Brotherhood in Chennai: A Joyful Reunion of Jesuit Companions
By Ceasar Zimangi Ujika, SJ
Over the course of three meaningful days, we were blessed to welcome our companions Avinus Mwombeki, Donald Assenga, and Anthony Angelo, who travelled from Mumbai, where they are currently pursuing their studies at St. Xavier’s College. Their visit to Chennai was more than a reunion; it was a moment of grace and fraternity, a time of reconnecting not just with one another but also with the spirit of our shared Jesuit vocation.
From the moment they arrived, there was a spirit of joy and familiarity. It didn’t take long for the conversations to flow, the jokes to return, and the memories to resurface, memories shaped by our common life in the novitiate and the journey we continue to walk as brothers. Despite the heat of Chennai, we moved about freely, guided by excitement and a shared desire to make the most of the time we had.
One of the first moments we shared was a serene visit to Marina Beach in the early hours of the morning. The sound of the waves, the freshness of the dawn, and the peaceful walk along the shore created a setting that invited reflection and calm. It was a reminder of how simple moments, when shared with genuine companionship, become sacred.
Our time together also included lighter moments, watching a movie, sharing snacks, and exchanging stories that stirred laughter and nostalgia. These were not just recreational activities; they were gestures of communion, acts that strengthened our bond and reminded us of the joy that comes with shared life. We experienced once again that sense of belonging, one that is not tied to location or circumstance, but deeply rooted in the identity we share as Jesuits.
While some parts of the original plan had to be adjusted along the way, the time spent together remained rich and meaningful. Every conversation and shared moment reminded us of the grace of companionship. The flexibility and openness of everyone involved allowed us to focus less on the schedule and more on the relationships that matter.
These three days served as a beautiful reminder of what it means to be Jesuits, companions on a mission, united not by geography but by a common call and purpose. The laughter, the memories, the shared snacks during a movie outing, all of it echoed the deeper truth of our belonging.
As our companions continued their journey to Bangalore, we were left with a renewed sense of joy and purpose. What we experienced in those few days was a small but meaningful reflection of what it means to be Jesuits today, living in communion, across cultures and missions, but deeply united by one call, one province, and one shared love for Christ and His people.
We remain grateful for this time together and for the spirit of collaboration and friendship that marked every moment. May the same spirit continue to animate our mission, wherever we are, and may we never forget the gift we are to one another as brothers in the Society of Jesus.
