Who are the Swamis?

They are scholars, writers, preachers, healers, educators, agriculturists, social workers. They run schools, boardings, dispensaries, farms, etc., but the centre of their lives is God, and the most important activities of their life is prayer and service.

Like the other Jesuits, they too lead a life of personal poverty, chastity and obedience. But like the gurus of the people whom they serve, our Swamis follow the local culture in thought, language, dress, food and way of life. They wear wooden sandals and saffron clothes — symbols of renunciation and surrender to God. They eat vegetarian food and abstain from meat, liquor and tobacco.

Our Indian swamis believe in a healthy balance between contemplation of divine realities and the service of the neighbour. But unlike many of us they pray and offer Mass squatting on the ground, a custom that is also popular in many churches and chapels in India, as that posture is a sign of humility before the majesty of the Almighty God, and also helps quiet contemplation.

This way of life is not common to all the missionaries. One needs God's special vocation to this kind of life. It is not particularly difficult once you get used to it — but it is different!