EJIF Summer 2008 Meeting in France
"Qu'il est bon, le bon Dieu"
I always enjoy gatherings of Jesuits where we meet and pray together. I
particularly enjoy gatherings of Jesuits from different parts of the
world - so it came as no surprise that I found myself leaving France
thinking there has not been a time in my life that I have enjoyed
myself, and the wonderful company I was privileged to share, so much,
and thanking God. This state of feeling was, I think, shared by many,
and it could only be heightened when we renewed our vows during a mass
celebrated by Father General who spent the morning with us sharing his
views on the theme of the conference, 'Service through Leadership'.
This, we all thought, was the Society of Jesus at its best: at once
Universal, focused on and excited for the mission, and united deeply
together in our hearts and minds.
Fr Alfred Darmanin (MAL) was with us in Aix-en-Provence and made such a
good impression during his 4 day input that many delegates were wanting
to know more, which as one delegate pointed out, is surely the grace and
fruit of Fr Alfred's inputs. He introduced us to the theories talked
about in Leadership and Management, with a focus on Communication, and
how they apply to life in the Society. He very definitely wanted us to
have more of an experiential knowledge of such things and so facilitated
much successful group activity, personal reflection and plenary
reportbacks. The personal sharing in the small groups and the respectful
and thoughtful dialogue in the larger ones were the things that have
stuck in my mind.
Fr Michael Holman (BRI) directed the retreat in Lyon, presenting us with
a rich selection of 'take-it-or-leave-it' inputs in the morning focusing
on God's goodness and Christ's way of loving. It was very much
appreciated that Fr Holman rooted his message in the Ignatian tradition
and illustrated it by the decrees, and stories, of the recent General
Congregation as well as through his own personal autobiographical
anecdotes. We were also grateful to Fathers Dermot O'Connor (HIB),
Ludger Joos (GER) and Pablo Alonso (CAS) for accompanying us with Fr.
Michael Holman during the retreat and the rest of EJIF.
The last days, with the renewal of vows and Father General's input, the
election of the new CoCo (Co-ordinating Committee) and Fr Mark
Rotsaert's sharing about the Jesuits in Europe and our relaxing 'last
night' (complete with impromptu play, opera, karaoke, solo and duet
singing and even a magic show and many memories of Mr Bean) reminded me
once again of the talent and energy in this group. We will, I think,
especially remember and treasure Father General's advice of looking for
the 'downward path' (the service aspect made so clear by our leader,
Jesus Christ) and continue to reflect on the points of leadership, not
least in how we ourselves lead and allow ourselves to be led.
I left with a deep gratitude, not only by joining in saying "Qu'il est
bon le bon Dieu", but also with many new friends in the Lord. If the
purpose of EJIF is to bring people together from across Europe to forge
relationships and learn from and about each other and our provinces -
then I think EJIF 2008 passed with flying colours! Thank you to Fr Mark
Rotsaert and Luca Uggias (ITA), Olivier Paramelle (GAL), and João
Delicado (POR) who were co-ordinating this and, together with all the
delegates and helpers, made it all possible.
… Reported by Matthew Charlesworth (BRI-SAF)