Youthful Zeal and Depth in Mission - In the Footsteps of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
By John Francis Mukulu, SJ
This month offered profound opportunities for spiritual renewal and apostolic reflection. We commemorated the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, at SJ House, Sophia University. We were joined by scholastics from Wakamiya and Jesuits from neighboring communities. It was a moment for discerning our missionary identity as Scholastics in the footsteps of St. Gonzaga. St. Gonzaga’s youthful zeal echoes the timeless call of St. Ignatius: “What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I to do for Christ?” (SPEX #53).
This occasion prompted us to examine whether, like Gonzaga, we allow the love of Christ to shape our desires and apostolic actions (SPEX #23). St. Ignatius frequently urged that true fruitfulness flows from a heart free and ready for any mission God may send (St. Ignatius Letter to Coimbra, 1547). We pray for the same grace from the Holy Spirit to bear the weight of this vocation, that we may be prompt in carrying out our obligations in the militia of Christ day and night (Formula of the Institute, §IV.50).
On other occasions, this June also saw the visitation of Archbishop of Tokyo, Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD to Sophia University, SJ House. We also had the first gathering of students and staff from all Catholic educational institutions in Tokyo.
The symposium and Eucharist highlighted the continuous work of women and men quietly spreading the Good news of the Kingdom. It was an inspiration and invitation to row into the deep in response to our Lord (Luke 5:4).
As our mission continues to be more communal, intercultural, and dialogical (De Statu, Chapter III). May the spirit of St. Aloysius inspire us to purity, magnanimity, and more contemplative actions.