A Journey of Encounter and Gratitude

During my first month in Lebanon, I had the joy of working with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and the Arrupe Migrant Service. These experiences allowed me to encounter people from diverse backgrounds—Syrian, South Sudanese, and Filipino communities—whose stories and resilience touched me deeply. I also came to appreciate the richness of our parish life, where so many different groups are present and active, giving a living witness to the universality of the Church. Within the Jesuit community itself, I found an inspiring example of perseverance and resilience in the elder members, whose quiet fidelity has been a source of encouragement.

I am especially grateful to Fr. Michael, the PRO Provincial, for making this experience possible, and to Fr. Nader for carefully organizing it. My heartfelt thanks also go to Fr. Samir, who welcomed me with such kindness, and to Fr. Dan, who introduced me not only to the culture but also to the beauty of Lebanon, including its more “touristic” side. I am equally grateful to S. Michael for his fraternal support in helping me understand the different structures of our mission here. Each of them has played a unique role in making me feel at home from the very beginning.

A particularly meaningful moment of my stay was the time of Spiritual Exercises in the convent of Jabboulé in the Bekaa Valley, guided by Fr. Hicham. His wisdom and attentive guidance made that period of prayer a true gift, one for which I will always remain grateful. Later, thanks to Fr. Ronny, I was able to participate in the pastorale universitaire camp. There I was amazed by the faith of the Lebanese students and by the remarkable organization of the event, which left a strong impression on me and deepened my admiration for the vitality of the Church in this country.

Of course, there are many more Jesuits I could thank by name, but this would soon become something like a phone directory. So instead, I prefer to conclude by giving thanks to God for the gift of this time in Lebanon and especially for the Society of Jesus. It is through the Society’s mission and fraternity that we are given the grace to feel at home wherever we are sent, among brothers who share the same desire for holiness, until at last we reach our true home in heaven.

Giacomo mottola, sj