HONG KONG (Agencies): The Xavier House Ignatian Spirituality Centre and the Centre for Catholic Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong organised an international symposium on Ignatian Spirituality titled, From Conversation to Conversion—An Ignatian Trajectory, from July 1 to 3 at the school hall of Wan Yan College, Kowloon.
According to the website of the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus, the symposium was attended by over 350 people from China, Macau, and Taiwan. In addition, there were attendees from Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada and other parts of the world. Cardinal-elect Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj, bishop of Hong Kong, was also present.
Six Jesuits from different provinces were invited to share their views on the meaning of “conversion” in the present days at the personal, social and community levels. In addition, several workshops were arranged in the afternoon covering topics like being a discerning person in Christ, healing conversations, discernment in apostolic planning, conversion inspired by sufferings, spiritual exercises in synodality, journeys of ecological conversion, etc.
The first day of the seminar began with an introduction to the colloquy exercise mentioned in The Spiritual Exercises, a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God.
It was followed by a welcoming speech by Father Stephen Tong Chak-lung, provincial superior for the Jesuit Chinese province, who said sincere spiritual conversations invoke the dynamics of the heart, which can help us open up ourselves and invite God to our hearts, although this may come at a cost or discomfort.
Father José García de Castro, sj, from Spain, was the first speaker, presenting the six conversion processes that the founder of the Society of Jesus underwent, namely: conversion of life, conversion of religion [turning to Christ], self-sacrifice and conversion in poverty, conversion in churches, conversion in terms of community, and conversion to the world and to all creation.
Jesuit Father Gerard Kevin Whelan from Ireland, later spoke on “Using Our Imagination to let God Transform Us.” Based on the ideas of two Jesuits, Father Bernard Lonergan and Father Robert Doran, it explores Ignatius’ foresight and insight from the perspective of modern philosophy and psychology.
The symposium also included Ignatian exercises, small group workshops, conversations and sharing with the speakers. The event ended with a thanksgiving Mass.
