Rev. Fr. Antonio F. Moreno, SJ
Provincial Superior, Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus
December 2016
The year 2016 is an historic moment in the life of the Society of Jesus. We celebrated the 36th General Congregation (GC) in Rome starting on 3 October. In that six-week gathering of 215 Jesuits representing 66 countries, the resignation of Fr Adolfo Nicolás as leader of the Jesuits was accepted and Fr Arturo Sosa, a former Provincial of Venezuela, was elected to succeed him as the 31st General Superior of the Society of Jesus. This leadership transition was the most important landmark of GC 36. As the new Fr. General, Fr Sosa assembled a new governance team with the mandate to implement the aspirations of GC 36. The visit and talk of Pope Francis on 24 October was also an inspiring and uplifting moment of the Congregation. The Holy Father invited Jesuits to seek consolation, exercise compassion and pursue discernment.
One important invitation from GC 36 is being called to be companions in the mission of reconciliation and justice. This is very fitting since all around us we experience relentless violence, killings and hatred. On 11 December, the Jesuit house in Aleppo, Syria was bombed three times. The chapel and offices were seriously damaged, but thankfully no one was hurt. Jesuits will remain in Aleppo for as long as there is God’s mission to accomplish. The Philippine Province expresses solidarity with Jesuits and their companions who are trying to promote reconciliation and justice in conflict zones.
Closer to home, we are likewise plagued with conflict and violence. We are horrified by the “war” on drugs. Though in solidarity with victims of drugs that have ruined the lives so many people, we also commiserate with the targets of extra-judicial killings. The drive to eliminate drugs has wittingly or unwittingly created more widows and orphans whose lives, like those of drug victims, are forced to endure deep trauma and pain. We are likewise appalled by what seems to be a systematic campaign to promote historical revisionism that covers up lies and injustices in the past. Moreover, the looming threat of having the death penalty reimposed just abets a culture of death and impunity.
And yet, we are consoled by our faith in Emmanuel, the God who is with us. Born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, this God remains our source of comfort and consolation. God is not invincible or all-powerful, not distant and remote, unable to feel our humanity. In weakness and strength, in pain and joy, God enters our world to be one with us amid all adversities so that we may have fullness of life and freedom. With faith in this kind of God, hope remains.
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