Updates from Jesuit Companions in Indigenous Ministry (JCIM)
- Asian Lay Leaders Forum
JCIM held their seminar on “Understanding Indigeneity” at the Jesuit Retreat House Malaybalay, Bukidnon May 9 – 11, 2023 with their objectives being :
- To level off JCAP’s understanding of the indigenous peoples, culture, etc., as well as to gather sufficient data of the extensive JCAP work done with and for the indigenous communities in Asia-Pacific.
- To provide fundamental anthropological perspective and understanding of the current initiatives and programs of JCA.
- To facilitate self-assessment of our ministries’ initiatives that serve and accompany indigenous peoples based on the anthropological input and balanced by the social realities confronting the said JCAP ministries.
- To share learning experiences and reflections from the participants’ work with the indigenous peoples in their respective provinces and regions as well as benchmark good practices being done by other institutions.
The workshop was a three-day event beginning on 09 May and ended on 11 May. In broad strokes the program included Presentations from the participants on the overview of the ministry they represent, the indigenous peoples they work with, and the challenges which they face in dealing with the indigenous communities they serve; Technical workshop on the anthropology of indigenous peoples, culture, etc., and the challenges accompanying the quest for indigenous identity. This was also a forum to level-off understanding and expectations of the indigenous peoples; Exposure and interaction with indigenous peoples and the Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation staff and the work that it does with the indigenous communities in Bukidnon; Reflection, sharing, and personal appropriation sessions to facilitate the exchange of learning among the participants; and Daily masses and an opening indigenous ritual.
The workshop gathered 19 participants from the various ministries in the JCIM network all over the Asia Pacific. Five participants hailed from Jesuit Provinces overseas, such as the Taiwan Chinese Province, the Vietnam Province, and the Indonesian Province, while 14 came from various regions in the Philippines. The participants were also joined by the Kapawa scholars and FLMFI staff.
The main facilitators of the workshop were the faculty members of the Department of Anthropology of Ateneo de Davao University, accompanied by six undergraduate students who served as the workshop documenters. In coordination with various ministries in the JCIM network. FLMFI, JCIM also invited key speakers for the workshop who shared about different IP experiences in the Philippines.
The program concluded with a focus on planning JCIM’s future direction. Participants collaboratively identified several key themes, as follows:
- Spirituality and Integration: Participants expressed a strong interest in integrating indigenous spirituality into Jesuit ministry and liturgy. They discussed the importance of incorporating local rituals, languages, art, dance, and other cultural elements into Catholic mass. They recognized the need to understand and respect the spirituality of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and explore ways to create a more inclusive and culturally relevant liturgy.
- Capacity Building and Learning: Participants emphasized the importance of capacity building for staff working with and for IPs. They suggested conducting workshops, seminars, and learning programs focused on topics relevant to IP concerns. They also highlighted the need for thematic sharing engagements, resource centers, and spaces of exposure to IPs to enhance knowledge and best practices in the field.
- Communication and Dialogue: Participants discussed the need for effective communication and dialogue between JCIM and the Church, particularly in terms of fostering understanding and respect for other spiritual contexts. They expressed a desire to overcome language barriers and stereotypes associated with IPs, promoting equity, equality, and interfaith dialogue.
- Collaborative Networking: Participants stressed the importance of collaboration and networking within JCIM and with other institutions and organizations working with IPs. They proposed regular virtual check-ins, sharing of success stories, and hosting programs and events to strengthen relationships and achieve common goals. They also highlighted the need for institutionalization, creating a core group, and establishing a directory of members for effective collaboration.
- Self-Determination and Contextualization: Participants emphasized the significance of self-determination for IPs and the importance of understanding their cultural and historical contexts. They proposed approaches such as community development, community organizing, and a focus on the shared values and aspirations of IPs and other groups. They expressed the need to discern the appropriate approach for different communities and explore frameworks for effective social apostolate.
- Institutional Examination and Self-Reflection: Participants called for a deeper examination of the institutional and historical contexts in which JCIM operates, addressing issues of colonialism, imperialism, and self-examination. They suggested inviting larger institutions to engage in critical evaluation of their own ministry and framing, ensuring that the voices of IPs are included and respected.
- Youth Engagement and Leadership: Participants recognized the importance of engaging youth and developing their leadership skills within JCIM. They proposed incorporating leadership formation programs for young people, organizing forums and gatherings sensitive to language use, and creating opportunities for youth involvement and participation.
- Resource Sharing and Coordination: Participants highlighted the need for sharing resources, both financial and human, within the JCIM network. They discussed the possibility of coordinating with other congregations and academic institutions, incorporating research and development, and creating a platform for sharing laws, ordinances, and state policies relevant to IP programs and activities.
JCIM joined ALL Forum AYA/ATF
Two representatives from the Jesuit Companions in Indigenous Ministry (JCIM) participated in the Asian Lay Leaders Forum’s (ALL Forum) Asian Youth Academy (AYA) and Asian Theological Forum (ATF) held in Bali, Indonesia, from 19-29 August 2023. Zacara Lastimado from Fr. Leoni Mission Foundation, Inc. (FLMFI) and Gwyneth Marie Vasquez from the Department of Anthropology – Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) were among the 30 young leaders across Asia.*
