The Jesuits of Patna Province gathered at Xavier Teacher’s Training Institute (St. Xavier’s College of Management, Digha) from 28 to 31 May for the Province Days. The theme of the convention was “Rowing into the Deep” the sub theme being, companions on a mission of Reconciliation and Justice based on the recent General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.
Day one reflected on ‘Companions on a Mission of Reconciliation and Justice’ (based on GC36, Decree.1). Jose Vadasery, SJ (the Provincial and President of PJS) summarised the major insights of the GC 36 with a presentation titled, “Pearls of GC 36.” He also presented a state of the province.
Day two dealt with the theme Companions in Mission from Diverse Culture for Reconciliation and Justice where the main resource person Susai Raj, SJ gave an insightful input on “Our legacy of ‘Friends in the Lord’ in Mission from Diverse Culture: Roots, Mission and Challenges.” To quote from the presentation, “Drawing on / from the best traditions and practices of the Church and Society of Jesus, Patna Province has a rich legacy of men drawn from diverse nations and cultures, living and labouring in the Patna Mission as 'Friends in the Lord', and inclusively forming a beautiful partnership. He reiterated that the the Lord has called us to serve in Bihar and so our mission for the people of Bihar - which is intrinsically linked to the land, history and culture of its people - is one of the major roots of our being 'Friends in the Lord'.
The event was organised by Christi Savariraj, SJ (Vice-Principal, St. Michael’s School, Patna), Dr. Raj Kumar, SJ (St. Xavier’s College, Digha) and Cebin, SJ (LLB from Barbigha). With almost 140 Jesuits participating, it was a meaningful coming together for planning ahead for the Patna Jesuit Province and Society.