Unleashing Hope in the Lion City: Pope’s Powerful Message to Jesuits on Vocations and Overcoming Asian Challenges
Pope Francis Meets with Jesuits in Singapore, Discusses Vocations and Challenges in Asia
Pope Francis’ first event in Singapore on September 11 was a meeting with the Jesuit brothers at the Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Center. Father Xi Andong, a Jesuit and deputy general secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Education of the Holy See, described the meeting as “full of brotherhood” and said that the Pope hoped the Jesuits would remain true to their mission.
Matteo Ricci and Father Jarupe: Inspirational Figures for the Jesuits
Matteo Ricci and Father Jarupe were mentioned during the meeting as inspirational figures for the Jesuits and the Universal Church. Pope Francis has often spoken about the importance of these two figures, and they accompanied him during his meeting with the Jesuit brothers in Singapore.
The Pope arrived in Singapore on September 11, the last stop of his 45th international pastoral visit. Despite having time to rest, he chose to meet with his fellow congregants, marking his third meeting with the Jesuits during this trip.
A Family Gathering at the Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Center
The Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Center, located in the mountains about half an hour’s drive from the city center, was the venue for the Pope’s “Family Gathering” with the Jesuits. About 25 Jesuits of various ages attended the meeting, including some from Malaysia.
Father Xi Andong participated in the meeting and described the atmosphere as “friendly and full of brotherhood.” He said that the Pope dealt gently with the brothers, including young people and those who were older and infirm. The meeting lasted for an hour, during which the Pope expressed his reluctance to leave.
Discussing Challenges and Vocations
Father Xi Andong revealed that the Pope gave the brothers time to ask questions, discussing various topics, including the challenges faced by local churches. The Pope emphasized the importance of faith penetrating people’s lives and highlighted Asia as a key continent. He also stressed the need for the Jesuits to live in a place where challenges are unique.
The Importance of Prayer and Father Jarupe’s Legacy
The Pope emphasized the importance of prayer, considering it a challenge. He encouraged the Jesuits to follow Father Jarupe’s example and respond to societal challenges with a spirit of prayer. Father Jarupe, a Spanish Jesuit who served as Superior General from 1965 to 1983, was declared a faithful servant of God, and his beatification process is ongoing.
Formation and Vocations
The Pope and the Jesuits also discussed pastoral issues, including vocations. Father Xi Andong said that the Pope recommended not giving up on low standards and reiterated the need for a high level of education to address the challenges of our time.
Matteo Ricci: A Point of Reference for the Jesuits
The conversation also touched on Matteo Ricci, the great Jesuit apostle who preached in China. Father Xi Andong described him as another benchmark and a point of reference for the Jesuits in the region.