0
0
0
s2smodern

A Jesuit moment.

There are moments when our Jesuit identity seems almost tangible. Last Saturday was one of these moments. Together with friends and collaborators the Dutch and Flemish Jesuits were assembled in Antwerp to celebrate the start of the new independent region of the European Low countries that replaces the former Dutch and Flemish provinces. It was also the moment of the pronunciation of the last vows of two Jesuits.  The presence of Jesuit guests from Dublin, Paris, London, Congo, Amsterdam, Rome and Brussels underlined the importance of this celebration. Fr. Victor Assouad, general councillor represented Fr. General Arturo Sosa.

During a solemn mass in the former Jesuit Church of Antwerp, St. Charles Borromeo,  the new regional superior, Johan Verschueren drew an image of this new region as a realistic and hopeful opening to the future with a sad note for the loss of the two provinces. A sad note also because it is clear that the numbers of Jesuits is shrinking. The regional superior pointed out where our focus lies: in the dedication of people for Gods work. This became confirmed in the pronunciation of the Vows. When I heard Wiggert Molenaar, a Jesuit brother pronounces his commitment to Christ in the Society and Ward Biemans, a Jesuit priest added the obedience to the pope regarding the mission, I felt a deep gratitude. Gratitude for these so committed people and gratitude for being a member of this society. It showed for me what is central in our vocation: our commitment to Jesus in his salvific work.

0
0
0
s2smodern