Fr. Efraim Gracias SJ

16 energetic priests, fresh from their ministries, took time off on a rainy weekend to meet under the aegis of Bom Jesu Basilica, Old Goa. The meeting, the first of its kind, served as introspection, a stock-taking of one’s own apostolate in the Society of Jesus. Each one shared with their companions, the graces and weaknesses faced during their ministerial years. The vibrant priests ranged from recently ordained to awaiting final vows in the Society. The Jesuit Provincial of Goa Province, Fr. Anthony da Silva, was the convener of the meeting.

It was a grand exchange of works-done ranging from building human and humane communities among the non-Catholics to community colleges; from social apostolates to institutional ones. It was with great joy that the Jesuits met and it was with immense love that each one listened to the other and shared the glories and shortcomings they experienced in their respective fields, thus far.

The meeting place itself was overwhelming with the precincts of Bom Jesus, the very place our forbearers lived and died. Here they carried out their works; here they breathed their last, leaving behind them a rich heritage, a monument of love and pioneering works. The place, itself, enthused us to seek newer horizons as did our forefathers, St. Francis Xavier, the patron of the Indies.

The young priests assembled from various places. The priests ranged from Belgaum-the Kannada speaking areas, Ratnagiri and Harnai, Sindhudurg and Ajra to Goa and Pune, sharing different dimensions of their priestly life. You will appreciate how some of our young priests are alone in remote areas sharing the concerns of the people of different faiths and cultures. You will appreciate and perhaps, find it edifying to know – that some of our Jesuits commune with the Lord during their journeys, spending time in prayer and solitude as they travel; how some stay alone in remote areas away from hardly any Christian presence in order to carry forward the kingdom of God; how sometimes, they are met with resistance and put up with different personality-types; how some Jesuits work to make poor villages self-sufficient; how some manage with little financial resources to work among the poor classes!

All along the Provincial of Goa, Fr. Anthony da Silva, put things together, focused and summarized the common threads running throughout our day discussions. While exhorting the rich reservoir of talent and contribution done to our missions, he threw light on the nature of our strengths. He also showed readiness to help nip the problem in the bud if it’s brought to his notice before any problem turned out to be a conflict. Being a year dedicated to Priesthood, he shared with us a copy of Fr. General’s letter addressed to various priest on the occasion. He manifested his immense gratitude for our work, companionship and great turnout for our fellowship.

The Provincial pointed out that our Kannada mission poses a great challenge in terms of personnel and character of the mission now that the generations of Swamis are becoming a rarity.

Each Jesuit, present during the last session, specified in what personal capacity one would like to carry forward his work at best. Various valuable suggestions would be pursued by each one during the year. Some felt a greater need for – networking with other Jesuit companions; finding time for prayer and solitude; valuing process, not the end-results; balance work, visit and study; extra reading; keeping more time for self and incorporating people of various personality types. All this for better functioning as Jesuit apostles.

In the end, the meeting left our hearts burning with fervour and zest for each other’s works and persons. We become aware of how God made tremendous achievement through us even though there was initial reluctance to venture into such works. Thanks to HIS power and grace that accompanied our works thus far! Our meeting cultivated a filial appreciation and deep respect for each other’s dynamic persona and ministry carried out in the footsteps of our forefathers, especially St. Francis Xavier.