Jesuit regional weekend in Bikfaya – Lebanon

On the weekend of 18-19 June, the Jesuits of Lebanon had an enjoyable, and spiritually fruitful, gathering in Bikfaya. Most of the Jesuits living and working in Lebanon were able to attend. The program for the gathering involved time for prayer, group discussion, meals together, and an afternoon outing.

The first morning, the Jesuits were asked to consider the matter of vocation promotion. Where do we stand, as a PRO province and as a universal Society? Father General has asked all Jesuits to build a culture of vocations, through authentically living out our individual missions, building Jesuit communities that allow others to see how we support one another, and inviting young men to consider our way of life. Reflection on our approach to vocation promotion, both as individuals and collectively, provided fruit for morning prayer.

The topic for the second morning was a text by Fr. M. Zammit, the provincial, entitled, “I have a dream!” In this document, Fr.M.  Zammit presents a set of proposals for strengthening Jesuit life and mission in the PRO province, both on the individual and community levels. There were discussion groups for speakers of Arabic, French, and English. Groups raised many points of reflection. The role of the community superior, the need for mutual support among Jesuits, and the importance of a better understanding of communal discernment as communities. The need to move from “me” to “us,” and to be at ease among each other emotionally. The importance of friendship as the starting point for our shared life in community, and the need for all to embrace difference and diversity in our communities. All the groups touched on the need for Jesuits to strive for openness, transparency, and humble vulnerability with each other, so that our Jesuit communities may truly be supportive homes from which we are sent forth on mission as groups and as individuals.

The weekend was not all serious discussion, however. Attendees were given two options for a Saturday afternoon outing. One group took a two-hour hike nearby; fortunately, it was all downhill! The other group visited the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Khenchara, home of the Chouerite Basilian Order. In addition to touring the beautiful Greek Catholic church at the monastery, the group also visited the museum that tells the story of the monastery’s printing press, which in 1734 became the first printing press in the Middle East to publish in the Arabic script. The group was also treated to a tour of the monastery’s winery, which ended with a sampling of one of their noted wines.

After the outings, the whole group gathered for Eucharistic adoration and benediction, which was followed by a lively and tasty barbecue of traditional Lebanese mashawi.

All in all, it was a weekend of friendship, fun, and spiritual growth for all who took part. 

Doug Jones, S.J.