A BRIEF REPORT OF THE JEPASA WORKSHOP HELD AT THE RETREAT HOUSE, MUMBAI.
SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2008

The day began with a prayer conducted by Fr. John Lobo, SJ. Soon after the prayer session, Fr. Jerome D'Souza, (Mumbai province Co-ordinator), Fr. Thomas Reddy (Superior of Retreat House) and Fr. Robert Mascarenhas (JEPASA Secretary) welcomed all the Jesuit pastors from Mumbai province and the JEPASA province co-ordinators of South Asia. The participants then each gave a small introduction of themselves.

In the second session after coffee break Fr. Tony D'Souza (Provincial of Mumbai province) in his inaugural talk led us into some deeper thinking by posing questions such as why are we Christians? Why are we Jesuits? What is our pastoral work about? He, then
extensively explained the nuances of the same.

Why do we do pastoral work? Because any religion follows these concentric circles.

1. Jesus experienced the Father at His Baptism in the Jordan. (red) - Consciousness.
2. Jesus communicates this experience of his father to his disciples (Blue) - Communication.
3. Jesus forms a community of disciples - (green) - Community.
4. Community feels the need to communicate to others (yellow) - Commission.

Religion is institutional. It depends upon three Cs. The triangle symbolizes all holy books of different religion

CREED
CODE (Dos & Don'ts - right & wrong)rCULT (practices - devotions, Sacraments)

Creed, Code and Cult are only means to experience the DIVINE, but as time goes r becomes absolute and this leads to FUNDAMENTALISM.

Around the r there is another 'C' called CULTURE, but this culture can be destructive, rigid, when it becomes absolute.

AS JESUITS, the above applies to us. St. Ignatius experienced the DIVINE and he communicated it to St. Francis Xavier and other Companions. They then decide to form a community, and the community is commissioned to communicate this experience to all. The Society of Jesus is formed with a Creed, (Constitution), with Code, and Cult. We are called to be mystics.

As Jesuit pastors, how are we vis-à-vis our parishners?

Pastors Parishners
As Pastors - the parishners have high esteem for the pastors, because of our knowledge of Philosophy, theology, etc, etc. People bow down to us in reverence, respect, etc. It is one upmanship relationship
Parishners are ignorant of many things spiritual. They are the receiver - not much contribution from them. They simply follow blindly whatever the pastor tells them. One up - one down relationshipl

But it not like Jesus - the Good shepherd relationship with his flock.
Jesus knows the sheep and the sheep know Him.
Close relationship. Sharing Himself as person for the sheep.
Shepherd - Sheep = both sharing; both transformed; both empowered.

Is our work as Jesuit pastors to make the parishners good, lovable and holy? But this is a distorted image.
We are all make in the image of God, who is good, lovable and holy. We are not aware of it, and hence as pastors we need to make our parishners aware of this.

JESUIT PASTORS ARE TO BE PERSONS WHO HAS DISCOVERED THE DIVINE AND THEY MUST COMMUNICATE THIS DIVINE LIKE THE RAIN THAT COMES DOWN; LIKE THE FLOWER THAT EMITS FRAGRANCE WITHOUT ANY THING IN RETURN.

And as a result both pastors and parishners become - CONSCIOUS.
- COMMUNICATIVE,
- FORM COMMUNITY,
- COMMISSION.

As pastors we need to enter by their (parishners) door and bring them out through our door.
We need to work with our HEART, MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. (GC-35 - Triptyic = INDENITY - COMMUNITY.

Taking the cue from Fr. Provincial, Fr. Jerry Rosario began his workshop on Pastoral Ministry and GC-35 with a quotation from Rev. Bishop Oscar Romero, "What we have accomplished in our life time is a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise of God's work. No prayer expresses the totality of one's aspirations, whatever we do should be a new beginning stepping along the way for God's grace to enter and we to do the rest of the work."

We moved from here to the historical perspective JEPASA. Starting from the vision statement of JEPASA of 1989, he directly led us to GC-35. While talking on this he led us back and forth to the previous GC documents on "Our Mission" and in particular the pastoral ministry. Her also referred to Vatican II documents extensively.

The following sessions were all tuned toward building up of an integrated -inter-fail-fully alive human community in order to actualize the reign of God in South Asia. This service would generally start with the local Christian community.

Jerry further stressed that the pastors are in touch with the ground reality unlike in the ministries in the Society of Jesus. Therefore, the challenge was to reach out to all, irrespective of caste, colour or creed and other dividing factor. The challenge to the pastors, therefore, is to be creative, credible, and original with the ability to reach out to all.

He also said that we run parishes not for the sake of it, but run it with a difference deeply rooted in Christ through our Jesuit tradition and spirituality. During the course we also felt that we needed to reaffirm "faith that does justice" aspect in our pastoral ministry.

Some of the challenges to be faced by the pastors were spelt out with special reference on globalization, religious fundamentalism, and ecological solidarity. We are asked to be beacons of light, that is, hope in the hopelessness of the world today.

Prepared by Frs. Jay Dayal, P.T. Augustine and Augustine

MUMBAI WORKSHOP AND MEETING - 9TH TO 13TH SEPTEMBER, 2008

The scheduled meeting of JEPASA co-ordinators was to be held at Jaipur from the 25th - 28th of September, 2008. But it had to be anticipated and held at Mumbai Jesuit Retreat House, Bandra from the 9th - 13th September, for the following reason.

One of the items of the agenda for the Jaipur meeting was to call a resource person to reflect our Jesuit pastoral ministry in the light of GC 35 and to chalk down some important practical and pastoral actions for us Jesuit pastors in South Asia. The National Secretary requested Fr. Jerry Rosario, former National Co-ordinator and also one of the delegates to GC 35 to give us the input at our meeting in Jaipur. Jerry Rosario had already committed himself to give the same to the Jesuit pastors of Mumbai province, and he requested me to anticipate the Jaipur and request province the co-ordinators to go to Mumbai for the workshop on Jesuit pastoral ministry and GC 35 from 10th to 11th September, 2008.

The day began with a beautiful prayer service led by one of the pastor of Mumbai province, and an introduction of all participants. There were 16 co-ordinators present for this workshop and meeting. Province co-ordinators from Darjeeling, Karnataka, and Madurai were absent. Goa was represented by Fr. Augustine.

The provincial of Mumbai, Fr. Tony J D'Souza in his inaugural address asked us Jesuit pastors to be persons who has discovered the Divine, and communicate this divine experience like the rain that comes down, the flower that emits fragrance, without anything in return. Jerry Rosario then began workshop on Pastoral Ministry in the Light of GC-35. There is a separate report prepared by Fr. Jay Dayal, & team on the two days workshop by Jerry Rosario.

September 12-13th were spent in discussing the JEPASA National Convention to be held in October 2009.

1. Should we have it?
Since in the Shillong meeting, last April, the decision was taken unanimously to have the National Convention in October 2009, there was no further on this question and there was total unanimity on having the National Convention in October 2009.
The only decision was taken that it should be during Puja (Dassera) holidays, as most the people in North India have more holidays during Puja festival than Diwali festival.

2. Where will the Convention be held?
In the Shillong meeting the first choice was to have the convention at Bhopal. This place was chosen, because it had all the infrastructure for the smooth working of the convention and also accommodation for more than 200 persons.
But some members expressed the concern of reaching Bhopal, as there were few direct trains to Bhopal from different parts of India. The Ranchi co-ordinator informed the group that Ranchi could accommodate very easily more than 200 persons for the convention and that they have the necessary infrastructure for such large convention.
At this all the co-ordinators preferred Ranchi as the venue for the JEPASA CONVEVTION 2009.

3. Theme for the JEPASA CONVEVTION 2009.
All the members were unanimous on the theme:
"FIRE THAT ENKINDLES OTHER FIRE."

4. Topics for the Convention:
1."Historical, theological, Spiritual perspective of Jesuit Pastoral
Ministry." - emphasis on spirituality -
Speakers could be Fr. Jerry Rosario. SJ
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, SJ

2. "Socio-Cultural Perspective of Jesuit Pastoral Ministry."
Emphasis on Culture and Globalization
Speakers could be Fr. Franco Fernando, SJ,
Fr. Xavier Manjooran, SJ,
Fr. Prakash Louis, SJ

3. "Pastoral Ministry and Dialogue."
Speakers could be Fr. Isanand Vempany, SJ

The members requested the National Co-ordinatoron the following:

1. Consult Jerry Rosario regarding the persons best suited to speak on the above topics.
2. Request the speakers or Resource persons send their talk well in advance so that it is available to all the participants at the convention.
3. Key note address by Fr. Hector D'Souza, SJ - POSA.

4. INVITATIONS:

-Fr. General and Assistant Fr. Lisbert D'Souza, SJ
-All Jesuit Bishops of SA
-All National Jesuit Commission Secretaries.
-All Jesuit Provincials and Regional Superiors.
-All Jesuit Provincials of Far East and Pastoral Commission
Secretaries.
-All Jesuit Pastors of South Asia.

5. During the Convention short trip to some important parishes
in nearby Ranchi area - a pilgrimage place.

JEPASA DOCUMENTION:
Many of the province co-ordinators gave CDs on the pastoral activities in their provinces. The National Co-ordinator will compile it and prepare a ;CD on JEPASA and Its Activities along with Fr. Jerry Rosario.

THE NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR AND ALL PROVINCE CO-ORDINATORS, WHO ATTENDED THE WORKSHOP AND MEETING IN MUMBAI THANK VERY GRACIOUSLY THE MUMBAI PROVINCE FOR ITS KIND AND GENEROUS HOSPITALITY, AND ESPECIALLY FR. TONY D'SOUZA, THE PROVINCIAL AND THE PROVINCE CO-ORDINATOR FR. JEROME D'SOUZA.

16TH SEPTEMBER, 2008. (Fr. Robert Mascarenhas, SJ)
JEPASA National Secretary

JESUIT PASTORS OF SOUTH ASIA
XAVIER ASHRAM, MANDALI, POST AMBLIASAN, MEHSANA DT. - 382 732, GUJARAT
MOBILE: 09427678223 E-mail: mascarenhasrobert14@gmail.com

SHILLONG MEETING
To download the report in Word Click here

The annual meeting of JEPASA coordinators was held in the Jesuit Novitiate at Shillong from 16th till 20th April, 2008. The main agenda of the meeting was to get all the co-coordinators apprised of the new decrees of the recently concluded GC 35 and its implications on the pastoral ministry, especially in the context of South Asia. Out of the 22 coordinators, only twelve were present. Two of the coordinators - Stephen Raj of Kolkatta and Fr. Melquides Guedes of Gujarat gave prior information about their inability to attend due to illness. The rest gave no prior information about their absence. Two other provinces sent in their substitutes as they were busy with other pressing matters. The provincial of India, Fr. Hector has taken serious note of the absence of coordinators without prior notice and without valid reason.

On the 15th evening, after supper at the warm up get-together, Fr. Charles D'Souza, Kohima regional superior welcomed the all the coordinators to the region and explained the Jesuit works in Kohima region

The day began with the Eucharistic celebration in the Jesuit novitiate chapel. Fr. Jerry celebrated the Eucharist and in his homily he exhorted both the novices and all of us that we are set apart by the Lord for a special mission. And to fulfill that mission we need to co-mingle with our Lord and be one with Him in spirit and truth.

The first session began with a prayer led by Fr. Dayal of Delhi province and the lighting of the lamp by Fr. Hector, Provincial of South Asia, JEPASA secretary and four regional coordinators. Fr. Hector then began sharing with us his perception of GC 35, beginning with the resignation of Fr. Kolvanbach. The acceptance of his resignation by the General Congregation and a resounding applause for full 15 minutes, with tears of gratitude in the eyes of most of the delegates for the great and marvelous service of Fr. Kolvanbach, as Superior General of the Society of Jesus for a quarter of a century, were one of the moments of grace to all during GC 35.

The second most moment of grace was the election of Fr. General. Though there were many probable names as successor to Fr. Kolvanbach, and some were considered favourites, there was no mention of Fr. Adolfo Nicolas any where as the possible candidate to succeed Fr. Kolvanbach. This was due to the fact that he was 72 years old, and there was an understanding among the delegates to chose the new General who would be anywhere between the age of 55 -65. But in the atmosphere of prayer and fasting (prescribed by Ignatius) and prayerful consultation among the delegates, the Holy Spirit was inspiring the delegates to choose a person that God has chosen. And the delegates, inspired by the Holy Spirit chose Fr. Adolfo Nicolas. It reminded me of the Gospel quotation, "the stone that was rejected, became the corner stone."

Fr. Hector described the meting with Pope Benedict very positive and encouraging. The Holy Father in his exhortation to the Jesuits encouraged the Jesuits to thread new paths where other have not thread, just as our predecessors De Nobili, Mateo Ricci and others. This was again a moment of grace for all Jesuits to know that the Pope was behind them to back up creative thoughts and ministries taken up by the Jesuits.

Before expounding the decrees of GC 35, Hector showed us what is really new in GC 35. He enumerated 15 new things in GC 35:

1. The emphatic confirmation of past GCs, especially, GC 32 & 34.
2. The call to look analytically at the GLOBALIZED world - (positive and negative aspects)
3. The ecological concerns and consciousness very strong in GC 35 document on Mission - 3 major sins towards God, ecology and mother earth.
4. The migrants, especially the INTERNALLY displaced - work for the internal displaced.
5. The indigenous peoples - major contribution of South Asia - especially of Fr. Marianus Kujur.
6. The Jesuit governance - changes.
7. The appropriation of 2003 - apostolic priorities (China, rather than eastern Europe/GC 34).
8. The youth -concerns.
9. The APOSTOLIC obedience; trust and transparency.
10. The VERY LIFE-STYLE. Relationship....community as mission (model - South Asia)
11. Our ministry following that of Jesus' boundary transcending
12. The fourth vow for mission, not just geographically but also SOCIOLOGICALLY (To take up any other work, not just work of evangelization, propagation of faith).
13. The recognition of Ignatian-works and Jesuit works by others, even belonging NOT to any religious or spiritual traditions.
14. The call ;to form 'Ignatian families/Ignatian communities.'
15. The brothers (especially Coadjutor) as electors for GC

Besides these some of the theological and Spiritual insights.

He also pinpointed some of the most important insights in the four decrees: On Identity; On Mission, On Governance and on Community life.

IDENTITY:

1. "Jesuits know who they are by looking at Him - JESUS" - 2
2. "Jesuits find their identity not alone but in companionship" - 3
3. "Identity, Community and Mission are a kind of triptych" - 19

ON MISSION:

1. "The ministry of Reconciliation knows no boundaries." - 14
2. "Care for the environmental affects the quality of our relationship with God, other human beings and creation itself." 32
3. "Our mission is not limited to our works....a life style responsible to creation...is an important aspect of our lives as Jesuits which give witness to and authenticate what we proclaim...." 41

ON GOVERNANCE:

1. "A comprehensive revision of the Formulae of GC, Congregation of Province etc." 2
2. "Review the effective implementation of and accountability in governance." 15
3. The stress on manifestation of conscience - 24
4. Role of Superior, which was weakened over the years, brought to its rightful place. 33ff.

ON COMMUNITY LIFE:

1. "Community is a mission not only a base for mission."
2. "Community is the credibility of our consecration...is a fundamental part of our mission.
3. "Community is the sign of the reign of God"
4. "The Congregation commits the Society to care for its superior."

Fr. Hector then posed some questions from each of the four decrees to reflect from our pastoral ministry point of view.

ON IDENTITY:

1. HOW MANY FIRES ARE KINDLED TODAY THROUGH MY LIFE AS A JESUIT AND AS A JESUIT PASTOR?
2. DO I LIGHT A FIRE OR DO I EXTINGUISH THE FIRE OF LOVE & FORGIVENESS?

ON MISSION:

1. AS JESUIT PASTORS, HAVE WE FOUND CREATIVE WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE MISSION IN OUR SITUATION?
2. BY CREATIVE WAYS IN OUR PASTORAL MINISTRIES ARE WE RESPONDING TO POPE BENEDICT XVI, WHEN HE SAYS: "THE CHURCH NEEDS YOU, COUNTS ON YOU AND CONTINUES TO TURN TO YOU WITH CONFIDENCE."?
3. ARE WE BUILDING RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS, WITH CREATION AND WITH GOD IN OUR PASTORAL MINISTRY?
4. HOW DO WE OPERATIONALIZE OUR MISSION TODAY IN THE PASTORAL MINISTRY ?

ON COMMUNITY LIFE:

1. IS OUR PARISH OUR MISSION?
2. IS OUR LIFE STYLE AS PASTORS A SIGHN OF THE REIGN OF GOD?
3. IS OUR PARISH COMMUNITY A SIGN OF THE REIGN OF GOD?

ON COLLABORATION:

1. IS OUR GOAL TO MAKE OUR PARISHES AS MODEL DIOCESAN PARISHES OR AS MODEL JESUIT PARISHES?
2. HOW TO DEVELOP TOOLS OF EVALUATION FOR OUR PASTORAL WORKS IN THE EXECUTION OF THE MISSION?
3. HOW CAN JESUIT PARISHES OFFER HOSPITALITY AND SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLABORATION IN MISSION?

The second day was spent in going to see Cheerapunji (the place, which receives the world's highest rainfall) The place has its own beauty with many water falls. From there one could see the plains of Bangladesh. We also visiedt the Salesians' Cultural museum of the North East. It is really very enriching experience to see the cultural life of all the different tribes and people of the seven states of North East in one single building.
The last day was spent in reporting. Below are some of the striking points taken from the reports

DELHI PROVINCE:
" In January JEPASA Secretary visited the provinces and met the pastors of the province.
" Started Xavier Medical Fund for the poor from the 3rd Sunday Mass Collection.
" Makes use of Alumni for parish work - legal, medical, and also for scholarships for poor students.

JAMSHEDPUR PROVINCE:
" New Parish in Sundarganj District.
" Even though Jesuits are working in Khandemal area (the area attacked during 2007 Christmas), no Jesuit parishes or institutions were attacked. This was due to the different approach of the Jesuits, wherein they did not divide the tribal community when evangelizing.

KARNATAKA PROVINCE:
" Youth festival for all Jesuit parishes, and whole village took care of the arrangements.
" Celebrated International Women's Day, but invited even the non-Christian women to participate.
" Lenten Retreats for the first time in all Jesuit parishes.

DARJEELING:
" Pastoral plan of each of the Jesuit parishes in the province prepared, discussed at the Province Pastoral Commission meeting. Also discussed how the plan will be executed.
" Apostleship of Prayer prepared in Nepali Language.
" Two parishes handed over to the diocese in Kalimpong sub-division.

KOHIMA:
" New parish started in Liyai - Manipur.
" Tension between Baptist and Catholics.

MUMBAI:
" Jesuits fall in line with the programmes of the Archdiocese, because the archdiocesan clergy run their parishes in a professional manner.
" Medical fund started in all parish, as it is the policy of the Archdiocese to help the poor medically.
" Archdiocese has asked the Jesuits to help set up Family Counseling Centres in every parish to help families to cope up with family problems..

GOA:
" New dialogue centre started in Ratnagiri.
" Special faith formation for youth started.

RANCHI:
" Four new parish in Kunti diocese with a new school.
" Creation of a new co-operative Bank in Kunti to help the tribals into the habit of saving.
" Celebration of the Year of the Bible - by encouraging families to install Bibles in their houses

KERALA:
" At present conflict with the Communist government - a big challenge.
" Three parishes handed over to the diocese due to lack of personnel.
" Newly ordained priests and novices are sent to parish for pastoral experiences.

HAZARIBAG:
" In the Santhal mission, the focus is on evangelization, presenting Christ and his to the Santhals in their own culture, language.
" In the Dalit mission, focus is on empowerment of the Dalits
" In the Korwa mission the focus is on building the Korwa community based on gospel values, especially with the Korwa youth.

MADHYA PRADESH:
" Three new parishes in Raipur diocese.
" Zones are formed (four zones in all) according to target groups. Plans are prepared in each zone taking into consideration all the needs of the area and after year the zonal members meet to evaluate the whole plan and its execution.


Thereafter all of us put our heads together to discuss certain business matters:

1. JEPASA CONVENTION:

SHOULD WE HAVE IT?

" Traditionally we have convention every three years. The last one was in Bangalore in 2006.
" We need to evaluate what have we achieved from the last convention - how much of it has been useful in our Jesuit pastoral ministry? Discuss at the province level, then decided whether we need another convention.
" Conventions help us to move forward, therefore another one is good as it will help us to move creatively forward in our pastoral ministry.
" Process to have a convention in 2009 can be started .
" Coming together as Jesuit pastors of South Asia helps to build the body of the Jesuit pastors.
" It will help us to be more focused on on our pastoral ministry in the light of GC 35.

ALL PROVINCE CO-ORDINATORS WERE UNANIMOUS IN HAVING THE JEPASA CONVENTION IN 2009.

WHEN AND WHERE?

DURING 2009 DIWALI VACATION.

VENUE: FIRST CHOICE BHOPAL - Because place is central and accommodation easily available.
SECOND CHOICE IS RANCHI - accommodation available and it will give pastors of the South to experience the richness of the tribal church.

SUGGESTED THEMES:

¢ Transcending Boundaries.
¢ New Trends in Pastoral and Theological thinking.
¢ Pastoral Ministry - "Fire that enkindles other fires."
¢ Jesuit Pastor (theologically, socially, spiritually and culturally) integrated person
¢ Pastoral Ministry - Building Relationship (God, man & creation).
¢ A Jesuit pastor - who traces foot-prints of God in all.
¢ Jesuit Pastoral Ministry in the light of GC 34 & 35.
¢ Integral Evangelization (Net-working with other ministries).
¢ Zeal of St. Paul in Pastoral Ministry - Year of St. Paul
- St. Paul - Ideal Missionary, ideal pastor.
- "Woe to me if I do not preach the Word of God (1 Cor. 9/16)


2. A. Compact disk on JEPASA AND ITS ACTIVITIES

DO WE NEED? YES - To document our activities at international level.
- To document our province pastoral activities, so as to learn from one another.
- Gather from different provinces what we already have - Kohima, Mumbai, Delhi, Kerala, Jamshedpur, Goa, Ranchi, Darjeeling, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Hazaribag.
- Fr. Jerry D'Souza will help Jepasa Secretary in preparing the CD.


3. NEXT COORDINATORS MEET WILL BE FROM 25TH T0 28TH SEPTEMBER AT JAIPUR.

AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING - CONVENTION,
OTHER MATTERS.

ZONAL COORDINATORS:
1. WEST -----FR. JERRY D'SOUZA, SJ
2. SOUTH ---FR. P.T. AUGUSTINE, SJ
3. CENTAL--FR. AJAY KUMAR, SJ
4. NORTH ---FR. JAGDISH PARMAR, SJ.

FINALLY A NOTE OF THANKS TO FRS GRATIAN (NOVICE MASTER, FR. ROBERT AND THE NOVICES FOR THEIR KIND HOSPITALITY AND FOR MAKING OUR THREE DAYS STAY IN THE NOVITIATE VERY, VERY PLEASANT AND ENRICHING. THANKS TO ALL THE FATHERS AT LOYOLA SCHOOL, JHAKHAMA, NAGALAND, WHO WELCOMED US WARMLY AND ARRANGED ALL THE VISITS TO DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS IN KOHIMA AND FOR GIVING US OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER MASSES IN DIFFERENT VILLAGE PARISHES ON THE SUNDAY WE WERE THERE. GOD BLESS KOHIMA REGION IN EVERY WAY.

(Fr. Robert Mascarenhas, SJ)
Jepasa Secretary
Date: 10th May, 2008