By Amit Lakra
In the first week of October 2023, 36 Jesuit Superiors hailing from 8 different provinces including MAP and DUM participated in the Superiors Training program held at Atmadarshan Center in Patna animated by the Patna Jesuit Provincial Fr. Donald Miranda, S.J. for the North Zone. They provided various aspects of input sessions and lots of interactions and clarifications to the trainees on the Jesuit way of governance, finance, financial investment, mission, dealing with vulnerable, child sexual abuse, land and building issues and updates, health care, and conflict management. The participants were divided into different groups for the intense listening and speaking following the spiritual conversations every day. This facilitated all active participants in the group discussion. There were Jesuits and non-Jesuit resource persons with ground-experienced realities. Thanks to the constant accompaniment of the Provincial of Patna and all the Jesuits of the province throughout the training sessions.
Take-away from the program
1. Superiors’ role is a vocation within vocation – a gift from God.
2. Superior is the unifying factor.
3. To rediscover the gift of daily discernment.
4. To follow the Servant leadership model.
5. Union of hearts and minds in the society, a sense of feeling that I belong to the universal society.
6. Information on the legal issue.
7. Resolve to do better Governance and Conflict management.
8. Pray for Community members.
9. Mission remains our focal point.
10. POSCO act to be implemented in all institutions.
11. Need to maintain healthy relationships with all.
12. Knowledge of documentation on land, buildings, etc.
What I will implement in my community as a leader, post-program
1. I will have regular discernment.
2. I will have proper documentation and maintain the records.
3. I will have a proper action plan for the community
4. I will have Monthly Meetings for Spiritual Conversation.
5. I will Care for the sick and the elders.
6. I will involve community members in major decisions and discernment.
7. I will ensure proper care for land, buildings, and finances.
8. I will have a Job description for workers and collaborators and monitor them.
What I will avoid in my community as a leader, post-program
1. I will avoid being judgmental.
2. I will Avoid Gossiping at the table.
3. I will not speak harsh words to co-workers.
4. I will avoid backbiting.