On 25–27 June 2026, the Jesuit Regional Superior of the Independent Region of Timor-Leste, Fr Erik John J. (EJ) Gerilla SJ, convened the Regional Jesuit Social and Media Ministries’ Cluster Meeting, gathering collaborators from Jesuit Social Service (JSS), Railaco Mission both Clinica Nain-Feto Virgem Maria (CNFVM) and Centro Gonzaga Training Centre, including Casa de Produção Audiovisual (CPA). The three-day meeting provided an opportunity to deepen collaboration, strengthen our shared mission, and reflect on how these ministries can respond more effectively to today’s challenges through the lens of Ignatian spirituality.
The meeting began with a session led by Fr EJ, started with self-introduction and check-in which included time for spiritual conversation among the participants using guided questions for reflection.
Following this introductory session, Fr. Xavier “Xave” L. Olin, SJ, Superior of the Jesuit Province of the Philippines, presented on “Ignatian Spirituality for the Social Apostolates of the Society of Jesus”. Fr Olin invited participants to reflect on the values that shape Jesuit mission and collaboration: gratitude, the Magis, friendship with the poor, interior knowledge, and being friends in the Lord. Quoting Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, he reminded participants that living the Magis means allowing God to lead us beyond our comfort zones toward greater freedom, deeper love, more generous service, and lasting joy.
Image: Fr. Xavi, SJ, presenting the topic to the participants.
The second day focused on a central question: What does it mean to be a faith-based organisation? Through dialogue, prayer, and shared experiences, participants reflected on the identity and mission of the Jesuit Social and Media ministries in Timor-Leste. The discussion emphasized that, guided by our Ignatian spirituality principles, every ministry, programme, and decision should be an expression of Christian faith and a means of bringing people closer to God.
Fr. EJ, pointed out that a faith-based organisation is not simply an institution that provides services. Rather, it is a community committed to promoting human dignity, accompanying those in need, and working for justice. Inspired by Christ’s ministry of proclaiming the Good News, healing the sick, welcoming the marginalized, and caring for the forgotten, the Jesuit mission seeks to respond not only to material needs but also to restore hope, dignity, and spiritual well-being through compassionate service.
Another important session introduced the work of Habitat for Humanity, highlighting how this international organization has transformed communities through adequate housing and sustainable development since 1976. Using Habitat for Humanity’s story as a case study, Fr Erik John invited participants to reflect on how Jesuit ministries might strengthen their own apostolic work by embracing the principle of “starting small and growing through networking.”
On the final day, participants brainstormed on the ways to expand collaboration through three complementary forms of networking: Volunteer Networks, Material Networks, and Affiliate Networks. Throughout the sessions, they identified opportunities to build stronger partnerships, mobilize resources, and foster greater collaboration among Jesuit ministries and mission partners.
The Regional Cluster Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to continue serving with faith, compassion, and justice. Guided by Ignatian spirituality and strengthened through collaboration, the Jesuit Social and Media Ministries in Timor-Leste look forward to building networks that will enhance their mission of accompanying communities, promoting human dignity, and proclaiming the Good News through both social action and communications.
Written by:
Iriana Soares, ETR Communications Officer