Arthur & the round table
Arturo Sosa is his name. Arturo (Spanish) — “Arthur” in English — has just been elected as head of the Jesuits — the international congregation of Catholic men best known for their “Loyola” and “Xavier” schools, colleges and universities, worldwide. I’m a Jesuit, too, currently in Rome for the “General Congregation” convoked to elect a new leader and plan for more meaningful involvement in the world, today.
The process of electing the Jesuit Superior General is similar to that of the conclave that elects the pope. We are 212 Jesuits from 70 countries who observed four days of so-called murmurationes (Latin, for “murmurings”) in order to discern who is best suited to lead this “Society of Jesus”.
In my previous column entitled Drawn by discernment (Oct. 6) I described discernment as “an act of wisdom providing productive insights into ourselves and the persons we meet”. Elections demand deep discernment. Since one does not know all the Jesuits from the world over, murmurationes enable Jesuit reps to seek information about prospective candidates from elsewhere.
Murmurationes allow one to approach another Jesuit for a tête-atête about the strengths and weaknesses of candidates. The exchanges are strictly confidential. No electioneering, no exaggerations. Moreover, one must only answer questions asked and honestly state whether his opinions spring from firsthand experience or from hearsay. Ultimately, the murmurings of God’s spirit help in electing leaders. During discussions, we’re seated in a conference hall in concentric semi-circles with newly-elected Father Arturo Sosa keenly listening to everything we say and suggest. This reminds me of the “King Arthur and the knights of the round table” legend where King Arthur crafted a round table so that his fiercely competitive knights wouldn’t quarrel with each other for seats at the head of the table.
It’s heartwarming to sit around tables with my Jesuit companions, here, since there’s no bickering and bargaining for that which is unimportant. Indeed, effective leaders set round tables to ensure that everyone is comfortably and equitably seated. Then, they bend down to serve their subjects selflessly.
The founder of the Jesuits, Spaniard Ignatius of Loyola (14911556), was a valiant knight who renounced the comforts of the kingly court in order to follow Jesus, who said, “I am among you as one who serves.” Jesus desired that his disciples be outstanding in their service of others. Ignatius’ motto: “In all things to love and to serve” has inspired thousands of Jesuits and their collaborators to commit themselves to loving service.
Formerly, Jesuit generals were referred to as “black popes” since they wore black cassocks and wielded tremendous power. Arturo is simple and seeks no power except that which comes from loving and serving. God bless this first ever LatinAmerican Jesuit General! Francis Gonsalves is a professor of theology. He can be contacted at fragons@gmail.com