By Shane Liesegang, SJ

The Scholastics and Brothers Circle (SBC) of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) recently held its annual gathering over Christmas, hosted by the Cebu Center for Ignatian Spirituality in the Philippines. About forty-five Jesuits in formation from around the Conference (including representatives from North America and Europe) gathered for an eight-day gathering of fellowship, prayer, and learning.

The theme of this year’s meeting was “Navigating Change: Migration Dynamics in Asia-Pacific and the Philippine Experience”, so most of the speakers shared perspectives on the Society’s work with migrants and refugees in the region and around the world. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is one important work in the field, but participants also learned about JCAP’s Migrants & Refugees Network, social ministries, and the various efforts around ecology and reconciliation with creation. Also, scholastics and brothers from various countries shared presentations on their own local migration dynamics and how the Society is responding. Global migration is a persistent and growing phenomenon that will continue to define life in the 21^st Century, and seeing how the Jesuits are prepared to engage with this reality to help those in need was both inspirational and consoling.

As Cebu is an important historical and religious center of the Philippines, the scholastics and brothers also made sure to visit the Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño de Cebu, near the original cross erected by Ferdinand Magellan which commemorates the arrival of Christianity in the country. The participants also explored the story of the Society in the city at the Jesuit House Museum, a fascinating intersection of local and Jesuit history; the house, which dates to 1730, was rediscovered as part of a warehouse in the 1960s, and has since been turned into one of the best historical museums in the city. The group was welcomed graciously by the proprietor, Jimmy Sy, who takes great pride in his work, and has a deep love of the Church and the Society of Jesus.

The more conference-like aspects of the program were not the only items on the agenda, though, as the group still found time to celebrate the festive season of Christmas. Christmas Eve mass was celebrated at the Jesuit-run Sacred Heart Parish, and the following day was spent at the Tambuli Seaside Resort, where games, food, and relaxation provided a suitable backdrop for the Solemnity. Post-dinner gatherings in the evening and various social outings provided opportunities for the members to enjoy each other’s company as we also welcomed the Incarnation.

Towards the end of the time together was the 24-hour immersion spent in the Janssenville subdivision of Lapu-Lapu; here the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) has built a small village of housing to help give more dignified and secure lives to those residing around the nearby dumpsite. Pairs of SBC members were matched with local families who became their foster hosts for the period. Before and after the immersion, participants were led through reflections on the experience by Fr Heinz Kulüke (former Superior General of the SVDs) and Fr Rogelio Bag-ao (current Provincial Superior).

There was a deep generosity of spirit at work as our host families welcomed the members, whether in the sharing of simple meals or even the invitation to join in family karaoke after the Sunday mass. The SVD fathers were instrumental as they helped to prayerfully reflect on the differences between our own vowed poverty and the unwilling destitution in which much of the world lives, while encouraging the scholastics and brothers to think of how we engage with such communities. Are we saviors come to fix things, or do we practice solidarity because our own salvation is tied up with the salvation of all? The time of immersion was rich and impactful, and many Jesuits talked about the variety of surprises they would continue to pray over.

This gathering of men in formation spoke to both the global and deeply personal nature of our mission as Jesuits. Leaving Cebu, the SBC participants carry not only insights about migration and the Society’s response, but the warmth of hospitality and the renewed bonds of friendship in the Lord. Conversations about those suffering in the world took on new meaning after experiencing, even briefly, the lived reality of those on the margins. In all these respects, the gathering fulfilled the aims of Jesuit formation, combining intellectual exploration, spiritual reflection, and direct encounter with those we seek to serve.