XAVERIAN ASIAN FORMATORS MEETING
Schedule and flow of the meeting - Manila, March 11-16th, 2019
Our conference wants to be a follow-up of our previous meeting that was held in Jakarta, March 3-8, 2016. At that time, the General Direction took the initiative to carry out “il convegno dei formatori in Asia” with the topic “Sharing in Conforti’s dream, the first proclamation”, calls us all to a new beginning. The goal of the Meeting was two-fold: to intensify communion with Congregation, and update the the criteria and methods of our initial formation, in order to form Xaverians according to heart of the Founder.
Considering that our continental conference of the formators, which was carried out also in other continents, had fruitful result for our formation, the General Direction, has been requesting us to have another continental meeting to continue the good work initiated three years ago. Based on this request we are going to have this meeting. We would like to underline the process that we will proceed in these days.
On the first day, we start our meeting with recollection guided by Father General, Fernando Garcia. This activity aims at inviting all the participants to deepen their relationship with God and to look back and see, in the light of the Holy Spirit, how the formative work entrusted to us by the Congregation has so far been carried out. After recollection, Fr. Eugenio Pulcini will guide us to evaluate the document we wrote at the end of the last meeting in Jakarta (March 8, 2016), titled“For a common Xaverian Formation Project in Asia: challenges, guidelines and specific proposal”. How far have we implemented our commitment? We will be invited to deepen together the important elements that we need to see through in the field of formation according to the RFX. These two activities will be done in the first day.
On the second day, we are going to be guided by two distinguished experts. Firstly Fr. Samuel Kanilang, CMF, will present about “Consecrated Life today and in the future.” This topic aims at shading light on the formative model that should be implemented to prepare our religious candidates for today and for the future. Second speaker is Fr.Chito Dimaranan, SDB. He will speak out about Generation Z. We are talking about the children born after 1998 up to now (according to a Demographic Classification done by Don Tapscott). The characteristics of this generation are far different from our own’s (we who are currently formators). For this reason, we need to better know and understand their characteristics so as to accompany them properly, in order to achieve the aim of Xaverian formation. We will also have enough time to ask some practical questions so that the theory we receive may be implemented in our places.
On the third day, we will focus on the frailties of our Congregation which are addressed by the Documents of the XVII Gen. Chapter in the part called “Fragility”. We will reflect in particular way on the weaknesses which are addressed by nn. 28, 29 and 30 (cfr XVII GC): Xaverian identity, Family spirit and interculturality. The participants will be divided in three groups, each of which will focus on one of the three questions prepared. Then, the result of this work-group will be reported to the forum so as to enrich and make more comprehensive our work together.
On the fourth day, based on our discussion from the first day to the third day, we may talk about the important things related to our formation in Asia. We, on purpose, didn’t decide before hand on special topic today, in order to give more possibilities to all participants to raise/suggest the important topic. The participants will suggest themes and topics to be addressed. Then, the steering committee will decide which topics we are going to deal with.
On the fifth day, from morning to noon, we are going to talk about“Formative synergy between Philosophy and Theology”. We listen to Fr. Matteo Rebecchi, Rector of the Xaverian International Theologate in Manila, on his impressions and expectation about the brothers that come from our communities. We will reflect together on those elements which must be taken into particular consideration so to improve the synergy between the formative stages of Novitiate, Philosophy and Theology. In the afternoon, we will make the common formulation related to the possible cooperation that we can carry out together; some guidelines and commitments, conclusion and suggestions for the Xaverian formation in Asia. There will be a team of editors in charge of elaborating the final document.
On the sixth day, in the morning we will together go through the work of the editors, to make some corrections or to add the elements that may lack, so that we can have the proper document. At noon, we are going to conclude all activities with the eucharistic celebration, as our thanksgiving to the Lord, while asking his blessing so that we can continue our missionary task as the formators with dedication, faithfulness and enthusiasm.
