Formation

Profile of a Formed Jesuit for Asia-Pacific

In 2011, the Major Superiors of the Conference of Asia-Pacific ratified a formation document known as the “Profile of a Formed Jesuit for Asia Pacific.” This is supposed to supplement the existing document on formation, The Formation of Jesuits (2003), from the letters of former Fr. General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. The Profile identifies six so-called interrelated dynamics of a contemplative-in-action (what a Jesuit is), namely: 1) Interiority, 2) Psychosexual and affective maturity, 3) Critical thinking, 4) Conversation, 5) Universal perspective, and 6) Discerned action. Recently, a 7th dynamic – Apostolic creativity – has been proposed to “complete” the cluster (7 being a perfect number). These six or seven aspects also roughly correspond to the traditional “pillars” of priestly formation (spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral), with, or course, the “Jesuit” dimensions being added (universal perspective, conversation, discerned action).

Dynamic Formation @ the AIR

Be formed by various opportunities for growth in the psycho-spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and Jesuit life. Under the guidance of superiors, scholastics are given a chance to participate in various formative engagements throughout their formation years, including experiences in different parts of the Philippines and abroad (Thailand for Buddhism and Asian Theology, Indonesia for the encounter and Dialogue with Muslims, Jerusalem for Ignatian and Biblical formation programs).

Learning And Skills enhancement Opportunities

AIR residents can enroll in various programs conveniently offered on campus by various units of the University. Among these are certificate and/or degree programs of the Loyola School of Theology, Center for Family Ministries, Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Development, Center for Ignatian Spirituality, East Asia Pastoral Institute, as well as the Ateneo de Manila MA and Doctoral Programs.

AIR residents also have a lot of opportunities to engage the local culture. Being in Manila, one is surrounded by a multitude of ways of experiencing Filipino life, and the various economic, social, sub-cultural groups (i.e. urban poor, middle and upper-class groups, Chinese Filipinos, etc.) One is here also constantly exposed to development challenges of an emerging third world country and post-colonial society.