Goa Jesuits in the time of Pope Francis

Jesuits all over the world will be celebrating the feast of their founder St. Ignatius on July 31. This year, it will be a little more joyful as they have many things to rejoice about. They are on the eve of their 200^th anniversary of the restoration of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits’ religious order) and the Church finally has its first Jesuit Pope. In Goa, Jesuits see huge possibilities in pursuing their work – be it schools, retreats, research or working with the poor and the young. 

Journalist Jonathan Rodrigues caught up with Father Rosario Rocha SJ, the Provincial of the Goa Jesuit Province. He spoke about the various expectations he has for the Province, on how the new Pope will bring about much-needed changes in the Church’s hierarchy and why the concept of celibacy is still alive. 

 

JR: The Universal Church has its first Jesuit Pope. The common doubt in the mind of people is if the Black Pope (Superior General of the Society of Jesus) owes obedience to the White Pope (Francis)?

RR: Ordinarily, Jesuits do not accept positions of hierarchy in the Church. But in some cases, the Pope requests a particular Jesuit to be a Bishop wherein he is dispensed from his vows to his religious Superior. In general for Jesuits, obedience to the Pope comes naturally, simply because every Jesuit takes a special 4^th vow to the Pope.

JR: Pope Francis has won the hearts of millions in a short span of time. Does his simplicity come naturally or is it a conscious effort to reach out to the poor? 

RR: Coming from a Third-World country, Pope Francis’ struggles with the poor and marginalised have made him identify with the poor. His solidarity with the poor is tremendous and he has made this a mission for the Universal Church. His simplicity is genuine and he doesn’t get carried away by the pomp of the institution and office he holds. It is a conviction more than anything else. He doesn’t live in the papal palace but resides at St. Martha’s Hostel which houses visitors to Vatican City. 

JR: Until recently, social networking sites were indulging in extreme comparisons between the charming Pope Francis and his sophisticated predecessor. Do you feel the presence of Benedict XVI at the Vatican will influence the present Pope?

RR: Firstly, Pope Francis is not the first to do away with the sophistication of his office. Pope Paul VI also discarded ceremonial functions and simplified the Church, like doing away with the 3-tier crown. Secondly, Benedict the XVI is a man of principles who spends his time in scholarship and prayer, not necessarily interfering with matters of the Church. In simpler words, he holds no responsibility of the Church anymore. True, Benedict XVI was a theologian whereas Francis is more of a pastor. 

JR: The grapevine has it that the Pope will be visiting Goa next year for the exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Are the rumours true?

RR: I honestly have no news of developments on this subject. The Rector of the Basilica was quoted as saying “it would be good for him to come”, nothing more. I shall echo similar sentiments by saying that we would welcome him with open arms if he does visit us. Since the Pope is also a Head of State, there is a procedure that involves invitations and permissions which needs to be set in motion. 

JR: The Jesuits in Goa have been serving the people through their educational institutions and spiritual animation. What future projects are in the pipeline?

RR: We wish to contribute to higher learning through Xavier Centre for Historical Research (XCHR) and Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) – both centres of learning based in Porvorim. Soon, we will begin a postgraduate degree course in social history and culture of Goa which will be recognised by the Goa University. It is important for us to decide what we need to preserve and what we take in as new. Another issue is studying the situation of the migrants; we are working with people in Valpoi and Caranzalem. We have also begun working with young Christian professionals, helping them to deepen their faith. 

JR: Goans fear losing their identity to ‘outsiders’, but you say we need to welcome them. Why? 

RR: Fear doesn’t conquer anything, it only makes you a slave; love, on the other hand, makes friends. We need to realize that many Goans have left Goa for a better life. They have been welcomed and never been a threat. The more we resist, the more shall our anxiety and angst overrun us. However, if we welcome and integrate, they will blend in to preserve the beauty and charm of the Goan culture. Uniqueness is not preserved by shelling it, but by letting others internalise it. What is closed and preserved dies, but if we open ourselves, we will be enriched.

JR: TSKK was in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Would you like to clear the air on the matter?

RR: There are differences that occur in any organization. However, the tremendous negative publicity given to TSKK and misguided interpretations of the subject matter was uncalled for. There was no intention to merge TSKK with XCHR (a neighbouring centre for learning, also run by the Jesuits). Each has its own special contribution; they will run independently, but will collaborate to enrich the culture of Goa.

JR: Some people from other religions find it difficult to understand the concept of celibacy and question whether priests can actually live a life like that. How would you react?

RR: It is not about the means but the goal. It is about what you want to do in your life. The prevalent culture is a testimony to a man and woman falling in love and deciding to settle down. However, there are some who are inspired and motivated by people who have lived for others. They make them their idols in life. They find great meaning in living for others and if this means they have to stay celibate, then they are ready to embrace it. 

JR: St. Ignatius had the gift of stirring people’s souls and motivating them to make a u-turn in their lives. What would be his message if he were walking down Goa’s streets today?

RR: He would have spoken about being true to yourself, true to our roots and yet becoming inclusive in the world like leaven in the dough. He would tell priests to be where the people are, cross barriers with people and learn to universally accept one another.