This document discusses the need for restructuring in the Society of Jesus. It notes that restructuring has been discussed in Jesuit documents for over 50 years but implementation has been slow. Restructuring is needed to foster greater collaboration, effectiveness and a shared universal mission beyond individual provinces. The document outlines some specific changes needed like increased personnel sharing between provinces, prioritizing multiple Indian and foreign languages in formation, and exposing formees to realities outside their communities. Formators are challenged to form each person uniquely rather than following general routines. True restructuring requires changes to internal mindsets and habits through spiritual animation and discernment. The universal mission of the Jesuits depends on openness to change and restructuring ourselves in response to the

2. Emotional loyalties bind us and keep us from going
beyond 'my people', 'my culture', 'my province'. We have
been so 'structured' that we are habituated to doing things
mechanically. Institutions have become our comfort
zones. What values govern my life? How do I spend my
day? Politicians are rarely considered to be or proposed
as role models.They, however, may have a lot to teach us.
It is time to open ourselves to the changing world and let
theSpiritguideus.
Perhaps we
are in, what Immanuel Kant would call, 'dogmatic
slumber'. May be we are used to doing things in the same
way, thinking nothing new, without vision and vigor.
Articles of this issue will undoubtedly evoke some
insightsandretrospection.
Dear readers we are very glad to inform you that
from this issue onwards we shall dedicate a separate
column titled “GREENS FORTHOUGHTS CORNER”.
It will exclusively deal with environmental issues. In this
issue we are reminded of the challenge we face today as
how to effectively conserve, manage, and distribute the
waterwehave.
Have a fruitful reading.
rd
(Parciush is a 3 yr Philosopher at JDV)
Abraham Lincoln once said: "If I had six hours to
chop down a tree, I'd
spend the first four
hours sharpening the
axe." It is high time
for Jesuits to sharpen
our 'axe' to be more
e f f e c t i v e a n d
productive. All of us
– s c h o l a s t i c s ,
brothers and priests – have to sit back and reflect on how
best to reorganize and restructure ourselves.
th
he 36 General Congregation of the Society of
Jesus has taken off. The focus of this GC is
T'Responding to New Calls and Urgent Needs'
(Coetus Praevius Meeting, Rome, 2015). Many
important issues are already being discussed both
internationally and locally. The paramount importance
has been directed towards restructuring of the Society of
Jesus. Now, there has been a cloud of uncertainty
loomingoverus astowhatdoes this'restructuring'imply.
The General
of the Society of
Jesus, Fr. Adolfo
Nicolas has invited
“every member of the
SouthAsiaAssistancy
to acknowledge and
rediscover in practice,
t h a t o u r J e s u i t
vocation is to the
universal Society”. The Phesama Statement “A
Universal Body forAUniversal Mission” is a response to
this invitation. This brings in a fresh challenge to
individual Jesuits and provinces to be true to our
universal vocation. Given the situation of diverse
language, culture, ethnicity, etc. it demands tremendous
effortfromeachonetobeopentoRestructuring.
Restructuring is for greater apostolic efficiency
and collaboration. Pope Francis talked about religious
being called to 'wake up the world'. Jesuits have a great
task of waking up the world. This is not possible unless
weawakeourselves and restructureourselves.
In this issue we direct our attention chiefly on
internal 'restructuring'. There are many 'viruses' that
contradict the vision of universal mission. We have
become victims of language, caste and ethnicity. The
internethas inaway narrowedour livesandboundaries.
02 July 2016July 2016
RestructuringofMinds & HeartsRestructuringofMinds & Hearts
Editorial
Parciush Marak SJ

3. process of restructuring. As a member of the Spiritual
Animation Team (one of the three sub-committees) and
having conductedTriduums and Retreatsin some parts of
the Assistancy, let me share some views on the theme of
Restructuring.
Jesuits who have attended these Triduums and
retreats came with their fears, anxieties, hesitations and
even subconscious resistances. As men trained in the
school of the Spiritual Exercises, their minds and hearts
did open, even if slowly, to the relevance and urgency of
thetheme.
Why have we taken so
long – more than fifty years – to
realize the need for restructuring
and even now, why there are so
m a n y h e s i t a t i o n s a n d
resistances? Is it that
“restructuring” does not go well
with the “structure” of our mind?
The addiction to an established
structure could be a neurological
factor, something we can
observe in the aging people.
But, on the other hand, liveliness of our heart depends on
the flexibility of our mind. A frozen mind makes the
heart frozen. That is why we have started the whole
process of restructuring with spiritual animation,
precisely to restructure our minds and hearts. Unless this
internal restructuring takes place it is very difficult to
actualize the external physical restructuring.
Fortunately, we have inherited from Ignatius that
excellent tool called “Discernment of Spirits”. This has
been used effectively during this spiritual animation
process.
Acommon objection against the restructuring is that it is
the need of the West where the number of Jesuits has
(Cont'don pg.16)
estructuring” is the new buzzword in the South
Asian Assistancy of the Society of Jesus. The
Ridea, however, has been expressed in the
documents of the Society since GC 31. For more than
half a century there have been efforts to foster a common
vision and collaboration beyond narrow provincial
boundaries; to restructure governance at all levels for
greater effectiveness of our universal mission as Jesuits
(see GC 31, D.48, n.8; GC 32, D.4, n.81; GC 33, D.1,
n.46; GC 34, D. 21). The climax, of course, came with
GC 35 Decree 5: Governance at
the Service of Universal Mission.
In response to the mandate given
to him by GC 35, Fr. General
Adolfo Nicholas wrote a letter to
the whole Society on The
Renewal of Province Structures
in the Service of Universal
Mission, (27 Sept. 2011). But, Fr.
General had to write another
letter to the Provincials of South
Asia in Feb. 2014 conveying
certain dissatisfactions over the
generally poor response from ourAssistancy. True to the
Jesuit spirit, during their deliberations at Phesama,
Nagaland in October 2014, the Provincials of the South
Asian Assistancy responded to the critique of Father
General with magnanimity and generosity. The fruit of
their deliberations is what is known as the Phesama
Statement. A booklet called, “A Universal Body For a
Universal Mission” has been published by the POSAand
distributed to every member of the Assistancy. Among
others, the booklet contains the two letters of Father
General (mentioned above), the Phesama Statement and
the JCSA's Guiding Document on the Restructuring
Process in SouthAsia. Amajor committee and three sub-
committees have been formed to actualize the complex
03 July 2016July 2016
M. I. RAJ, S. J.
RestructuringRestructuring
Article

4. but somehow we are comfortable inside them. The safety
and security of our institutional life is not likely to yield a
prophetic relevance that speaks to the struggles of those
journeying on the path of uncertainty but aspiring for a
hopefulfuture.
Our first companions envisaged a universal,
itinerant ministry of evangelization, teaching, works of
charity and poverty of life: an evangelical imitation
apostolorum, a radical pattern of apostolic discipleship,
was to be the wellspring for what they did as priests.
Earlier we were known as friends in the Lord, our
community was ad dispersion but today living in a
communityhas itself becomeamission.
We have also described the Jesuit mission as
engaging ¨under the standard of the Cross, in the crucial
struggle of our time; the struggle of faith and that struggle
for justice which it includes¨ (GC32: D2).The promotion
of Social justice requires,
before all else, our own
c o n t i n u i n g p e r s o n a l
conversion—finding Jesus
Christ in the brokenness of our
world, living in solidarity with
the poor and the outcast, so that
we can take their cause under
the standard of the cross. Are
we aware about the brokenness
of the world? We have been always waiting for an
opportune time to come for things to change. We have
forgotten that the kingdom of God is here and now. The
church asks the society to engage in whatever ¨will seem
expedient for the glory of God and the common good;
this is our pathway to God¨ (formula 3) Are we looking
for God´s glory or our own? Let us face these questions
andexamineourselveshonestly.
rd
(Lloyd is a3 yr TheologianatJDV)
ver the past five hundred years the Jesuits have
spread across the globe. The goal is the same
Obut the paths have been different. As we keep
moving it's a challenge indeed to introspect oneself and
see as to where each one of us stand as a Jesuit today!
Over the centuries the world has changed, science and
technology have advanced; yet being a Jesuit remains
something unique and special. It's true that the Society of
Jesus has undergone many changes with regard to our
formation, administration, apostolates and ministries. In
doing all this have we forgotten the real goal of our Jesuit
vocation?Are wetrulylivingtheoriginalJesuitspirit?
Since its foundation, Jesuits have exercised their
ministry most particularly where the needs are the
greatest and others don't dare to go and where the more
universal good may be found! Jerome Nadal expressed
this central aspect of our charism in the following words:
¨The Society cares for those
persons who are either totally
neglected or inadequately
attended to. This is the basic
reason for the founding of the
Society, this is its power, and
this is what makes us
distinctiveintheChurch¨
Even today we have
our ministries in a wide
variety of areas. Every Jesuit contributes in some way or
the other to the progress of the world. Our apostolates
touch millions of lives across the globe in the social,
educational and pastoral sectors. However, it is also true
that in a way we have become too institutionalized or
have lost the spirit of mobility. Institutions have become
our comfort zones and care for buildings and properties
disturb us more than the cries of the suffering outside
ourdisturb us more than the cries of the suffering outside
our compound walls. Yes, we do need institutions
04 July 2016July 2016
Introspection for a Better FutureIntrospection for a Better Future
Lloyd Sambrya SJ
Article

5. one’s Province and welcoming others into our own, even
closing down a few. Secondly, I agree that during various
stages of our Formation, English is given a priority, but
Jesuits ought to try and learn as many Indian languages as
possible and at least one or two foreign languages. For
this a few could be identified rather early in their
formative years and trained accordingly. Responding to
the signs of our times, I think that waiting for such an
opportunity during or after the years of Philosophy is
already a delayed response. Thirdly, we must not hesitate
to send our men
especially our regents
beyond our Province
boundaries. This will
help one to develop a
greater universal
feeling and cater to
those most in need; it
w i l l a l s o a v o i d
s t a g n a t i o n a n d
saturation. Fourthly,
we need to train people
to respond to the challenges of our times and that calls for
new formation structures and greater freedom and trust to
be placed on the formees. Routine structures are
necessary but we also need to dare to take risks and be
different. Formees need to be exposed to the reality much
more and be involved rather than be in a setup where we
feel over protected and where we lack experience of
dealing and relating to people outside our community
boundaries which with the present structure is something
that dawns upon us as soon as we embark upon our
Priesthood. We ought to therefore cater to and form each
one in a creative and unique way and plan for them rather
than to follow a general routine for all, this is a challenge
posed to our formators today! This is restructuring as I
understandit.
rd
(Ryan is a3 yr Theologian atJDV)
esuits are men filled with the spirit of God, for it is
through Him, with Him and in Him that we live
Jand move and have our being. Hence we ought to
constantly examine our lives and evaluate it through the
fruits of the Spirit. The imagery that comes to my mind is
that of a coconut tree planted by the river. Being deeply
rooted and towering high, it remains ever green
throughout bearing fruits. A Jesuit is therefore one who
candreambigandthus haveavisionfor theKingdom.
What is it that
helps us being Jesuits
today? Formation!
Formation for a Jesuit
o u g h t n o t t o b e
restricted merely to a
few years, though it
begins consciously in
the Novitiate, it ends
o n l y a t d e a t h .
Integration must be
aimed at in every stage
of formation. The hallmark of formation at every stage
of life is growing in interior freedom. We are called to a
life of responsible freedom in order to integrate all the
essential dimensions of our Jesuit life: spiritual depth,
intellectual competence, community consciousness and
sensitivity, emotional steadiness and rootedness in and
throughourministry.
What is it in our formation structures that need a
restructuring? While we are working systematically in
the sphere of vocation promotion in the South Asian
Assistancy, we ought to recruit men no longer with the
loyalty to a particular Province but to the whole society!
This calls for a genuine sharing of personnel, right from
the early stages of Formation. Practically it would
involve sending our formees to other Novitiates beyond
05 July 2016July 2016
Re - FormRe - Form
Ryan Rodrigues SJ
Article

6. these complex and
complicated systems of
India?” Yes, it is
possible! We witness
v a r i o u s p e o p l e s ,
o rg a n i z a t i o n s a n d
systems undergoing this
p r o c e s s o f
reconstruction. Two
important persons I
would like mention here are Mahatma Gandhi and
MotherTeresa.Wetoo reconstructourselvestosurvive in
this world and to live better and comfortable lives. We
have our own selfish goals and aims. Therefore we
reconstructandactprudentlyaccordingtothesituations.
Breaking the body means giving oneself fully to
a particular cause. It is self-sacrifice. It is giving away
one's life for the benefits of others but not for one's own.
It is bearing insults and persecutions to protect and
promote other’s lives. In this we see Jesus Christ as the
perfect example for the breaking of the body. He broke
his own body for the sake of humanity. Breaking the
structured body is for our betterment and self-
preservation. It may involve destruction and protection
of us and others too. It involves sacrificing ourselves for
theprotectionandpromotionof thelifeofothers.
Our broken body, pain and suffering will bring
physical, mental and spiritual healing to others from their
sickness and injuries. We obtain these healings from our
sicknesses and injuries by Christ's broken body and the
excruciating suffering and pain that he endured on our
behalf. Christ's broken body reminds us of God's
covenant and our responsibility to break our body for the
sake of others to bring them to God in order to protect and
promoteallforms of lifeontheearth.
rd
(Naveen is a 3 yr Theologian at JDV)
he question “why do we need restructuring”
answers all other questions such as how, where,
Tand when we need restructuring! A company or
a system restructures itself by changing the elements or
components which are no more useful and are leading the
company or the system towards its decline and death.The
goal of restructuring is to be more efficient to work for
betterment, face competitors and survive in history.
Restructuring therefore is necessary for the survival and
betterment of any organization. It is an essential process.
Charles Darwin's concept “survival of the fittest” is akin
to restructuring. If human beings cannot restructure the
structured body according to the signs of the times, their
existencewillbecomeirrelevant.
When a human being is born, his/her mind is a
tabula rasa. Slowly his/her mind is constructed with and
by cultural, traditional, religious, psychological and
spiritual realities that surround him/her. S/he becomes
the product of his/her parents' genes and the
environment. Has his/her mind been formed with true
and pure ideas? No. Society has formed and shaped
his/her prejudices and biased ideas. Thus his/her
behaviour is determined and influenced by them. Our
mind is cemented with layers of varied understandings of
people, culture, traditions and religion. Therefore we
deal with them with these understandings. It is very
difficult to break the walls that surround them. Our ego
does not allow us to see the reality as it is and to purify our
mind. We are comfortable and happy with our existing
systems. Though we reconstruct our mind we do not
break completely the structured body/mind. Besides our
ego, we are also caught up in the net of customs and
traditions. The best example of it could be the caste
system in India. The concept of caste system was sunk
into our blood and genes so much so that we are unable to
break its walls and come out of it. Therefore the question
is,“Is itpossibletorestructureour bodyandmindwithin
06 July 2016July 2016
G. Naveen Kumar SJ
Breaking Our Structured BodyBreaking Our Structured Body
Article

7. that of the other; feel virtually loved by some virtual
friend rather by our very own. In times of sickness and
difficulty where do these 422 odd friends disappear?
Why is it that only our family and close friends are by our
side?Why do children of this post-modern era play video
games that are unreal but do not play real games with
otherkids outdoors?
This technological 'Broadband' should enable us
to have broader relationships but on the contrary it is
narrowing down our relationship to a mere virtual one.
We are attached to our cell phones and computers and
forgetting fellow 'humans'.We prefer to connect with just
a name on the screen we call a 'friend' rather than to a real
living person. Our computer 'lives'(which should be) our
'real' life in its ‘virtual’ world; our smart phones and
computers become smarter and we become dumber and
individualistic humans caring more about a non-existing
world rather than the actual world of real people. The use
of technology today calls for a personal restructuring of
our lives and the way we use technology. It calls for a
restructuring of our time - the time we spend with
computers and cell phones and the time we spend with
people. It calls for a reorientation of our love towards
peopleratherthanmeremachines.
st
(Shawn is a 1 Yr Theologian at JDV)
he twentieth century has been the age of science
and technology. Gadgets, the child of
Ttechnological inventions, populate our lives
with conveniences. We have a gadget for talking to
people who are far away, for cooling or heating our house
environment, for mopping the floor, for cleaning and
washing clothes…you name it and we have it.
Technology, particularly in terms of computing, data
acquisition and social media has in a way networked this
gigantic world making “the poles meet.” The threshold
st
of the 21 century has seen the advent of a new generation
which is technologically advanced and needs computing
power on their fingertips, giving rise to hand held
computers and smart phones. The Internet or the Internet
working of computers worldwide was primarily the
invention which sparked off the use of computers for
myriad tasks on a global scale. Classically slow 'dial-up'
networks have turned into a faster 'broadband' network
with optical fiber cables and faster computer servers in
order to accommodate multiple user networks that
transfer data at superfast rates. We have video streaming,
live-TV over the Internet, social media websites like
Facebook, Twitter etc. wherein we chat and link up with
friends worldwide, not to forget the online banking and
online shopping etc. to the extent of paying our bills and
ourrenttoo.
However good technology may seem to be, it also
has its snags. We seem to be connected globally but only
to a virtual person. “I have 422 friends yet I'm lonely, I
speak to them every day yet none of them really know
me” (author unknown). In having virtual friends we miss
out on the emotion and on reality. We share a 'selfie' of a
beautiful scene but with no friends actually present to
share in the joy. We chat with someone and shut our
doors, not noticing that it is our own neighbor next door!
Technology at our fingertips makes us more
individualistic.We seek our own self-interests rather than
t
07 July 2016July 2016
Narrowed BroadbandNarrowed Broadband
Shawn D'Souza SJ
Article

8. It is important to realize that growth in life arises
from daring to go beyond the routine. Nowadays, we are
losing the ability to sit for long hours at the table for
serious personal work and study. Time does not move
while we are with our books but it flies when we engage
ourselves with social media! Do we realize this? How
much of time do we meaningfully spend on social media?
These visual images have a deep impact on our mind. We
spend much of our times in day-dreaming of doing great
things but no real drive is there to focus on achieving
them. Gossiping and being critical of everything
prevents us from mixing freely with others. Our mind
gets filled with negative thoughts. In a way it keeps us
away from facing the reality of ourselves. Ironically we
use the media to know more about others' lives than our
own. Can we change our focus to something that is
productive? For, they drain our present energy and leave
us withno enthusiasmtomoveforward inlife.
It is high time that people who are preparing
themselves to be leaders in the Church and in the Society
need to restructure their distracted lives and bring in a
structure that will help us grow deeper into a way of life
that we have chosen. Are we ready to start here and now
and give quality time every day for self-improvement
which would also mean a life of willingness to be
personally challenged? Let the word ofAnn Landers ring
into our ears: “Make a commitment to excellence
because if we do the things others won't do today we will
have the things tomorrow which others won't have.” This
is possible if only our heart is big enough to believe that
WECAN.
rd
(Robertisa3 YrTheologianatJDV)
he satisfaction of having spent a day well is a
joyful reward that we give to ourselves. It is by
Tliving our lives one day at a time that we live the
rest of our lives. Oprah Winfrey, a famous American
television host and philanthropist says, “Doing the best at
this moment puts you in the best place for the next
moment.” Do you think this is easy to put into practice?
The modern generation is so distracted that our minds are
like a butterfly. For instance, a beep of cell phone is
enough to distract our mind and to lose the string of
thoughts that would have normally gone deeper. In such a
case, should we wait for a bright moment to overcome
such distractions or should we learn to discipline
ourselves here and now by doing first thing first?The ball
is ineachone's courtfor us toplaythewaywewant.
It is said that a minute of planning saves ten
minutes of one's time. It is something that we all need to
put into practice in our daily life because the only
preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today. Very
often we wonder how, despite the fact that each one of us
is given 24 hours a day, some people are very productive
but others remain the same. It is simply because the
former have made choices with a purpose to achieve their
goalswhichtheyhavesetfor themselves.
08 July 2016July 2016
Restructuring Our DayRestructuring Our Day
Robert M. SJ
Article
Restructuring is...
My attitude and response towards the existing
structure.
- Sebastian SJ

9. to see that caste
s y s t e m i s s t i l l
prevalent in the
Christian community
at large and inside
religious circles too.
Every religious and
cleric should have
been fighting to
eradicate the caste system but when we prefer to stick on
to it how can we fight against it? It goes against the very
essence of Christianity where we are all children of God
and hence all heirs of the same Father in heaven. We are
sisters and brothers in Christ and yet we hold on dearly to
the most divisive feature of our country.
Ethnicity: We proudly speak about the unity in
diversity of our country. It has given us the opportunity to
know and learn so much from the different cultures we
interact with. When it comes to religious life something
happens to us! It is better to preach than to practice. We
are the first to preach on diversity but will always want to
stick on to our own ethnic groups. It is clearly seen
through the politics and preferences that we show in our
communities.
The invitation to the restructuring process calls
every Jesuit to first start restructuring from within,
implying an internal transformation, understanding that
we no longer belong to a particular region or province but
to the Universal Society. We need to make ourselves
available for mission anywhere in the world. We are
"One Universal Apostolic Body for One Universal
Mission." It is the real need of the hour. The language,
caste and ethnicity barriers need to be addressed at the
individual as well as at the province levels. I hope that the
process of restructuring may enable us towards a better
futureandeffectivefunctioningofourmission.
rd
(Sasi is a 3 yr Philosopher at JDV)
he first question would be what is LCE? -
LanguageCasteandEthnicity!
TEvery member of the Society of Jesus
acknowledges and rediscovers in practice that our Jesuit
vocation is to the universal Society. It calls us for a
process of collective discernment to accept at the depth
level, the mandate of restructuring for greater apostolic
efficiency. In spite of individual language, caste and
ethnicity we are united as one family. St. Paul in his first
letter to the Corinthians tells us how every part of the
bodycomplimentstheotherandas awholewe areone.
The first Jesuit companions belonged to different
language and ethnic groups yet they became "Friends in
the Lord." Among the nine companions, four were from
Spain, two from France, two from Savoy and one from
Portugal. Their backgrounds never came in the way of
being true companions of Jesus. Today, St. Ignatius' band
of friends comprises of no longer nine but thousands
spread across the globe. It makes the situation a bit more
complex but if we are true to our charism we will be true
Friends intheLord.
In India, to a large extent language, caste and
ethnic groups play major divisive roles. Our
communities are made up of people from different parts
of our country. A brief look at the three will help us
introspectabit.
Language: Sometimes there is a tendency within
us to cling on to our own language groups and talk to
them in the vernacular rather than speak the common
language. This polarizes the community and as a result,
differences crop up. Then we prefer to remain with our
own linguistic members and consciously or
unconsciouslywe sidelineothers.
Caste:This is a ruthless vice that rips some of our
communities apart. Jesus wanted us all to be one. It is sad
09 July 2016July 2016
The L C E BarrierThe L C E Barrier
Arockia Sasi SJ
Article

10. A politician is far more in contact with the poor through
his visits at the election campaign. We should be visiting
our flock but we have become too confined to our
compound walls that we rarely move out for pastoral
visits. If every school Principal visited every student's
house, what an impact it would result in!! It would truly
betakingChristtothestreets.
Surprisingly there is a lot we can learn from our
politicians. Our country is full of examples and I don't
need to name them. We don't have to imitate their value
system but we surely can learn how to work tirelessly,
relentlessly and passionately for the poor. What makes
them more effective is a question we must ask ourselves!
We have the formation, the security, the love of the
people and the confidence but we lack the passion. We
are endowed with so many spiritual and personal
blessings that if we wanted to, we
could shake the system from its
roots. Which school does a
politician go to, to get trained? I
have never come across such a
school! On the other hand, how
many years of formation do we
undergo before we enter the field
and are full-fledged clerics and
religious? Then why are we not
as effectiveasour politicians.
All it takes is for us to fall in love with Christ.
When our hearts and minds are filled with this love then it
will surely pour out into the world. We will not feel the
need to cling to our institutions, wealth and security.
Sometimes we feel the message of Christ is to open
schools, build churches and baptise people but the real
message of Christ is to love one another as He has loved
us. If we are passionate to spread the love of Christ then
no onecanstop us.
rd
(Lazarus is a 3 yr Philosopher at JDV)
e are the fortunate ones who have
witnessed a new century dawn but are
Wdescendants of the political history of the
past. Politics has its roots in the beginning of human
civilization.As humans began to live in society negating
nomadic life, politics became prominent. It was politics
that helped humans to preserve their self-interest by
resolving problems through agreements. Therefore
politics may be defined as a means towards resolving
conflict. In modern times politics has become the study
or practice of the distribution of power. Today, politics is
more concerned about power gaining instead of ensuring
peaceandhappinessinsociety.
Most people think of politics as a means to
acquire power, fame and wealth in life while forgetting
their primary job of service to
society. In the political system
that we see operating today,
politicians conceal their personal
ambitionsbehindpublicservices.
They are so passionate about
gaining power which blinds them
from everything else. They work
tirelessly, relentlessly and
passionately to reach their
objective. Once in authority, maintaining that power is
their next goal. Everything within their power is now
used to hold on to their seat, be it money, rules, force,
crime or anything for that matter. It is amazing to see how
politicians join hands in times of need with their sworn
enemies. We Jesuits speak of collaboration but, they
seem to practice it better than us Yes, we can justify it by
saying that it is only for the sake of power and there is no
forgiveness. That is the point. They put their differences
behind to move ahead.Their goal is clear and they will do
allthatittakestoreachit.
10 July 2016July 2016
Lessons from PoliticiansLessons from Politicians
Lazarus SJ
Article

11. which we are moving. Our comfort zones will not give
us the lasting happiness that we are longing for. Here we
need the courage to ship out of our comfort zones into
deep waters where the Lord is calling. Sometimes it may
call us to make some drastic changes in our lives.Alittle
re-disciplining of our lives which are so scattered with
all our modern gadgets would be helpful. Sometimes the
ways of the world overpower us and we lose the depth of
our spiritual life. If we find ourselves stagnating after all
these efforts and don't find the thrill of life then may be
some deep introspection needs to be done. It may be
time to ship out into new waters where we will be able to
plant ourselves and bloom. This takes some serious
courage and those who have done it have found meaning
intheirlives.
To be courageous means taking a risk, no matter
big or small. We do not know the future, but we can
know the God who does. Keeping these thoughts in
mind, let's move forward, as said by T. S Elliot “only
those who will risk going too far can possibly find out
howfaronecango.”
nd
(Louis is a 2 yr Philosopher at JDV)
o Shape Up or Ship Out,” the dictionary says: is
to tell someone that they must improve their
Tperformance or behaviour or they will have to
leave. This is the most dreaded phrase an employee
would like to hear when he/she is struggling against all
odds to make a career with his/her back against the wall.
A few years ago, when I was working for a BPO firm, I
found myself in a similar kind of situation. Month's end
is always a stressful period for any employee who is
expected to meet the certain targets set before them. In
such situations most managers warn their staff either to
perform or to say 'I quit.' It made me put in an extra mile
to meet my targets too. Moreover I was fortunate to have
a manager who said, “I believe that you can do it.” His
trust and never-give-up attitude inspired me and I not
only went to complete my target but always entered the
eliteclubof“wallof fame”from thenon.
It is said “Courage is not the absence of fear but
the acquired ability to move beyond it.” We often do not
live our dreams because we are living our fears.
Questions like, “What others will say? What will they
think of me?” etc cloud our minds. These internal thorns
in our flesh are worse than the external ones. This is
because I do not know myself and my surroundings well.
Every one of us have some courage inside us. This is the
courage to do what one thinks is best in a situation. We
see it in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, at the battle of
Pamplona. This same “Never Giving Up” attitude is
purged when he has a personal encounter with God. He
went on to restructure religious life. The timid apostles,
who sat shivering with fear in the upper room, discovered
the courage within them to face their fear and shaped
themselves to proclaim the Good News throughout the
world. Unfortunately, this spirit is seen to be diminishing
in many religious today. Instead of shaping up we ship
ourselvesoutintoour comfortlagoons.
Occasionally we need to assess the direction in
11 July 2016July 2016
Courage To Shape Up or Ship OutCourage To Shape Up or Ship Out
Louis Lobo SJ
Article
Restructuring is...
"Restructuring of the Society of Jesus calls to
have the ability to respond to the demands of the
present situation". - Kuldeep Linda SJ

12. persons means. Our gadgets are also at par with the upper
middle class. We need to scrutinize ourselves and
question the need of having so much. We sometimes get
stuck to our institutions which provide us with the much
desired security and comfort. Moving out from some of
these institutions creates so much of turmoil within us.
Power and prestige have blinded us from the reality of
ourcall.
The need of the hour is to let go of our securities,
be it at the personal level or at the province level and to
put our trust in the Lord. He has called us and he will
sustain us. It is not an easy task but with the Lord's grace
it is not impossible either. Our
only desire must be to serve
the Lord in whatever way He
wants us to. Once we are out
of our own comfort zones to
meet Christ in the world, we
would be living true to our
vocation. Let us experience
the pain that the world is
enduring lest we become
aliens to it. That's precisely why the Holy Father
constantly and consistently insists that we focus on the
Church which is for the poor and of the poor. He shows it
through his life. Let us not forget that we are called to
imitateChristwhois thegoodshepherd.
nd
(Brijeshis a2 yrPhilosopher atJDV)
n the world outside, the financial position of a
person decides his/her future. Looking at the reality,
Iwe know how desperately human beings are
seeking after wealth and money and in pursuit of this
many crimes are being staged every day. This has sadly
crept into the religious ambience as well and hence it
goes without saying that we too are looking for or are
rather already enjoying 'financial comforts' which when
denied,causeus troubleanddiscomfort.
We religious in many ways resemble common
humans who are running after financial wealth and in
being so; we have almost lost our religious identity. It is
true that we require money
for any given mission
however we ought not to
become attached to it. In fact
nothing but money is seen in
front of us, thus making it the
centreofour lives.
O f t e n w e a r e
occupied with things
forgetting that they are only
temporal and are only a means to serve God. Though we
have taken the vow of poverty we find it difficult to
practice it. Our model is Jesus, who emptied himself of
His 'God-ness' and was born in a carpenter's family. We
have to respond positively to the call of the Father who
invites us to live modest lives and thereby confront the
worldtodoso.
Sometimes our lifestyles are in line with the rich
and thus, it is not so edifying to the faithful.We talk about
poverty but it does not match our way of living. Hence we
need some radical changes to take place in our houses
and communities. The challenge to live a lower middle
class life like that of a hard earned family with slender
means stares hard at us. The comforts that we enjoy in
terms of food and shelter are at times beyond the poor
12 July 2016July 2016
Financial Comfort Zones …Financial Comfort Zones …
Brijesh Parmar SJ
Article
Restructuring is...
Restructuring is the process of renewing one's heart
andmindfor betterlifeto oneselfandothersaswell.
- Ravibhishan Ravi, SJ.
- Antony
Process of Examination... Evaluation... Evolution...
Tribhuvan SJ

13. forward to the frontiers. A known proverb, 'Familiarity
breeds contempt' will tell us that familiarity not just
breeds contempt but brings comfort and securities with
the laurels that our institutions hold. Thus with time we
need to move out of our comfort zones and reach out to
the neglected, fulfilling the mission of St. Ignatius, when
you do intellectual works, do give time for the poor and
the needy and spend that free time with them serving
them than being served. Take for instance Pope Francis
who has set us an example of restructuring by calling us
tobemessengersofMercy.
Like Pope Francis we are called to be Shepherds
to the strayed. This challenges us for we have to let go of
our comforts that make us feel content with what we
have. Like our ancestors we need to be pathfinders and
not path followers. We have to become leaders of liberty
like Moses rather than being a poor shepherd, the
Messiah from being a Nazarene and a necessity from
being a luxury. Let our attachments to the emotionally
binding pseudo loyalties not fence us from becoming
what we can truly become.The times have changed so it's
time we restructure our paths to suit the present, letting
go of our emotional loyalties for Christ's Mission by
beinganotherChristtothoseinneed.
Today when we are all called to restructure
ourselves, let us not create boundaries of emotional
loyalties, instead lets be open to work anywhere in any
situation with an open heart ready to do the mission
entrusted to us like Abraham, believing in God's
providence, trusting Him alone, to give us bountiful
graces.
(DNC Times Editorial team)
hh! The Jesuits! These words make me feel
proud of myself of being one and yet leave me
Ain awe imagining if it still remains true for us
today! When we take a look at the Jesuits as a whole we
see fissures being created because of our selfish desires
and missions. In the wake of this hour Fr. General invites
us to 'Restructure' our being and mission to fulfil what
our founder had envisioned. Therefore we are called to
examine our apostolic activities, missions, communities,
provinces and zones to shape up according to the signs of
the times. It calls for an interior transformation of our
mindstofitinthesociety'smissionasawhole.
It sounds a threat to those who are attached to
certain missions or lifestyles emotionally as they have to
break through their daily lives to a well balanced one.
These attachments force us to invent pseudo loyalties
that emotionally bind and blind us to the clarion call for
restructuring. What are these emotional loyalties? They
are our inner attachments to things, places, peoples,
apostolates, missions etc. They convince us to believe
that this call is not meant for us as we are doing well
believing in ourselves than in God. When we take a look
at our Founder Ignatius, we see his tremendous faith in
divine providence, but we fail to do likewise. Instead we
are accumulating wealth, power and prestige holding on
totheseemotionalloyaltiesloyally.
How would our response to this call for
restricting be? We are called to be with a open heart and
mind to mingle with all, breaking all barriers, leaving all
shores and venturing into new missions with zeal and
enthusiasm to do something new, thus fulfilling God's
will. Our structures seem to be good yet we need to
change to be better and strive towards being the best in all
we do.As sons of Ignatius, we all know that we are called
to live for the 'Magis'.Thus 'Restructuring' is a beckoning
call to be better, if we have settled with good. We are
called to become aware of our obstacles and to go
13 July 2016July 2016
Emotional Loyalties of MissionEmotional Loyalties of Mission
DNC Times
Article
The cemetery is full of indispensable
people
- Lloyd Sambrya

14. The Ignatian vision 'Universal Body for Universal Mission' for great apostolic efficiency is curtailed by
enumerated signs that indicate restructuring is the need of the hour; Superficiality in apostolate, academics and
spirituality and indifference in relating to God, people and nature and declining laborers in theVineyard, Difficulty in
sharing personnel and financial resources ushers us to transform both our physical structures and our lives. In our
context where the humanity is whipped with social exclusion, religious fundamentalism and economic favoritism, we
lackqualityofserviceandcreativityinmission.
- Sch. Amalan Thainase S.J
Yes! I do feel restructuring is the need of the hour. If we look at the state of our provinces, we see that there is an
increasing drop in vocations coupled with the situation of our members getting old. The short number of the members
does not get along with the high demands of the society. The lack of personnel causes difficulty in responding
creatively to today's socio-economic situations. St. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus as a Universal Society and
we are called to go to the frontiers. We need to show the universality not just in merging physical or geographical
boundaries but in the union of minds and hearts. It is time to come together in unity by collaborating with other
provinces,sharingour personnel,intellectualandmaterialresourceswitheachother
- Sch. Frankline SJ
With rising newer and complex challenges in the world and declining numbers in the Society in foreseeable
future along with already existing large number of ministries, our call to discern the signs of times and respond to it,
necessitates Jesuits who embrace the vision and mind of our founding fathers to be available for the universal mission.
In this context restructuring becomes a creative alternative to respond to this fast evolving situation. Nevertheless,
this is not without its own limitations and uncertainties which needs careful and critical reflections. In an Assistancy
like SouthAsia which has diverse cultures, languages and ministries, this would mean a hard endeavor. However our
assistancy has rightly begun the whole process giving a spiritual overtone to it. I wish and pray that our personal and
ethnicegosmoveawayandmakespacefor agenuine,sincereandpracticaldiscernmenttoachievethisgoal.
- Sch . Lumnesh SJ
14 July 2016July 2016
Opinion
RESTRUCTURING... Is it the need of the hour ?RESTRUCTURING... Is it the need of the hour ?
Restructuring is...
"Love that exhilarates the trust to be united, rather being divided in rules". - Shanthraj SJ
“Restructuring is a call to reset the boundaries of one's own heart.” - Nikhil George Joseph SJ
Bringing about a drastic internal change for the better function of the society. - Anuranjan Tigga SJ
The word 'Restructuring' itself invites us to organize ourselves systematically and creatively in order to protect the
Christian faith. The shortage of systematic approach, timely adaptations and closed mentalities shake the roots of the
society. Restructuring is a process that takes place consciously or unconsciously in every realm of human life.As the
worldgoesthrough variousrestructuringprocesses,so doweJesuits needtobemoreopentorestructureourselves
- Morris Martin SJ

15. Restructuring is more an internal process of the external reality for the sake of harmony of hearts and minds.
As humans, we are born in the midst of several structures leading either to the gain or the loss of meaning in life.When
the structures lose their significance, certain restructuring is expected. This may cause certain changes in our way of
thinking and living which will sow the seeds of love that may germinate and bear fruits eliminating all evil structures.
The purpose of restructuring may find its solace in seeing joy and happiness on the faces of all who strive for this
cause.
- Sch. Bosco SJ
Indeed, the restructuring the Society of Jesus is the need of the hour.We need to shake- up, broaden our horizon
and reform some of our old perspectives with which we are deeply attached. We come from different cultural
background, ethnicity and groups to join our hands for AMDG. However, several times we forget the purpose of our
life in the Society of Jesus and focus on serving our own goals. There exists groupism and like mindedness in our
regions, provinces and as a whole in the Society. Therefore, I feel that before we restructure the Society, we should
lookintoourselvesandreformour negativeintopositiveattitude.
“In regards to those persons who are established in on ecclesiastical office or in the state of matrimony, there is
either no possibility of a change, or else no willingness to make a changeable election.” Sp.Ex 189. It is the right time
and favorable condition to trust in the Lord as the HOUR calls us for restructuring. It is not about carrying water to the
streams but carrying water to those places where there is no water. It is not comfort that makes us missionaries but our
deep trust in the Lord and movement towards the fulfillment of our mission.And we know that Change of any kind is
the change of every kind. What is more important at this hour of restructuring is the attitude of loyalty which runs
throughIgnatius'rulesthatwouldhelpus towork inlovingloyaltytotheChurchandChrist.
- K. Pavan Vinay SJ
We are living in the world of change where in the secular world organizations renew and upgrade themselves
frequently for better functioning. It is time the Society of Jesus restructure itself for the betterment of the universal
apostolic mission in the Society. To meet the challenges of the future we need to train ourselves. Provinces must move
beyond language, culture etc to be more universal. Reorganization must begin at the root which is our formation
houses where formees mix at an early age, forming a broader mindset. However, at this juncture each Jesuit needs to
restructurefromwithintoacceptthegreatercallsofChrist’s universalmission.
- Livance SJ
Restructuring is also a moment of retrospection. It may strengthen us to uphold the initial vigor and glory
of Jesuits more passionately. I hope that restructuring the society will have good outcome which will bear much
durable fruits. Since our society is universal we still need to break some barriers in order to give our best to the
world. The world is looking forward to serenity and spirituality and we as members of the Society of Jesus have
the responsibility to contribute to it.
- Akhilesh Lakra SJ
- Sch. Ashish Kujur SJ
15 July 2016July 2016
RESTRUCTURING... Is it the need of the hour ?RESTRUCTURING... Is it the need of the hour ?
Opinion

16. fundamental, what is called as the Ignatian ideal: Union
with God and Familiarity with God. Ultimately this is the
foundation on which our universal vocation and mission
ought to be built. Without this basic experience we will
not be able to achieve restructuring and even if we did, it
wouldbesuperficial.
(M. I. Raj, S. J. Jeevan Darshan vadodara - Gujarat)
(Cont'd from pg.3)
come down drastically, while in South Asia we are still
well off at least, as far as the number is concerned. Those
who think this way do not know the facts; definitely do
not perceive the trend that is catching on us fast. The
complex process of restructuring is not a matter of days
or of months; in fact it might take some years. When we
think ahead in terms of the future the picture is not bright
at all. But, I am convinced that the question of
restructuring is not restricted only to the issue of
numbers. It is also demanded by the changing times and
the complexity of the problems we are facing globally. It
is a matter of pooling our resources (both human and
material) in order to optimize the effectiveness of our
mission. We normally talk about collaboration with non-
Jesuits, but restructuring involves collaboration among
ourselvesasJesuits.
All of us know that we have joined the Society of
Jesus, a Universal Body and not just one province. And
yet that word “universal” conjures up, unfortunately,
images of rushing to Europe and America to salvage the
dying institutions. I am confident that our Jesuit brethren
in those parts will handle that issue as part of their
restructuring process. The word “universal” has to be
understood in terms of globalization, the trend of modern
times. The challenge before the Society is to take up
missions that have a global outreach and far flung
implications. Even our existing institutions must be
restructuredtoaddressthisglobalmission.
Therefore, the spirit of the restructuring process
is expressed excellently in the caption, “AUNIVERSAL
BODY FOR A UNIVERSAL MISSION.” The focus
and emphasis during the spiritual animation process has
been, rightly, on the universal nature of our vocation and
mission. Without denying this, I would like to suggest
that we need to highlight something deeper and
16 July 2016July 2016
The collation of the existing resources and
commissioning it for the appropriate and improved
functioning, with the vision to strengthen and empower
the Society; to fashion and envisage a vision and
mission statement keeping up with the changing times,
the present outlook of the Church and the Spirit of the
Society.
- Patrick Martin, I BTh.
Restructuring means orientating ourselves to provide
betterservicestothepeopleofGod.
- Devadhas Vargeese, III BPh.
In my view, Restructuring is "thinking beyond" or
"thinkingoutoftheBOX".
- Joe Marsh Leo, II BPh.
Move beyond cultural and linguistic barriers and
becomingoneinthemission.
- Jose Pittappillil, I BTh.
Gatheringtogetherthegraceforagreatersustainability.
- Sudhir Ekka, II BTh.
Renewal of structures in the service of universal
mission
- Showry, II BTh.
A powerful process necessary for revival like an eagle
that undergoes a painful experience of shedding its
feathersandrevivingitsnewstrengthagainstdeath.
- Kathing , I BTh.
RestructuringRestructuring
RESTRUCTURING is...

17. “Daddy” whispered the little girl as her father kissed
goodnightonherforehead,“Doesmagicreallyexist?”
Not willing to disappoint his little girl the father said,
“Yesmydear,itdoes.”
“Then surely mercy must also exist,” answered the little
girl! Her father thought for a while and said, “Whatever
youwish mydearwillalwaysexist!”
“Wherever there is hope there is magic and when there is
magicthereis mercy.”
“AndwhataboutthisGod ofmercydoes heexisttoo?”
“Ummyesoff coursehedoes.”
“Wouldn't He then, be more merciful than mercy herself
andwouldn'theletus intohis kingdomifweaskHim?
Her daddy only tried to smile not willing to let his little
daughterlosehope.
“Daddy,letus praythatthisGod ofmercyreallyexists!”
With this short prayer both the father and her tiny toddler
wenttosleephopingforabettertomorrow.
Up in the heavens, mercy observed this conversation and
tearsrolleddown silentlyfromhercheeks.
The God of mercy asked her tenderly, “My dear child,
whydo you cry?”
“HowIwish Iexistedforallofthem.”
“But you still do, and you always have and always will…
except for that many today don't wish for you anymore
theydesirejusticemorethanyou!”
The God of mercy sighed, “But Alas! They never
understood'my justice.'”
“Whereisyour justice?”
“He is…in your reflection.”
( Sr. Seenia is a former student of JDV)
nce upon a time in a kingdom far away flowing
with milk and honey there lived a King whom
Othey all called God. Nobody really knew His
real name and no one dared to ask him out of awe they
had for Him. He lived with His children among whom
Love, Joy, Peace, Hope, Mercy and Wisdom were His
favorite ones.The people of His kingdom used to address
Him with His children's name attached as God of love;
and at times God of Peace and at other times God of
Mercyandso on.AllHis childrenhadmagicalpowers.
His child Love could magically transform anyone into
anything.
Joy couldmagicallycheerup anydown hearted.
Peacecouldmagicallyprovideserenitytoall.
Hope couldmakeanyimpossiblethingpossible.
Wisdom could magically solve the most difficult
problems.
Mercy,Well! Her magic was different. She was the secret
door to the kingdom. She would let anyone into the
kingdom, especially animals. She always had
compassion on them and would let them into the
kingdom if they asked her for, she never asked any
reason, to be let in, this she did without the knowledge of
the guards, anyone wanting to enter, all they had to do
was callouttoher.
But this she did by magically converting these animals
into humane beings for its relatively easier for an animal
to evolve into humans but to transform them into humane
beingsneededmagic.
“That's enough for today... more of it tomorrow,” said the
father to his little girl as they lay on the torn rug in the
refugee tent trying to sleep. Thus he brought to an abrupt
end another one of his bedtime stories which he used in
order to make his littletoddler forget the cruel reality of
camp life on the borders of Syria. His stories put her to
sleep.
17 July 2016July 2016
Re-understanding Our GodRe-understanding Our God
Sr. Seenia

18. The water we drink today has likely been around the earth
in one form or another from hundreds of millions of years
ago. Freshwater makes up a very small fraction of all water
on the planet. While nearly 70 percent of the world is
covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh. The rest is
saline found in oceans and seas. Out of 2.5 percent, just 1
percent of our freshwater is easily accessible, with much of
it trapped in glaciers and snowfields. In reality, only 0.007
percent of the planet's water is available to feed its 6.8
billion people. According to the United Nations, water use
has grown at more than twice the rate of population
increase in the last century. By 2025, an estimated 1.8
billion people will live in areas plagued by water scarcity,
with two-thirds of the world's population living in water-
stressed regions as a result of use, growth, and climate change. The challenge we face now is how to effectively
conserve, manage, and distribute the water we have.Around 330 million people were affected due to severe drought in
Indiathisyear,around10 statesfacedwatercrisisthissummer.
Questionsto Ponder :
# Arewenotdeprivingsomeoneelsewhoisneed,whenweguiltlesslywastewater?
# Do we have the responsibility to conserve water in order to share with others when they
areinneed?

19. shared by other religious congregations, the unique
contribution of the Society of Jesus to the Church and to
the world, over the years cannot be undermined. The
experience, inspiration and committed response of St.
Ignatius and his First Companions resulting in the
founding of the Society of Jesus, had a lasting impact on
the history of the Church and the world. It had a
mechanism of sustaining itself in spite of the changing
circumstances of the Society and the universal Church.
However, the time has come when people will openly
question the relevance of the very existence of the
Society if we do not have the courage to place ourselves
in that self-sustaining mechanism by way of
restructuringfromwithin.
We know from history that particular Religious
Communities arose in response to dramatic social
change in the Church and in the larger cultural and
political arena. The first
transition happened as the
Roman Empire fell in the
West and when feudal
Europe was beginning to
take shape. At the same
time the rift between
western and eastern
Christianity had begun to
emerge. The second
transition occurred as
feudal Europe was giving
way to medieval urbanization and as the Church was
gathering all of Europe into the unity of Christendom.
The third transition took place at the start of the modern
period of Western civilization as the Church underwent
the shock of the Reformation. The fourth transition
resulted from a direct attack of society on the church as a
wholeandon religiouslifeinparticular.
(Cont'don nextpg.21)
he word “Restructuring” apparently generates
an unsolicited apprehension in the minds of
Tmany as it reaches the sensory perceptions of
right thinking people who look forward to something
radically new and radically different from the present
state of affairs. The sentiment is akin to the apprehension
Fr. Aloysius Pierris (Give Vatican II a Chance, 2010)
expressed about reducing the renewal of the Church
envisaged by St. John XXIII into a mere reform. The
limitations of language notwithstanding, if one is given
to understand that it is the beginning of a long process
intended to bring about the desired renewal from within,
it readily paves way for optimism and a desire for a new
courseofaction.
Being drawn into the process of this restructuring
I have tangibly experienced the elements of such a
renewal gradually taking shape. I am also positively
enthused about the
prospect of youngsters
taking up the matter
seriously and stating
boldly what is in their
mind. Glancing through
the topics proposed, I was
very much encouraged to
s e e t h a t a c o r r e c t
diagnosis will eventually
lead us to a proper
treatment and a definite cure. Though I was tempted to
touch upon every one of the issues, I have resigned to
restructure myself to one of the topics: “Are we living the
originalJesuitSpirit.”
What is this Original Jesuit Spirit? Is it to be
understood in the same way as we understand the
Original Spirit of other religious congregations? Or is it
different? Whiletherearemanycommonelements
20 JULY 2016JULY 2016
Article
Fr. Sunny George SJ
Rediscovering the Original Jesuit SpiritRediscovering the Original Jesuit Spirit

20. enough to be friends in the Lord. It was the vision of the
mission that kept them on the move and yet sustained
them in creative fidelity. If our vision is blurred and our
efforts are blunt then we would have to face the pain of
stagnation. If our reading of the signs of the times leads
us only to be in solidarity with the way of the world rather
than transforming it to the Way of the Lord, our very
existence as Jesuits will become redundant and
irrelevant.
Restruct
uring our hearts
a n d m i n d s
would entail a
rediscovery of
the hearts and
minds of the Founding Fathers of the Society. The
deliberations of the First Fathers as enshrined in the
Formula of the Institute keep reminding us of their
concerns on universality, availability, mobility and
promptness. Universality certainly does not belittle our
rootedness but rather, it reinforces our need to be rooted
in order to be apostolically effective in the universal
mission. Similarly, availability does not ask us to shun
our responsibilities, instead, it makes us free from all
inordinate attachments. Mobility guards us against
stagnation and disintegration; it regenerates new life,
new vision and new zeal. Likewise, promptness always
keeps us ahead of time and keeps us ready to face ever
newerchallenges.
May the young minds and the tender hearts infuse
new life into the process of restructuring from within!
Persistent probing, relentless knocking, fearless
critiquing, sincere contributions, flint-like commitment
and Ignatian surrender can take us a long way towards
achievingthegoalthatwe haveset.
(Fr. Sunny is the PCF of Calcutta Province)
Therefore, today we can legitimately ask a
question: 'Would another shift in the dominant image of
religious life happen if major changes in the society and
the Church should come to pass?' Is there a change taking
place within the society and the Church? Are we able to
feel the stirring within the larger society? Within the
Church? Within Religious life? Is there a need for a
change in the way we think and the way we live our
ReligiousLifetoday?
The external manifestation of restructuring,
which needs to be treated as tip of the ice-berg, has much
to do with restructuring the hearts and minds. It has much
to do with our mind-sets, outlooks or perspectives
expressed through spontaneous reactions or meditated
responses.
The First Christians were free persons.Animated
by the Holy Spirit, they were united in heart and mind and
impelled to proclaim the Good News. Animated by the
same Spirit, the founding members of the Society of
Jesus were one in heart and in mind. They were free
persons available to be sent anywhere, at anytime and for
any mission. They had no geographical boundaries,
linguistic barriers and institutional affiliations. They
were neither weighed down by cultural baggage nor
crippled by ambitions for power and position. Their
attachments and affinities did not hinder their freedom of
movement or choice of ministries. They were creative
and innovative in their approach to the missions. And
theyreapedrichdividends.
The Original Jesuit Spirit is well manifested in
the statement, “To serve the Lord under the banner of the
Cross without counting the cost.” They were exemplary
counter witnesses to the way of the world while at the
same time; they engaged themselves deeply in the lives
of the people who came from all walks of life. They were
daring enough to journey to the frontiers and caring
20 JULY 2016JULY 2016

21. 03 AUGUST 2015AUGUST 2015