The second batch of the Local Superior, Director of Works, Chairperson, and Secretary of the Foundation meeting was held on November 14-15, 2024, at the Abdi Kristus Retreat House, Gedanganak, Ungaran, and was attended by 42 participants. The theme of this meeting was the Implementation of the Apostolic Plan of the Society of Jesus of the Indonesian Province (RAP).
The meeting started at 5 PM and finished after lunch the next day with presentations, sharing, and response methods. This RAP Implementation Reflection is guided by the Provindo Apostolic Plan (RAP) book and the joint discretion guideline book written by Christina Kheng.
The first session was opened with a prayer led by Father Agustinus Setyodarmono, SJ, and continued with an introduction from Father Provincial Benedictus Hari Juliawan, SJ. Father Beni emphasized the importance of understanding “being” before planning and implementing. So far, many work institutions have rushed into implementation or “doing.” However, this is not a problem that cannot be fixed. For the planning and implementation of RAP in institutions and communities to be more in line with the spirit of UAP, all parties are invited to study Christina Kheng’s writing entitled “Welcoming the Spirit.”
After the introduction, Father Setyodarmono, as the delegate for the implementation of the RAP, invited the participants present to respond to the introduction delivered by the Provincial. Many responses emerged, especially regarding the mission of Provindo, namely being called to repent together with Ignatius so that the Church and the Indonesian people would be more trusted, agile as an organization, and brave enough to embrace the challenges of the world in a measured manner. The theological foundation used as a basis is the belief that the God who is served is not as analogous as a clockmaker who is no longer involved with his creation because it has run according to its mechanics.
The following day, there were many interesting sharing sessions after dinner and other sessions. Communities and institutions, both educational and parish, have implemented RAP with various movements, including those related to the environment and environmentally friendly technology. An interesting response to the environment was given by Father Setyo Wibowo, who saw the environmentally friendly movement, especially electric vehicle technology, information technology, and solar panels, from another perspective. He captured the paradox related to all of this because the carbon emissions produced by these ‘environmentally friendly’ technologies produce more carbon emissions. This is a note to study together. Regarding the implementation of RAP, sharing from the Jesuits working in the Diocese of Ketapang was no less interesting. There were touching stories that could be listened to, for example, regarding the difficult-to-reach work fields and the positive impressions of the faithful who were served there.
Closing the meeting, Father Provincial repeated Father Arrupe’s message that we should not belittle our imagination. Even though it is slight and minor (minima), we must still dare to dream and do what God wants according to the plans we have made. May we not act for ourselves with a language only we can understand.
Contributor: Hermanus Wahyaka – Tim Sekretariat
