A group of South Asian Jesuits has expressed the joy of rediscovering the richness of an Ignatian spiritual tradition.

President of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, Father George Pattery, called the ‘spiritual conversation’ as “a rare fruit.”

Some 200 Jesuits from 19 provinces and regions of South Asia attended the April 25-28 assembly on ‘Interculturality for Reconciled Life and Mission,’ held at the Jesuit philosophy-theology center, Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, the cultural capital of the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

Father Pattery said that the Jesuits continue to rediscover the Ignatian treasure that is always present.

He said that the technique of ‘spiritual conversation’ conserved energy. There was no arguments, no fighting, and everyone was listened to, with deep respect for one another’s culture, he added.

He invited the Jesuits to sharpen and nuance the tool of ‘spiritual conversation’ and use it in their communities.

Father Pattery, a member of the Calcutta Jesuit province, said the Ignatian tool for discernment introduced ‘respectful listening’ providing a true democratic space for those engaged in it.