SHOWING THE WAY TO GOD
By Jennie Hickey, Formation and Education Officer, Jesuit Education Australasia
From 21 to 25 January, I was involved in the inaugural session of the International Commission on the Jesuit Brother, held at the Jesuit Curia in Rome. The commission was established by Father General Arturo Sosa SJ to continue the momentum generated by the international assembly of Brothers that took place in Rome in 2022.
One way the Commission seeks to advance the fruits of the 2022 Assembly is to broaden the conversation about Jesuit Brothers to include voices from all parts of the universal Society. The Commission therefore includes Brothers from the six conferences, two Jesuit priests, Sr Noelle Corscadden, IBVM and myself as a lay partner in mission.
The meeting began with a day of prayer and sharing led by Fr General and highlighted the special vocation of Brothers as a part of the prophetic dimension of a Jesuit life mission. The following three days were facilitated by Fr Mark Ravizza SJ – the Secretary for Formation – who led us through a process of prayer, discernment, spiritual conversation and reflection which focused on the triptych given by Fr General: identity and mission, formation of the Jesuit Brother and vocation promotion. We also received inputs from Br Wenceslao Soto Artuñedo SJ and Br Brent Gordon SJ, providing insightful historical analysis of the Brothers’ vocation, as well as their own respective vocation stories.
Photo courtesy Jennie Hickey
The Commission has been established for a three-year term and this initial five-day process enabled the members of the Commission to develop a way forward for the next year. This first stage will be a time for listening to how the Spirit is moving in the area of religious life, especially as it is lived out by the Jesuit Brother. Three distinct areas have been identified to listen to: foundational documents; Jesuit Brothers and partners on mission; and the wider society. A sub-group of the Commission for each area has been established and is tasked with reporting back to the monthly meetings of the Commission on their findings.
The Commission will reconvene in person in April 2026.
Photo: Jennie Hickey
For me personally, this invitation to join the Commission has been incredibly humbling. I am learning a great deal about the particular role and vocation of a Jesuit Brother. In addition, the wisdom, experience and expertise of other members of the Commission are invaluable to the international task we have been charged with. The process that has been and will continue to be used will assist in listening for the movements of the Spirit, who continues to be present in an increasingly unstable world.
Staying at the Curia was also a wonderful opportunity not only because of its location but because of the hospitality and welcome that was extended by the community to us, and all visitors. Informal interactions with Fr General and other community members provided an experience of community living and an opportunity to hear about the vast array of Jesuit works and activities that occur across the world.
Banner image courtesy Jesuits.Global. The author is on the extreme right.