In May 2014, igNation launched a series exploring the Jesuit identity as it is expressed in works of fiction: "Keyword: Jesuit, Genre: Fiction".  This was followed by the series "Keyword: Jesuit, Genre: Biography".  In these two series we hear what others think about what it means to be a Jesuit – in fiction and in biography.

 This new series – “Keyword: Jesuit, Genre: Autobiography” – will explore what it means to be a Jesuit today – as told in their own words by Canadian Jesuits.  The articles – written for igNation –are as different in expression and format as the men who wrote them. 

                Today's Posting – What It Means to Me to Be A Jesuit Today – is s by Bill Robins, SJ

I’m currently the local Superior at Kamal Niwas (Lotus Residence) in Kathmandu along with a staff of four formed Jesuits, a dozen scholastics pursuing bachelor’s level studies, and another dozen youngsters here for a ten month “pre-noviciate” program.  These young men are busy learning more Nepali and English, while discerning God’s will with respect to their future.  My daily questions for them are:  “Does God want me to be a Jesuit in Nepal?” and “Do I want to be a Jesuit in Nepal?”

Fr. Kolvenbach challenged young (and older) Jesuits to continually examine four aspects of Jesuit life:  spiritual, community, apostolic and academic.  I like to examine my own life under these headings. 

Five decades ago Len Fischer laid our Jesuit spiritual foundations.  Structures built on them have been both strong and weak, but have continued to support me.  The Eucharist is central, whether at an altar decorated with apple blossoms and bees, Buzz Massie’s May contribution to a Mass at Ignatius College; or alone on a river side during an annual retreat in Bhutan.  Daily community Masses at home, or at parishes or convents, continue to be the center of my day. 

Vocal prayer suffers, but the daily breviary is a good way to organize some prayer time.  We dare not calculate hours of “missed meditations,” but I enjoy guiding young men in their prayer.  A breakthrough for me came in 1993 when Rosario Rocha, now Goa Provincial, introduced me to vipassana meditation.  This technique challenges one to remain in the present and grow in awareness of sensations, and therefore feelings.  Taizé chants are useful while I walk and cycle.

My present joy, and challenge, is to accept God in the world around me — easy as I look at the natural world, but more demanding when I deal with people.

We introverts enjoy time alone, but it is wonderful to be at home with fellow Jesuits who truly care for one another.  Open, assertive, communication helps one correct and be corrected, so as to develop communities of friends in the Lord.  My greatest consolation as a superior has been to receive trust from others and to carefully trust all.  This gift of Ignatian obedience challenges me to be trustworthy!      

My apostolate has been always in the classroom, generally with a dose of administration on the side.  Science teaching is a joy, especially when I watch students learn through practice, and “light up” when testing electric circuits. 

Now my teaching challenge is to help our pre-novices with English communication, and to introduce them to Nepal’s various cultures and religions.  Of course the chance to invite newcomers to enjoy Nepal’s spectacular Himalayan scenery is another “painless” service. 

To teach, one must continuously learn.  My regular ministry demands study, though I never read and learn enough!

I summarize with a personal vision:  Heaven enjoyed on earth through living God’s Law of Love:  I will – to will – thy will.”      

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The source for all photos is Bill Robins, SJ        

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