On 28 December 2016, about 64 members of the Delhi Province gathered at NRC, Delhi, for a two-and-a-half-day long Delhi Jesuit Province Days, 2016. After the opening prayer, Frs Varkey, Sebastian Jeera and PR John (AND, VJ) the main speakers of the Province days, shared their experiences during the preparation, during the entire General Congregation itself and the outcome of their deliberations as well as the collective discernments. Fr. PR John’s talks were interspersed with video clippings and extra audio-visual materials. Fr. Varkey shared that the GC was a retreat experience, a time of spiritual renewal, a time to get back to our roots, to greater simplicity of life. He recalled the need to seek for consolation through the means of examination of consciousness and discernment. Fr. Sebastian Jeera shared how inspiring was the universality of the Society which also was manifested in the way consensus was easily arrived at. Decisions were directed by discernment rather than by majority opinion manifested in voting. He recalled how the Pope exhorted the delegates to go back to the roots and rely on the discernment – to look within and tap the inner resources. Pope Francis also invited the Jesuits to lead a life worthy of our vocation.

During the subsequent sessions the speakers presented the highlights of the two decrees: 1) Companions in a Mission of Reconciliation and Justice and 2) Renewed Governance for the Renewed Mission. The former dealt with themes like the Disparity in the World; Reconciliation and Justice; Seeking the Roots; The Venice Image; Our Mission with Christ, the Reconciler; and Towards the Renewal of Our Apostolic Life. The latter decree emphasizes Discernment, Collaboration, Networking, and governance at the service of universal mission.

After the general inputs and sharing there were discussions and sharing in different groups so that more clarity on different aspects of the decrees was effected.