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Reflections on the General Congregation 35
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Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2008 9:22 AM
Dear University Community,
Yesterday morning (Sunday) a number of us gathered at the front door of the Curia to see Father Kolvenbach off to Beirut. Clearly a very happy Jesuit! On Saturday evening, he spoke to the Jesuit Community, covering a wide range of topics and experiences during his time as General. He was clearly at his best: eloquent, insightful, and humorous, and the community responded with great affection and humor.
The final week of the Congregation was intense. We approved four more decrees - collaboration in mission, identity, mission, and a response to Pope Benedict’s to the Congregation. These decrees are, as you may recall, in addition to the ones on governance and obedience. People were engaged in making key points on every decree. As I look back over the 60 days, it was an extraordinary experience and, for many personal reasons, no other will ever match it: prayerful, discerning, and always searching for what is best for the universal Society and our ministries. The members of the Congregation showed deep respect for each other as we debated and critiqued each other’s words and ideas. Throughout our time together, prayer, humor and humility kept us united in our task. Mutual affection and genuine friendship best characterize how we felt about each other.
This was the most culturally diverse Congregation in history. Although significant cultural differences were visible in discussions and interventions, our common inspiration as Jesuits was most clear. Evident was our abiding commitment to draw on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Constitutions, to live out the service of faith and promotion of justice to build a more humane, sustainable, and just world, to live as companions of Jesus.
The Congregation ended with a wonderful Mass at the Gesu on Thursday evening, but the "formal" closure came earlier that morning with a vote to end the Congregation. According to the "Formula" we must allow three days following the approval of the last decree, which was Wednesday, unless there is a unanimous vote to end early. Since it was only the day after the approval of a decree, one negative vote would have kept the Congregation in session until Saturday. Even though our work was done, and each of the decrees had been discussed several times and approved, many still wondered whether we would have a unanimous vote. When the unanimous vote came to end the Congregation, there was great relief and jubilation. No body had to change their tickets for the second time.
A final reflection. I am convinced that people praying for us made a difference. It has always been difficult for me to see, feel or understand how the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and deliberations. These two months have been different -- from the election of a new General to the long sessions in the Aula, from the election of the General Counselors to approval of decrees, from conversations at table to liturgies - there was an abiding presence and guidance of the Spirit. I am grateful to all who have been praying for us.
I look forward to returning on Wednesday night. Thanks for your prayers and support during this most extraordinary time.
Fraternally in Christ,
Paul
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Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2008 2:52 PM
March 1, 2008
Dear Brothers,
The past few weeks have been long; people are tired but remain firmly committed to our purpose. On Friday, when we approved our first decree – governance – there was resounding applause, an applause of relief and a bit of jubilation, more than success. Weeks of hard work began coming to fruition. This week we will vote on four more decrees – obedience, collaboration, identity, and mission. We have also approved a number of recommendations on ordinary governance topics – ecology, formation, etc. One affects me if Adolfo Nicolas accepts the recommendation; the Congregation recommends expanding my responsibilities to include the intellectual apostolate.* The action by the Congregation and the introduction to the recommendation confirm our commitment to the intellectual apostolate and reaffirm past decrees and statements by Father Kolvenbach. Recall also that he included the intellectual apostolate as one of five preferences of the Society.
The first shall be last, and the last, first. Our visit with Pope Benedict was relatively simple: it lasted only 30 minutes. Since you have likely already read the Pope’s address, here are some personal reflections. He was engaging and warm; you could sense his sincere affection for the Society, especially for Father Kolvenbach, in his earnestly calling on us to be true to our Ignatian heritage and the Spiritual Exercises and in his honest request to help him deal with the difficult issues of the day. Incidentally, his red shoes are very evident.
Before going over for the visit, we were given some instructions: Adolfo will speak first, but “do not applaud after he speaks.” Since he would be expressing greetings and gratitude on our behalf, “we would be applauding ourselves.” As you have likely heard or seen, I am almost at the center of the photo in the L’Osservatore Romano. How is that possible? As we marched up the stairs toward the hall, I drifted to the end of the line, fully intending to be the first one out at the end. We did not immediately enter the hall but, rather, gathered in the corridor, along which were a number of doors. To my surprise, a door opened in front of me; I was the first to enter the hall and was directed to sit in the front. God’s ways are not always our ways.
A few weeks ago the Congregation elected four Jesuits as “personal” assistants to Father General. While their specific responsibilities are difficult to describe, the best I can say is that, in this capacity, they are responsible for the personal well-being of Fr. General and for helping him carry out his leadership responsibilities and, hence, the well-being of the Society. Three of the four were elected from the Regional Assistants, but the fourth was Federico Lombardi. I believe we again saw the Holy Spirit at work in the Congregation. Federico’s election ensures the continuing excellent relations with the Vatican that Father Kolvenbach has developed and nurtured over the past 25 years.
Saturday was the last day Father Kolvenbach was in the Congregation; he left on Sunday (yesterday) morning for a few days in Germany before preparing to go to Beirut. He was almost successful in avoiding any farewell ceremonies. However, our opening prayer in the Aula included a blessing for Father Kolvenbach, which visibly touched him. At the end of prayer, Adolfo began by saying he had one apology and three thank you’s. His apology was to Father Kolvenbach, for “kidnapping” and “taking him hostage” – Adolfo noted that if Father Kolvenbach had known we would be celebrating or honoring him, he would have found an excuse not to be present in the Aula. Adolfo then expressed gratitude to Father Kolvenbach on behalf of the Society, the Congregation, and himself. He got off some great lines, among them: “We have a new definition of a nanosecond: Father Kolvenbach exiting the Aula which also demonstrates the “fastest thing on earth.” (Whenever the sessions ended, Father Kolvenbach was the first one to the door, sometimes even before the final words: “that is all for today.”) On a serious note, Adolfo thanked him for his constant humor and wisdom, his silent but effective presence, his advice and counsel, his prayers and dedication to the Society. Several times people applauded – a couple of times for an extended period.
Signs of “fatigue” are showing. Some are tired of interventions that do not contribute to the discussion. One day, one of the then quieter members asked for a change in the way of proceeding. He asked if we could end the session and begin reading the mounds of materials we had received. When they finally asked for a vote, it was virtually unanimous. That day the masses briefly took hold of the gathering.
Saturday before last, John McGarry hosted a dinner for all California Province Jesuits – 14 were present, including Jason Beyer and Eric Berrelleza who came from Munich.
Please continue to pray for us as we work on the proposed decrees.
Fraternally in Christ,
Paul
* The intellectual apostolate refers to the fact that not only in universities but in all Jesuit ministries the acquisition (research and study) and application of knowledge intelligently and objectively is a Jesuit characteristic. This means that I would be asked to work with research centers not connected to a university; encourage young Jesuits to pursue the highest degree needed for their works and when appropriate, doctoral degrees; ensure research as the foundation for promoting justice and inter-religious dialogue. The intellectual apostolate is about intellectual excellence enhanced by moral, spiritual, and social excellence in all Jesuit works.
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Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008 8:00 AM
 All Photos by Don Doll, S.J.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I ended my last email: “the excitement of the election is over; the hard work is beginning. Please continue to pray for us.” While this is true, I also feel that something new is happening. All of us want the inspiration that led to the election of Adolfo to carry over into one or more of the decrees and statements by the Congregation.
For the past two weeks, the Congregation has been discussing ordinary governance topics and the first drafts of the proposed decrees on governance, and yesterday (Monday), on collaboration. We have also received the first drafts of the two other proposed decrees: mission and identity, and apostolic obedience. The discussions of ordinary governance topics have been wide ranging: youth ministry, vocation, formation, fundamentalism, intellectual apostolate, migration, the Roman Houses, Africa, China as well as the finances of the Society.
Our way of proceeding is one of active discernment. We begin each day in the Aula sharply at 9:00 with prayer in a mix of languages, music, and themes and with readings from Scripture, Ignatian works such as the Constitutions, Spiritual Exercises, and decrees of previous congregations. Prayer is followed by announcements, a brief explanation of the plan for discussions over the next few days, and then discussions begin.
Discussions have taken place in the Aula with the entire 225 delegates or by assistancy. The assistancy discussions are reported back in the Aula. John McGarry, for example, reported on our discussions on governance. John did such a superb job that Frederico Lombardi, an astute observer of communication, leaned over to me and said: “that was excellent.”
We are getting better at managing the Aula discussions, such as limiting the time of interventions to 2 or 3 minutes for each and only one intervention per person on each topic. Moreover, beginning last Friday, people are also able to make interventions by email. The presentation on the finances of the Society was well done but unique by focusing only on process and issues. After it was over, I mentioned to the Society Economato that it was an extraordinary presentation. For the first time in my life, I listened to and saw a two-hour presentation on finances without even one number ...only text. Surprisingly, I feel very much at peace. Patience may be becoming a new virtue in my life.
Personally, the Congregation continues to be an extraordinary experience. Jesuits participating in the congregation are truly extraordinary. Prayer, reflection on issues of global concern, and discussions by the whole congregation have led to an orientation of genuine discernment - a process that is guided by the Holy Spirit. If something new is developing, it’s the orientation of universality while respecting local cultures; the desire to present an inspirational mission in and for the world at this time in history; the urge to respect culture/s but also shape culture to be more humane, sustainable, and just; the need for dialogue in the face of fundamentalism; and a genuine love for the Church and universal Society in service for and to the People of God and world.
Please continue to pray for us as we work on the proposed decrees.
Fraternally in Christ,
Paul Locatelli, S.J.
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Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008 12:00 AM
Dear Brothers,
A little more than a week following the election, I’m even more convinced that “we did a most amazing thing in electing Adolfo Nicolas, S.J.” as our new General. He is present in so many different ways; he is personable and wise; he provides vision and hope; he is a person of faith and builds on what Father Kolvenbach has built.
Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., has already done a great deal of good. In his first week, he met all of the staff who work in the Curia; last Wednesday morning, they and those for whom they work met him in the Aula. Following the introductions, he emphasized how important they and their work are for the ministry and apostolates of the universal Society, and he compared them to the image of a stonemason who saw his work as building a cathedral rather than laying stone or making a living. He then greeted each one individually. He spent another morning visiting the men in the infirmary. Each day, he has lunch with different members of the community and Congregation.
On Saturday morning, he met with Pope Benedict. Yesterday (Monday) morning, in the Aula, he reported on his visit as pleasant and friendly, and he noted that Pope Benedict expressed his deep appreciation for Jesuits and their importance to the ministry and work of the Church. When Adolfo noted that our good relations with Pope Benedict were due in large measure to the work of Father Kolvenbach, the applause went on for a number of minutes. The affection and respect for Father Kolvenbach run deep among us.
Adolfo’s talks (interventions) in the Aula are brief, clear, warm, humorous, engaging, and direct. For example, after two long sessions of discussing the organizational structure of the Curia, he clearly said he would accept whatever the Congregation wished but also noted his consultors must include a theologian and a social scientist. When the debate ended, we approved the current system of appointing regional and general consultors which was adopted by the 34th General Congregation [decree 23].
A typical day last week was beginning in the Aula with common prayer, followed by announcements and organization strategies for moving forward on the drafting of decrees and the discussion of “ordinary governance” topics. What’s the difference? We will be writing and likely approving three decrees – Mission and Identity, Governance, and Obedience. There is a possibility of a fourth decree on “working with others,” but a number of us feel that prior Congregations have already said what needs to be said. It’s a matter of implementation. These will take a few weeks. At the same time, others of us will be discussing several “ordinary governance” topics – community life, vocation, formation, sentire cum ecclesiae today, Africa, China, intellectual apostolate, etc. These are for discussion only and may be passed on to Father General for his consideration.
We spent a time in “linguistic groups” to discuss and propose “style, tone, and content” for the three or four degrees. Mission and Identity was the topic of our group; we outlined a few principles such as (1) do not repeat what GC34 has already said, (2) identify what’s new, and (3) focus on implementation. Further, be concise, pointed, and inspirational; use “ordinary” language; and speak clearly and concisely to the Society, Church, and world. Our reports then move to the drafting committees.
I have a great seat in Aula. It’s in the back row, just on the turn at the far end from the front. I can observe virtually every person in the Aula; I sit between Vittorio Liberti, Rector of the Seminary for diocesan priests in Naples, and Federico Lombardi. Getting to know Federico is a genuine pleasure, for he is most enjoyable to talk with. He will be accompanying Pope Benedict on his trip to the U.S. in April.
On Saturday, a group of us visited the Redemptoris Mater Chapel, the Pope’s private chapel that the Jesuit artist, Marko Ivan Rupnik, created. It’s spectacular. Rupnik gave a wonderful talk on the theology of his art. We were asked not to take pictures, but some would not be deterred.
I must run off to our discussion on the intellectual apostolate. The excitement of the election is over; the hard work is beginning. Please continue to pray for us.
Paul.
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Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 1:35 PM
Dear Brothers,
We did a most amazing thing in electing Adolfo Nicolas, S.J. as our next General. By now you have read a great deal about him and his election. So here are only a few reflections on the day and on Adolfo. On January 19, 2008, we elected an inspirational, wise, holy, and effective leader who will build on the foundation of Father Kolvenbach’s generalate. As all of us know, Father Kolvenbach was a remarkable, wise, intelligent and holy Superior General. The affection and respect for him are extraordinarily high, and he is very much loved by all who know and worked with him.
Yesterday was one of the most profound experiences in my life. I am most grateful for all in the California Province, especially those who elected me to represent them at this Congregation. I believe that we, the electors, have served the Society well by choosing Adolfo.
A word on the flow of the day. Many were up early to pray and reflect on the election. At breakfast there was a quiet anticipation, an excitement about an important "thing that was about to happen" mingled with both confidence and hope that the Holy Spirit would guide us when balloting began.
Around 7:40 a.m. we began to gather in the "Chiesa de Santo Spirito in Sassia" which is immediately across from the entrance to Curia for the Mass of the Holy Spirit "ad electionem." Because of space, only the electors concelebrated, with Frank Case presiding and the oldest and youngest electors assisting him. Frank delivered a wonderful homily; the music was superb. Most important, though, were the abiding prayerfulness and peacefulness throughout the liturgy among all in the Church. I suspect that from all the electors, the abiding prayer was asking for the grace of Holy Spirit to guide our minds and hearts to judge wisely in selecting the best person.
Following Mass, we gathered in the Aula; sharply at 9:30 the session began with an hour of prayer. Father Kolvenbach entered at 9:27 and walked to the front. At precisely 9:30 he stood; we stood and sang the “Veni, Creator Spiritus.” This was followed by a very thoughtful address by Jacques Gellard, the regional assistant for Western Europe. Jacques outlined key points to consider in the election of the new General. Citing the 11th part of Constitutions, he noted six qualities that a General should have: a man closely united with God, a man of virtue, a man of great speculative and practical intelligence, a man who makes wise and effective decisions, a man of good health and strength, and a man who elicits respect and esteem. Lacking any of these, "he should at least not lack probity and love of the Society, nor good judgment accompanied by sound learning." Jacques also noted we need a man for this time, place, and people who can help the Society and Church meet the challenges of the world of today.
During the mumuratio, I looked for a person who embodied not only the qualities outlined in the Constitutions, but also for additional ones – qualities that, in my judgment, were needed; among them, a man who
- will represent us well with the Church and to the Society, young and old, and to the world;
- will provide an inspirational vision and be able to implement the "mission" of the Society in addressing the greatest needs of the Church and world;
- will think with the Church (sentire cum ecclesiae) in the truly Ignatian way;
- will inspire young, middle age, and old alike, but especially the young;
- will be open to learn; to understand and appreciate our universality and diversity; to respect regional cultures, especially those of developing countries;
- will be wise and able to make and implement decisions;
- will be effective and make us (Jesuits) more effective in communicating to the mass media.
For the balance of the hour, we prayed in silence - a silent tranquility among electors was interrupted only by an occasional cough. I prayed for indifference – an indifference of freedom: both the freedom to choose whom I judged best according to the dozen or so qualities and the freedom to accept whomever would be elected; and an indifference of reflecting, understanding, judging, and deciding for the good of the Society and for the greater glory of God. I prayed for openness to vote for a person, following four days of mumuratio and the Mass of Holy Spirit, who would lead us well, a wise leader who would integrate, balance and articulate our "mission" with sentire cum ecclesiae. We needed to elect someone who could both effect a positive relationship within the Church and with Pope Benedict and respond to the needs of the Church, in part, outlined in the letter from Pope Benedict to Father Kolvenbach as well as to our mission, outlined primarily in GC34, and to whatever else we (GC 35) will propose in the next few weeks.
Balloting began at 10:30. The first ballot took less than an hour, with only a few getting a significant number of votes. Humor came during the second balloting. (We were to be in silence during our time in the Aula.) There is a double count: ballots are first counted to see if there are exactly 217, the number of electors. To everyone’s surprise the count was 218. So a recount was taken; when the "deputy of the election" announced "217" (last ballot), we burst out in applause and laughter and a wide range of humorous comments. In reading the names, fairly soon it became clear that "Adolfo Nicolas" would become our new General. When he received the 109th "ballot," there was a spontaneous, several minute applause. We were extremely happy with the choice, and we felt that the Holy Spirit was truly at work in our midst.
Adolfo fulfills the dozen or so qualities that I noted above and more. He is a marvelous, warm, and holy person, a man of God and of the world, a man of the Society and the Church, who will inspire us and expand upon the excellent foundation that Father Kolvenbach has established. His election is a vote for the future; a vote of hope; a vote of confidence in our mission of faith, culture, justice and dialogue (GC 34); a vote for renewal of our spiritual and apostolic life grounded in the Spiritual Exercise, the Constitutions, the spirit of VCII, and the needs of Church and of society on the front edge of the rapidly changing and globalizing world. He is a Jesuit for all seasons. I am excited about working with him….The current Whispers in the Loggia paint a good "picture" of Adolfo.
This afternoon we go to The Gesu for the Mass of Thanksgiving followed by a reception at the Gregorian.
Now, the other work of the Congregation begins. The excitement will subside, and it will be hard work. I don’t think many decrees will be forthcoming – 3 to 5 is my guess. However, we will discuss many more issues.
Please continue to pray for us; our work is not finished.
Fraternally in Christ,
Paul
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