Pope Francis ​Meets with Jesuits in ‌East ⁢Timor, Emphasizing Inculturation

Pope Francis met with 41 Jesuits from various parts of Asia⁣ at the Apostolic Nunciature ⁣in East Timor, engaging in a 45-minute‍ conversation on the theme of inculturation. This gathering marked the second time the Pope met with Jesuits during⁤ his ‍international pastoral visit.

Upon arriving ‌at ​the Holy See⁣ Embassy in East Timor, the Pope ‌warmly hugged Father João ⁣Felgueiras, a 103-year-old Portuguese Jesuit who has served ⁢in East Timor since ⁣the Indonesian occupation. Father John, one of the three⁢ oldest ‌Jesuits in the world, was visibly moved by the Pope’s gesture.

Father John’s Testimony

Father John ‌has dedicated his life to serving the people of⁢ East​ Timor, remaining in the country through its most challenging‌ times. The Pope publicly expressed his admiration for Father John’s unwavering commitment, thanking him and embracing him upon their‌ meeting.

Second Meeting with Fellow Jesuits

This gathering ⁤followed a ⁢meeting with 200 Jesuits in Jakarta on September ⁢4. The Pope is ‍scheduled to meet‍ with Jesuits again at the St. Francis⁣ Xavier Retreat Center in Singapore on September 12. The 41‍ Jesuits who attended the meeting in East Timor, ⁤including​ 8 ‍novices, hail from different regions but are currently living ⁣and working in East Timor.

An International Group

According to Father Nuno⁤ da Silva Gonçalves,‍ the meetings with Jesuits ⁤often have a⁤ family-like atmosphere. The group that⁣ met with the Pope in East Timor was diverse, comprising Jesuits ​from Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. These individuals are engaged⁣ in various services, including education and teacher training, which they consider equally important as leading spiritual exercises in parishes.

Nearly an Hour-Long Meeting

The conversation between the Pope and the Jesuits lasted nearly 45‍ minutes, ‍covering​ topics such as the life of​ Jesuits,⁣ the Pope’s perspective on their work worldwide, and universal themes like social justice and the social teaching of the Church.

The Importance of Inculturation

The Pope emphasized the value of inculturation, stressing that ‌the Gospel ⁣must ​be indigenized and culture must be evangelized. This‍ theme is central to the ⁤motto of his visit to East Timor: “Let your faith be your culture.” The Pope reiterated the importance⁢ of inculturation throughout his visit ‍to East Timor.