Discerning the Province Apostolic Priorities | Ignite the Way
In the 5th episode of Ignite the Way series, Fr Juan Antonio Guerrero, SJ, the Director of the Centro de Espiritualidad San Ignacio (Center for Spirituality Saint Ignatius) in Salamanca, shares the process followed by the Jesuit Province of Spain to discern and establish their apostolic priorities.
Over a year, they engaged in broad listening using a spiritual conversation method with multiple rounds to reach consensus. The discernment began with an “examination” of past works, expressing gratitude for previous blessings rather than mere evaluation. Rooted in the Jesuit identity and mission, they contemplated reality not as an organization but as collaborators in Christ’s mission. The process identified four apostolic priorities: transmission of faith, faith-inspired justice work (including care for the vulnerable and environment), collaboration with laity in mixed apostolic communities, and openness to ongoing discernment. Despite some skepticism, inclusive assemblies of Jesuits and laity fostered unity and positive momentum.
In this video, Fr Guerrero recommends starting discernment by expressing gratitude, grounding in identity, broad listening, using spiritual conversation, and regular restitution of findings to participants to foster ownership and concrete steps.
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