Fr Joseph D’Mello elected delegate to attend Procurators’ Congregation

On : 2022-06-01

Fr Joseph D’Mello was elected delegate from Karnataka Province to attend the Procurators’ Congregation of the Society of Jesus to be held in Loyola, Spain in 2023. The election took place during the Karnataka Province Congregation held at Prerana, Mount St Joseph, from May 22 to 25. Fr Melwyn S. Pinto was elected as the substitute.

During the Congregation, Provincial Fr Dionysius Vaz presented the Karnataka province status report. Regional Superior of Kohima region Fr Melvil Pereira and Provincial of South Asia Fr Stanislaus D’Souza were present.

In his presentation, Fr Vaz said that the province is blessed with a good number of quality Jesuits. “The vibrancy in the life and mission of the province can be attributed to a strong life in the Spirit, simplicity of lifestyle, a union of minds and hearts in the community, regular discernment in common, participative leadership, zeal for the mission, and above all, great love for the poor,” he said.

Speaking about life in the spirit of communities he said that most communities had well organised liturgies, monthly recollections, faith sharing, spiritual conversations and ongoing formation talks where all participate wholeheartedly. “The number of online talks and recollections organised by JCSA and Prerana have helped the communities immensely during this Ignatian Year,” he added.

About communities Fr Vaz said that Karnataka province has 16 communities and 11 units. “Most superiors are young and take care of the community focusing on the triptych – identity, community and mission. There is good camaraderie in the community and also a fairly high degree of communication, consultation and co-responsibility. During Covid times all of them had community retreats, online retreats, community mass, evening prayers and recreations that helped them bond together even more,” he said.

Regarding formation, Fr Vaz informed that there were 104 scholastics. “In the true spirit of Solidarity in Formation, we have opened the doors to formees from other Provinces in the Assistancy and outside for the UG and PG studies. In all, there are 57 scholastics and priests from other provinces doing their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in our Province,” he said.

He also said that despite many challenges facing the Church, the Society of Jesus and the Province, he was “extremely enthused and joyful to lead and navigate a young, capable and committed province to face these challenges.”

Fr Melvil Pereira presented the status report of Kohima region. There were 16 postulates which had come for discussion and deliberation. One postulate among them was selected to be sent to for the Procurators’ Congregation.