The Congregation closed today on the 41st day. It was an experience of great companionship- being friends of the Lord from across the oceans, the continents and seas. It was indeed a celebration of our diversity and richness in the one mission in bringing consolation, justice and peace to a divided world. It is also a historic occasion. There are only 36 such Congregations since the foundation of the Society of Jesus. One felt that one was a part of history making.
Perhaps the greatest gift the Jesuits can bring- underlined by many including Pope Francis- is the gift of discernment - look at the world as God looks at it and make decisions out of that God space by listening and with a real sensitivity to how the Spirit of God is moving within and without.
The hospitality of the Roman communities was fantastic in accommodating over 200 Jesuits. The weather overall was good and the Italian peoples' warmth, good food and good wine made such a difference.
After the Mass in St Ignatius Church the members of the Congregation went to the Gregorian community for snacks and a drink to celebrate the birthday of the new General who shares a birthday with his 90 year old mother. It was a time for saying goodbyes to our companions from different corners of the globe.
Perhaps the greatest gift the Jesuits can bring- underlined by many including Pope Francis- is the gift of discernment - look at the world as God looks at it and make decisions out of that God space by listening and with a real sensitivity to how the Spirit of God is moving within and without.
The hospitality of the Roman communities was fantastic in accommodating over 200 Jesuits. The weather overall was good and the Italian peoples' warmth, good food and good wine made such a difference.
After the Mass in St Ignatius Church the members of the Congregation went to the Gregorian community for snacks and a drink to celebrate the birthday of the new General who shares a birthday with his 90 year old mother. It was a time for saying goodbyes to our companions from different corners of the globe.
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