Pedro Arrupe 3 of 5

Summary

Pedro Arrupe, the 28th Superior General of the Jesuits, embraced the transformative message of the Second Vatican Council, advocating for a church engaged with the world's social and technological changes. His vision, infectious and dynamic, emphasized the need for Jesuits to be at the forefront of addressing global issues like poverty and injustice. Arrupe's legacy continues through initiatives like the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, embodying the Jesuit mission of service to faith and the promotion of justice.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Father Pedro Arrupe was a key figure in embracing the message of the Second Vatican Council and the 31st General Congregation, focusing on the Church's role in the world.
• 🌐 He emphasized the need for the Church to adapt to the social and technological changes of the time, recognizing the challenges and dynamism within society.
• 🙏 Arrupe believed in the importance of faith illuminating the way to address the world's problems, advocating for a service that is both spiritual and responsive to material needs.
• 🌱 He promoted the idea that Jesuits should be unselfish and devoted to working for others, encapsulated in the motto 'Amen and Allelujah', signifying commitment to God's will and happiness in doing so.
• 🌍 His vision extended beyond Jesuits to include laypeople, influencing faith and justice initiatives like the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and the Ignatian Volunteer Corps.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Arrupe's legacy is particularly evident in the Jesuit Refugee Service, an organization he initiated to address the plight of refugees, which continues to serve millions worldwide.
• 🔄 He faced resistance from those within the Church who were uncomfortable with his emphasis on change and adaptation, viewing it as a departure from traditional practices.
• 📜 To address internal dissent and to solidify his vision, Arrupe convened the 32nd General Congregation, which resulted in the decree 'Our Mission Today: The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice'.
• 🗳️ Despite heated debates, the decree was ultimately passed with an overwhelming majority, reaffirming Arrupe's direction for the Jesuit mission and the importance of social justice.
• 🌱 Arrupe's emphasis on ongoing formation went beyond academic theology to include changing attitudes and adapting to the world's evolving needs.

Q & A

What was the message of the Second Vatican Council and the 31st General Congregation that AR Rupé embraced?

AR Rupé embraced the message of the Second Vatican Council and the 31st General Congregation concerning the church's role in the world, emphasizing a new birth and a dynamic approach to the challenges of social and technological change.

How did AR Rupé's approach to the vision of the church affect the Jesuits?

AR Rupé's personable, knowledgeable, and convincing approach made the vision of the church not only credible but also infectious among the Jesuits, inspiring them to engage with the challenges of the world.

What was the challenge that AR Rupé believed the church was facing at the time?

AR Rupé saw the church facing challenges that society had never had before, including tremendous social and technological changes, and a need to address the world's problems illuminated by faith.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Amen and Allelujah' in AR Rupé's vision?

In AR Rupé's vision, 'Amen and Allelujah' represents a commitment to doing God's will and finding happiness in serving others, which he believed should be the motto of Jesuits and lay people alike.

How did AR Rupé's ideals influence faith and justice initiatives today?

AR Rupé's ideals have influenced faith and justice initiatives like the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, which are tailored for Jesuit schools and parishes to serve faith and promote justice.

What was the primary motivation behind the establishment of the Jesuit Refugee Service?

The Jesuit Refugee Service was established by AR Rupé in response to the plight of Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s and serves the growing number of refugees worldwide.

What did AR Rupé believe was necessary for a coherent faith and apostolate?

AR Rupé believed that a coherent faith and apostolate must include faith and justice, as he saw poverty and injustice as deeply rooted in the systems of the world.

Why did some Jesuits resist AR Rupé's emphasis on change and adaptation?

Some Jesuits resisted AR Rupé's emphasis on change and adaptation because they believed it was a personal agenda that downgraded religious discipline and prayer, leading to a request for separation from the Society of Jesus.

What was the outcome of the 32nd General Congregation in relation to AR Rupé's priorities?

The 32nd General Congregation issued the decree 'Our Mission Today: The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice,' which, despite being hotly debated, passed with an overwhelming majority, confirming AR Rupé's priorities.

How did AR Rupé address the resistance and challenges he faced within the Society of Jesus?

AR Rupé addressed resistance by convening the 32nd General Congregation to clarify issues and gain support for the decisions made, emphasizing the need for ongoing formation and change in attitudes.