The picture is of the CLC members who renewed or made their commitments to Ignatian Spirituality and to CLC. CLC is a world-wide movement with deep and long Jesuit roots
and is quite active in Zambia. It is present in various places in the United States but not as strong as it is in other parts of the world. Jim McGloin, SJ is the Zambian moderator and asked me to give them a day of recollection. Jim and I entered Gonzaga together in 1962 so we have known each other for a long time. The retreat went well and it was good to be with this outstanding group.
I am at the novitiate compound on the outskirts of Lusaka. Last night we began the Province retreat for eight Jesuits who wanted a privately directed retreat. I give a conference each day and then see the men who want individual direction. The retreat reflects the diversity of this province with 2 Zambians, 2 Americans, 2 Poles, 1 Indian and 1 Irishman. One of the gifts is directing Bert Otten, SJ, who retired from Seattle University to come to Zambia to work in appropriate technology.
The novitiate, the infirmary, the library and the archives are all located in separate buildings in the compound. I am living in the infirmary in a true luxury room with its own bathroom. We eat with the novitiate community and I have a chance to get to know them. There are eighteen novices in the two years and they come from Zambia/Malawi Province and the Zimbabwe Province. We had an interesting dinner conversation talking about the Iraq War, the Zimbabwe situation and more. The novices are impressive. There could easily be a day when we will have a reverse in the missionary spirit
and is quite active in Zambia. It is present in various places in the United States but not as strong as it is in other parts of the world. Jim McGloin, SJ is the Zambian moderator and asked me to give them a day of recollection. Jim and I entered Gonzaga together in 1962 so we have known each other for a long time. The retreat went well and it was good to be with this outstanding group.
I am at the novitiate compound on the outskirts of Lusaka. Last night we began the Province retreat for eight Jesuits who wanted a privately directed retreat. I give a conference each day and then see the men who want individual direction. The retreat reflects the diversity of this province with 2 Zambians, 2 Americans, 2 Poles, 1 Indian and 1 Irishman. One of the gifts is directing Bert Otten, SJ, who retired from Seattle University to come to Zambia to work in appropriate technology.
The novitiate, the infirmary, the library and the archives are all located in separate buildings in the compound. I am living in the infirmary in a true luxury room with its own bathroom. We eat with the novitiate community and I have a chance to get to know them. There are eighteen novices in the two years and they come from Zambia/Malawi Province and the Zimbabwe Province. We had an interesting dinner conversation talking about the Iraq War, the Zimbabwe situation and more. The novices are impressive. There could easily be a day when we will have a reverse in the missionary spirit
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