resting in the arms of our Lord.” at Beschi Domestic Chapel. for 70 years and a Priest for 58 years. - Eric Cassel, SJ - Maria Jeyaraj, SJ - Errol Fernandes, SJ

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 28 letters

Marks go up, standards come down way). This could help in forming them as good and responsible As we begin yet another academic year, this should be one citizens of the country. The inspiration behind this practice is, of the concerns of every educator. Ever since marks secured of course, Gandhiji whose sole purpose of establishing the at qualifying examinations were made the ‘sole criterion’ for educational institutions, was to form the future citizens of ‘the admission to professional and higher education courses in the India of his dreams’. early 1990s, the pressure on students to obtain higher marks, Here is something for us, Jesuits engaged in the by any means whatever, has increased enormously. As a result, educational apostolate, to learn and imitate if we want our students began choosing subjects and courses in which educational apostolate to be productive, to contribute they were sure they could secure better marks. to the welfare of the nation and thus make our Other disciplines began losing students and deprived brothers and sisters reap the fruit faced the grim prospect of having to close of true freedom. down. - William Macwan, SJ To ensure their own survival, the Vidyanagar, Gujarat - 380 001 schools too began awarding higher marks to students to attract larger numbers. Today, even in subjects in which students rarely secured first class The foundation is or distinction in the past teachers are love giving over 90% marks to quite ordinary Permit me a few comments on candidates. Thus, while the number of the well-written cover feature in the April ‘geniuses’ securing over 90% marks in different ‘14 issue: ‘Our Values & Ways’ by Joseph subjects keeps rising year after year, we find that Pulickal, SJ. The foundation or basis is the love educational standards in our country keep falling even which the Holy Spirit imprints on our hearts. Love of God below those in many third world countries, as shown by reliable is an experience; it is poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5). This studies conducted by world bodies. This can also be verified love flows into our hearts and overflows; the horizontal overflow by competent persons interviewing our exam toppers for job is via a human conduit which is as creative and as powerful as placements. the depth of the experience. It should not be tainted, cold or The indiscriminate inflation of marks and percentages by disordered. Love is fostered by prayer which strengthens this Departments and Boards of education, ultimately leads to their vertical relationship between God and man. Philosophers would cheapening and devaluation, leading to frustration for the truly say that action reveals the agent; if the agent has experienced bright students and a fall in standards of both teaching and this love of God then his actions or ways will be in accordance learning. Higher marks and percentages give false impressions with this experience of love. That is our way of proceeding in of academic success to students, parents and the public. There conformity to our God experience. is no longer any incentive to study hard, to teach really well and - Ranjit Yawu, SJ to go beyond the routine syllabus. Rote-learning merely to secure Sri Lanka better marks gets precedence in all courses, while creative thinking and originality get stifled. The only way to remedy the situation is to broaden the criteria for selection of students JIVAN ORDER FORM wishing to pursue higher education and professional training. It is only when the system of evaluation is designed to measure Yes! I would like to support Jesuit Ministries in South more accurately intellectual prowess and all-round ability, that Asia. Please send the next 10 issues of JIVAN to my we can expect to see an improvement in our educational system. address below. I enclose Rs 250/- (US $ 20) - Joseph M. Dias, SJ  By Money Order Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 069  By Bank Draft in favour of GUJARAT SAHITYA PRAKASH, 13 digit cheques are accepted. Gandhian Sarvodaya Patra  Please renew my subscription (my number is : ….)  The Gandhian schools (especially the primary schools) I am a new subscriber (please use BLOCK letters) have a practice of placing a vessel called ‘Sarvodaya Patra’ Name: daily in the school prayer assembly, held daily before starting Address: the classes. The pupils are asked to put some money or some grain . . . etc in the vessel. The purpose behind this practice is to teach the pupils to think of the neighbour (manavbandhu)) and help her/him - to put it in the words of Fr Pedro Arrupe, of happy memory, to form the students into “men/women-for-others”. This Mail to : is a very practical method of inculcating in the pupils, the habit Circulation Manager, JIVAN, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, of thinking of the needy and helping them (even if in a modest P.B. 70, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 29 lessons

Lessons for Life Fr. Arjen Tete, SJ, (CCU) is currently pursuing his doctorate in Theology at I’ve learned the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa from California Clara University, California.

By Arjen Tete, SJ their weekends. They reach their workplace punctually and work until the last minute of the working hour. They try to avoid being stressed and overtired. Their relaxation, during working hours, Hospitality When I landed in San Francisco and walked out of the is intended for greater productivity at the resumption of the work. airport, the Rector of the community received me with a smile Direct and honest and an American hug. Americans generally greet strangers with I have occasionally absorbed the shock of American a smile. To the acquaintances, courteous words, like, “good to bluntness. In general Americans prefer to be direct, honest, and see you!” or a warm hug follow. One can really relish an engaged open to tell the “truth.” They discuss everything openly. Many in conversation and the joyous hospitality of the host when invited. India would not speak out what is negative, but they would gripe But, if uninvited, one must not sneak into the party even when and grumble behind one’s back. Americans prefer to communicate the host happens to be a friend or a neighbour. their feedback, whether it is positive or negative. Academic integrity Taking only one’s share Honesty is the best policy in the American educational Not everything in American life and culture is good and system. The policy is based on respect for oneself and others, glorious. According to the American theologian, Sallie McFague, and is part of the principles of the academic institutions. Any form the current dominant American worldview is that they are of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism, cheating, etc. is individuals with the right to happiness, especially the happiness subject to stern academic and judicial action. Plagiarism isn’t just of the consumer-style “abundant-life.” The market ideology has for students. High profile politicians, writers, artists and educators become their way of life, almost their religion, telling them who are all scrutinized for plagiarism. they are (consumers) and what the goal Enjoyable education of life is (making money). If everyone Learning and studying here are follows this pattern of consumption, we immensely enjoyable and creatively engaging. Free from parental will need several planets to survive. I pressure and the burden of “private am careful not to be swallowed up by tuition” the process of schooling itself this consumerist culture. I am instilling adds greatly to the quality of life of within me three house-rules: take only young people, quite apart from the your share, clean up after serving other benefits they receive from it. yourself, and leave the house in good This is not the case with the average condition for others. Indian schoolchild, who often studies Robust but drunk in a drab or hostile environment, The Wall Street Bull (symbol of and is occasionally even exposed America’s economy), at Manhattan, to physical punishment. seems robust but drunk and stunted. Knowledge alone is not enough It cannot charge forward without wreaking havoc to itself and Indian children can fool themselves into believing that mere others. 2011 witnessed demonstrations called “Occupy Wall bookish knowledge is enough. Here an all round development Street” raising issues of social and economic inequality, greed, is emphasized. Talents in sports, athletics, and fine arts are all corruption, and undue influence of corporates on the government. valued, as they can lead to bright careers that mean a lot of money. Capitalism does not seem to address some of our most pressing Responsibility and accountability concerns - poverty, inequality, weapons, wars, ecology... Americans work hard for the ‘fun’ they expect in life. One is ultimately responsible for one’s own life. You can do what you McDonaldization of cultures want. Self-reliance is emphasized and expected. But it leaves The McDonaldization,which is basically homogenization of very little place for interdependence, as self-reliance implies being societies through the impact of multinational corporations along alone. American individualism has forced me to take responsibility the principles of fast-food restaurants, seems to be invading large for my life here as a Jesuit scholar, although I am aware that sectors of American society as well as the rest of the world. It tries individualism can bring isolation and self-absorption. hard to reduce the amazing diversity in cultures and erode what Strong work ethic makes life worthwhile. No wonder, Indian spiritual capital enjoys a The Americans have a strong work ethic. They routinely plan special place in the American quest for well-being, as evidenced their work days and work hard during the week but plan and enjoy by the popularity of Indian gurus, cuisine, yoga, and meditation. 

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 30

Printer’s Name: Jerry Leo Sequeira S.J., Indian, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. Editor: M.A.Joe Antony S.J. Antony M.A.Joe Editor: Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Indian, S.J., Sequeira Leo Jerry Name: Printer’s

Place of Publication: Anand, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Anand, Publication: of Place

Publisher’s Name: Jerry Leo Sequeira S.J., Indian, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Indian, S.J., Sequeira Leo Jerry Name: Publisher’s

of the Month, Posted at Anand H.O. H.O. Anand at Posted Month, the of 10 Posting: of Date Month, the of 8 on Published

th

th Jivan July - 2014

Up to 30.06.2014 to Up Prepayment Without Post to Licensed • AND/320/2012-14 No. Reg.

R.N.I. No. GUJENG/2001/5676 No. R.N.I. • 2014 July INDIA, IN JESUITS OF VIEWS AND NEWS JIVAN No. of Pages 32 including cover including 32 Pages of No.

garden Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates

By Carolyn Grassi

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates watching Greek armies, Roman archers, legionnaires armed to the teeth, British forces, American military, empire-building further, further east and south across your deserts, hills, ravines, cities, villages, their shape-shifting alliances, offensives, counter- insurgencies, crushing the centuries old silk-trade routes

Oh Tigris descending Armenian highlands, Oh Euphrates born in Kurdistan, watering Kunsa’s garden of Eden, marrying as one grand current sweeping through Basra emptying into the Persian Sea

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates witness of Greeks, Romans, British, Americans sighting enemies over the next ridge, ever expanding military exploits taking a toll on men, women, children, plants, animals, here and at home: the homeless, the unemployed, the sick, the orphans, the widows, the aged, the rich richer, the poor poorer. Courtesy: (excerpts from a poem published in) America

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 2

Printer’s Name: Jerry Leo Sequeira S.J., Indian, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. Editor: M.A.Joe Antony S.J. Antony M.A.Joe Editor: Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Indian, S.J., Sequeira Leo Jerry Name: Printer’s

Place of Publication: Anand, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Anand, Publication: of Place

Publisher’s Name: Jerry Leo Sequeira S.J., Indian, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, P.B. 70, St. Xavier’s Road, Anand - 388 001, Gujarat. 001, 388 - Anand Road, Xavier’s St. 70, P.B. Prakash, Sahitya Gujarat Indian, S.J., Sequeira Leo Jerry Name: Publisher’s

Published on 8 on Published of the Month, Posted at Anand H.O. H.O. Anand at Posted Month, the of 10 Posting: of Date Month, the of

th

th Jivan July -2014

Up to 30.06.2014 to Up Prepayment Without Post to Licensed • AND/320/2012-14 No. Reg.

R.N.I. No. GUJENG/2001/5676 No. R.N.I. • 2014 July INDIA, IN JESUITS OF VIEWS AND NEWS JIVAN No. of Pages 32 including cover including 32 Pages of No.

garden Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates

By Carolyn Grassi

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates watching Greek armies, Roman archers, legionnaires armed to the teeth, British forces, American military, empire-building further, further east and south across your deserts, hills, ravines, cities, villages, their shape-shifting alliances, offensives, counter- insurgencies, crushing the centuries old silk-trade routes

Oh Tigris descending Armenian highlands, Oh Euphrates born in Kurdistan, watering Kunsa’s garden of Eden, marrying as one grand current sweeping through Basra emptying into the Persian Sea

Oh Tigris, Oh Euphrates witness of Greeks, Romans, British, Americans sighting enemies over the next ridge, ever expanding military exploits taking a toll on men, women, children, plants, animals, here and at home: the homeless, the unemployed, the sick, the orphans, the widows, the aged, the rich richer, the poor poorer. Courtesy: (excerpts from a poem published in) America

JIVAN: News and Views of Jesuits in India JULY 2014 2