Visible Instruments of the Almighty
Cedric Mascarenhas SJ
The love and zeal for the Lord burnt so strongly in the heart of Francis Xavier, that it leads him to do things, unimaginable to men and women of his times. These events of magnificence performed by a man on a mission have in-turn inspired millions.
The General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, is no exception. It was no doubt therefore that he would love to have come and stand in the presence of the patron of Goa, the Saint of the East, the second Companion of Ignatius – St. Francis Xavier, the relics of whose lie at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.
With this auspicious day arriving on the 7th and 8th of March 2009, the members of the Goa Province got together to welcome their leader.
On the 7th of March, the General, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas arrived and visited the Bom Jesus, after which he met with the Superiors and Directors of works, of the province at the Casa Professa, Old Goa. Following this he expressed his goals for the Society of Jesus with all of the province men, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and shared a meal.
In his words to the province men that day he kept on stressing on the ‘Jesuits’ being ‘visible’ signs of God, manifesting himself here and now. All our works must make God’s loving presence tangible to everyone.
The following day, 8th March, the General met with the province men at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim and got a feel of the different works being done in the province. Presentations regarding the Spiritual, Social and Educational works done in the province were made. In his response, Fr. General expressed his gladness in the way we were reaching out to the people. He also gave suggestion to the directors of works, to help them continue the good works they are doing by inspiring the young in the society to join them.
He ended his Visit by celebrating another Eucharist, praying that ‘We’ a group of men dedicated to Christ, listen to ‘His Word’, so that we may be His ‘Visible’ instruments here and now…
Cedric Mascarenhas SJ
The love and zeal for the Lord burnt so strongly in the heart of Francis Xavier, that it leads him to do things, unimaginable to men and women of his times. These events of magnificence performed by a man on a mission have in-turn inspired millions.
The General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, is no exception. It was no doubt therefore that he would love to have come and stand in the presence of the patron of Goa, the Saint of the East, the second Companion of Ignatius – St. Francis Xavier, the relics of whose lie at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa.
With this auspicious day arriving on the 7th and 8th of March 2009, the members of the Goa Province got together to welcome their leader.
On the 7th of March, the General, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas arrived and visited the Bom Jesus, after which he met with the Superiors and Directors of works, of the province at the Casa Professa, Old Goa. Following this he expressed his goals for the Society of Jesus with all of the province men, celebrated the Holy Eucharist and shared a meal.
In his words to the province men that day he kept on stressing on the ‘Jesuits’ being ‘visible’ signs of God, manifesting himself here and now. All our works must make God’s loving presence tangible to everyone.
The following day, 8th March, the General met with the province men at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim and got a feel of the different works being done in the province. Presentations regarding the Spiritual, Social and Educational works done in the province were made. In his response, Fr. General expressed his gladness in the way we were reaching out to the people. He also gave suggestion to the directors of works, to help them continue the good works they are doing by inspiring the young in the society to join them.
He ended his Visit by celebrating another Eucharist, praying that ‘We’ a group of men dedicated to Christ, listen to ‘His Word’, so that we may be His ‘Visible’ instruments here and now…
Note: Highlights added.