AJCU-EAO Official Website

AJCU-EAO Annual Meeting
August 25-26, 2009
Australia

DAY 1 – 25 August 2009, Thursday
Opening Session

7:00 pm – Prepandials (Recreation Room)
7:30 pm – Registration and Dinner (Dining Hall)
8:15 pm – Meeting

Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. started the session with a prayer. He then welcomed the participants and introduced the Australian Hosts Fr. Gerard Healy, S.J. (substituting for Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.) and Fr. Steve Curtin, S.J.

Fr. Gerard Healy, S.J., Australian Provincial Delegate for Education, welcomed the AJCU EAO Participants. He also gave a short background and history of the Australian Province.
Fr. Steve Curtin, S.J., Provincial Superior of Australia, welcomed the AJCU EAO Participants and hoped for a fruitful meeting.
Fr. Mark Raper, S.J., President of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania, gave his welcome remarks. He also cited the possibility of changing the name of the AJCU EAO to AJCU-“Asia Pacific.”
Fr. Joel Tabora gave an overview of the meeting:

A Summary on the number of participants, CEOs, countries, institutions, etc…
Goal: Thematize our shared Jesuit Educational Mission in the region and in the globe
Hoped for Self-Understanding of Identity and Discernment in working towards working more closely together.
Hoped to answer Fr. Paul Locatelli’s questions together on Catholic Identity and Jesuit Educational Mission.
Gave the key question for the meeting: What do we really want to do? Not Just Parallel to Each other but together in Synergy.

CEO Sharing

Fr. Ben Nebres, S.J., President of Ateneo de Manila University

Gave an overview of the general activities of AdMU
Shared some of the events and preparation for the Sesquicentennial celebration of the Ateneo de Manila University and the of Jesuit Education in the Philippines after the Jesuit Suppression. Along with this celebration, the AdMU is doing well in international rankings, has set good benchmarks, and is active in deepening spirituality.
AdMU is also engaged in Poverty through Social Entrepreneurship and Research.

Fr. Paulus Wiryono Priyotamtama, S.J., Rector of Sanata Dharma University

Gave a short report on the recently concluded Service Learning Program (SLP) which they had hosted this year.
He gave a brief summary of the statistics and shared some positive feedback from the SLP Participants.
Cited the hopes of the students from Korea for the SLP to be held in Sogang in 2010
Also shared some developments on research, focusing on “Being a Jesuit University in the Perspective of Transforming Indonesia into a Nation with High Dignity.”

Fr. Joseph Vu, S.J., Representative of the Jesuit Community of FuJen Catholic University

Stated that FuJen Univeristy has been reorganized.
Promoted Pastoral work for higher education on a different level
Cited some of the current socio-political situations in his country
For the Pastoral work, beside administration, also includes the management of the university’s Service Learning.
FuJen Catholic University will also celebrate next year the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Matteo Ricci, S.J. in China

Fr. Florge Sy, S.J., President of the Loyola College of Culion

Provided a brief description and history of LCC
Expressed his gratitude to the Ateneo de Naga University and the Jesuit Australian Province for their support
Cited the negative reaction of the people in Culion on the closing down of its elementary school due to financial constraints
LCC is currently focused on its BS Entrepreneurship Major in Tourism Program

Fr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., VP for Catholic Affairs of Sophia University

Stated that Sophia University is lucky this year
Mentioned the active and continuous internationalization of the university, visiting other universities and hopes for a deeper collaboration.
Cited also the possibility of providing joint-degrees
Stated that in Japan, the number of young people are decreasing dramatically and may affect the universities
Plans for sending a “Sophia Family” to Rome

Fr. Tony Moreno, S.J., President of Ateneo de Zamboanga University

Provided a brief background of AdZU
Shared some of the security concerns in Mindanao
Primary concern: Peace and Security (establishment and integration of a Peace Curriculum)
AdZU is working on its School of Medicine which is a darling program of the University
AdZU is also working well with the local Church, spending a lot of time attending clergy meetings for confidence building

Fr. Jung Taek Kim, S.J., Dean of Graduate School of Sogang University

Sogang University had a big event this year with the election of a new President, Jong Wook Lee, Ph.D.
For the last two months they’ve been working hard under his leadership planning for the future
In April 2010, Sogang University will celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary, with many activities
Currently developing a Core-Curriculum which includes Jesuit Education Program and Ignatian Formation
Sogang University hopes for deeper collaboration among Jesuit Schools in terms of International Projects

Dr. Patrick Boyle, Associate Provost of Loyola University Chicago

For its long term goal, LUC-Vietnam hopes for a Higher Educational Institute in Vietnam
They are deeply engaged in an evolving Leadership Seminar for university Rectors.
Also initiated small projects such as their own Service Learning, sending LUC students to Vietnam

9:30 pm – Session Ended; Socials (Recreation Room)

DAY 2 – 26 August 2009, Wednesday
Morning Session

7:00 am – Breakfast (Dining Hall)
8:15 am – Meeting (Conference Room)

Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. started the Morning Session with a prayer. He then introduced the first two speakers: Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. (JCEAO) and Mr. Duncan MacLaren (Thai-Burma Border Project).

First Presentation: Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania

Fr. Mark Raper, S.J., President of the JCEAO, started the session with background description and short history of the Conference, what the congregation asks for the ACJU EAO and the JCEAO.
Priorities in East Asia:

Jesuit Formation
Regions
Reimagine International Cooperation

Possible ways to cooperate internationally:

Common Works and Projects
Across Ministries
Cooperation Around Themes

There is a need to build bridges

General Congregation 35 called the Society to Engage in advocacy in order to practice our mission of reconciliation.

Study of Context of Our Mission in Asia Pacific

“Map” persons and institutions taking creative social initiatives
Find who will be helped by International Cooperation
Consult them to learn the context of Jesuit Mission in Asia Pacific Today

Aims: Mapping and Research

To gain greater insight into the social needs in Asia Pacific
To identify and encourage persons and institutions in the Jesuit Network with capacity for leadership
To build strategic partnerships among those persons and institutions
To help plan for international cooperation, institutions building, formation, and preparation of personnel to serve in mission

Steps taken in 2009

Identify 66 contacts in 13 countries
Personal Letter to each [contact]
Asked on what they were working [on] and how; whether an international network will help
51 (77%) responses
Now forming networks on Islam, Migration, Environment, etc…

8 themes of the Ignatian Advocacy Network:

Migration
Peace and Human Rights
Right of Quality of Education for all
Overseas Development Aid
Alternative Models of Sustainable Development
Governance of Natural Resources (reference to Indigenous People)
Ecology
Inter-Religious Dialogue (and Fundamentalism)

Fr. Mark gave details and updates on Migration, Jesuits among Muslims in Asia, Sustainable Models of Development, Development Aid, Ecology and Environment, Right of Quality Education for All and Governance of Natural Resources.
Next steps in mapping:

Identify the gaps in data
Identify other Jesuits and Collaborators to Survey
Fine-tune questionnaire (31 October 2009)
Decide on Methodology
Collect Data (28 February 2010)
Analyze
Report (31 May 2010)

The concept of Networking was then discussed, citing two concepts:

Symbiotic Networking – peer-to-peer exchanges for coordination and information between people and organizations doing similar things
Synergic Networking – multi-disciplinary, multi-level and focused on common mission (quoted from: Dani Villanueva, The Jesuit Way of Going Global)

After the Presentation:

Fr. Triatmoko inquired that on certain groups having parallel research; he asked if there’s any secondary assistance available for them.
Fr. Raper answered that he gave the same invitation but he didn’t get any responses. There is a small group already working on the mapping.
Fr. Tabora asked how the communication between the conference and the group of presidents might better work. The areas mentioned were areas which concern many of us. Research from universities had made good contributions but they haven’t been captured.
Fr. Raper remarked that proper communication is needed—to respond with clear and practical names, addresses, etc. There were problems with communications and there is a need to contact them properly. Synergy is most probably lacking.
Fr. Kim agreed that formation is important. He suggested that there should be some kind of International Regency Program for Scholastics which would help for Future Networking.
Fr. Mark then suggested that this summer, there will be a workshop for Scholastics in Communication. He also recommended that there be a workshop for Environmental Sustainability and asked if there were any possible university to host for this.

Second Presentation: Thai-Burma Border Project

The presentation started with a brief imagining of a refugee in a Thai-Burma Border camp—citing details on the various repressions, injustices, horrors, and troubles of being trapped and helpless.
He then gave a background on the location and figures. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) counts 140,000 refugees from Burma or Myanmar in the camps. In reality, the figure is much higher.
Testimonies from student-refugees were shared.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) has been involved in mostly online delivery of tertiary education to Burmese refugees since 2004 but it was an Australian Jesuit, Michael Smith, who had the original idea and set up the Refugee Tertiary Education Committee (RTEC).
Showed a picture of Aung San Suu Kyi, also known as The Lady, and gave a background on Burma
He then gave details on the diploma program (Liberal Studies)
He also showed the participants for the assistance. This time round, the students have had a great deal of face-to-face assistance
Students’ Progess:

The result was that two of the students received an High Distinction (HD) for Business Information Technology and there were five High Distinctions (HD) for Business Communication skills.
Most have finished Leadership Theory led by two professors from Gonzaga University and the students are now doing ‘An Introduction to Anthropology’, both of them done entirely online.

Description of the Pedagogical Methodology:

Online with some face-to-face lecturing with the lecturer
Purely Online
Online with Permanent onsite tutor to assist with English and be liason with the lecturer.
Purely face-to-face (Human Rights Only)

Difficulties and Dillemas:

Political Instability
Internet
Lack of Awareness of the New Lecturers
Division Between Students who work and students who are in the study center.
Resettlement
Financial Sustainability in the future

The Good News:

The students are getting through – but, for the most part, at a slower pace than anticipated
Some are doing very well, achieving High Distinctions (HD) and Distinctions (DI)
Relevance of units
Learning to be leaders
Learning to broaden their horizons
Lecturers report some students have “amazing insights” – causing transformation in the lecturer
And the program won the ‘best collaborative international project’ at B-HERT awards last December

They are also now getting involved in some research with the help of ACU’s Quality of Life and Social Justice Research Centre. The program was recently a recipient of an award by the Faculty Research Grant scheme
Slides on Lessons Learnt [some evaluations] showed

listen to the refugees themselves in terms of course content
shape the courses offered more to the requirements and circumstances of the refugees – and avoid colloquial language and using terms from a Western culture without explanation
test the candidates for the course well
choose candidates with the appropriate educational qualifications, fluent oral and written English and a motivation to help others – there should be a commitment to contribute to the common good.
establish infrastructure
ensure a speedy internet connection
improve academic English, IT and study skills before embarking on a course
provide a tutor onsite
include all ethnic groups and be as gender-balanced as possible (but be sensitive to cultural considerations too)
build in peace-building and reconciliation practice into programs – especially if the group is ethnically mixed and there are historical tensions between the groups
ensure tensions are not built up between ‘local’ people (who have no access to free tertiary education) and refugees
have some face-to-face tutorials. Doing it entirely online will not work. Refugees are often traumatised and require affective as well as effective interaction.

The Link Between the Thai-Burma Border Project and the Jesuit Commons (21st Century Incatnation of a 16th Century Vision):

Tap the potential of the international Jesuit network to provide tertiary education to refugees globally
Link Jesuit Refugee Service with Jesuit universities, using modern technologies (internet, flash drives etc.)
Transcends boundaries
Involve whole of the Society acting together
Assessment in Malawi

Mary and Tom McFarland of Gonzaga University, tutors on the Thai-Burma border, are doing an assessment for a similar project in Dzaleka Camp north of Lilongwe, capital of Malawi, under the auspices of JRS.
Mr. MacLaren also commented that if the Diploma continues next year, it would be wonderful to have some input from the Asian/Oceania universities to make the program more relevant to the students’ Asian context. If you want to be involved, now is your chance.
Quoted Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. : We are rooted in a lot of places. And taking advantage of being deeply inserted in so many places and acting commonly is something that we are just beginning to understand.
Quoted Fr. Peter Kolvenbach, S.J.: An institution of higher learning and research can become the instrument of justice in the name of the Gospel.
The presentation ended with a poem of hope written by Seamus Heany, from The Cure of Troy.

After the Presentation:

Fr. Hollerich inquired about the estimated cost of the project.
Mr. MacLaren said that it’s not cheap. The budget this year is over $130,000, most of which comes from Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the others from the Jesuit Universities while some come from Fundraisers.
Fr. Hollerich also asked if Graduate Students could be involved.
Mr. MacLaren said that it would be possible.
Fr. Florge Sy, S.J. asked if there were any preparation for them to understand where the visitors were coming from.
Mr. MacLaren said that there were some orientation briefings that were updated often. The ACU, JRS, and Caritas Australia were involved in these matters and made some mistakes because they didn’t have any background. So an alliance for International Programs was made.

9:45 am – Break
10:00 am – Continuation of Morning Session

After the break, Fr. Tabora introduced the third speaker, Fr. Paul Locatelli (Secretary of the ICJHE).

Third Presentation: Preparations for the World Meeting of Presidents and the ACJU EAO.

Fr. Locatelli gave some background and information on all the previous meetings:

The meeting will be held in Mexico, 22-24 April 2010
Jesuit Education at the Frontiers
Seeing Ourselves as a learned Ministry
Faith and Justice in Dialogue and Culture

21st Century Challenges and Responses (2007)

Identity and Mission
Service to the Church and to the Society
Distinctive Quality in Research, Teaching, and Curriculum
Governance and Collegiality
Fiscal Crisis and Accessibility

One of the recurring things discussed is the Global Network
Jesuit Education

Purpose

Measure of our quality is who are students become
Well-educated Solidarity

Pedagogy

Contact and Concept
Human Rights and Responsibility

Critical to Purpose

Who our faculty are

Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J. wanted to move forward on this:

Areas (Jesuit Formation, All Jesuit Ministries, etc…)
Importance (Teaching, Research, and Service to the Society and Church)
Definition and Understanding of the Intellectual Apostolate

Fr. Locatelli hopes to keep the process moving and going forward, he wants everyone to be on the right track.
The theme for the meeting is Shaping the Future: Jesuit Higher Education for the Globalizing World.Participants are the Presidents/Rectors, Faculty, and other colleagues.
The Aim: How can the JHE committed to faith and justice:

Enhance Equality?
Select and Address together serious frontier Problems?
Strengthen Identity and Mission?
Become and effective global network?

The Agenda and Goals (underlying each an Intellectual depth—from inspiration to reality):

Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J.: Revisioning the JHE
Regional Challenges of the Six Regions
Identity and Mission – 6 Cultural Context
Frontiers and Challenges – Universality
Jesuit Commons – Cooperation in Ministry

GOAL: Create a Structural/Global Network

Website as the first step
Resource for Research
Cooperation in creating knowledge and exchanging ideas/data
Anything the faculty and the administrators wish—within reasonable possible

Frontier Challenges were then presented:

Fiscal Crisis, Markets Inequality, and Poverty
Ecology and Eco-Sustainablitity
Theology, Science and Culture
Human Rights and Civic Responsibility (which cuts through all the three other issues)

The latest Letter and Schedule of the event were passed to the members
Fr. Locatelli hoped that we could move forward together, not only in Higher Education but also other branches such as Secondary Education
During the Conference in Mexico, the participants will be clustered in small group discussions, and they will stick to one topic for three days.
Fr. Locatelli then stated what is requested in ACJU EAO:

Regional Challenges (care of Fr. Joel Tabora)
Identity and Mission in Cultural Context
Frontiers and Challenges

After the Presentation:

Fr. Triatmoko asked if there will be any position or stand on multinational companies that affect our world (e.g. Financial Crisis).
Fr. Locatelli wasn’t sure but there will be some who would write something on Technology.
Dr. Boyle asked for some clarification on the extent of the involvement of the Faculty/Lay.
Fr. Locatelli stated that as much as possible, more people should be involved.
Fr. Vu stated that there is a crisis that many people don’t like to choose the Intellectual Apostolate; how to train them together and make them aware of the Intellectual apostolate is still very much important.
Fr. Locatelli remarked that for Jesuit Formation, Intellectual Apostolate is extremely important; you have to be intellectual to whatever you’re doing.
Fr. Raper also added that one of the challenges faced today is to move a significant number of Jesuit recruits from being basic to academic. There are challenges in the early stage of formation. Certain Provinces and Regions themselves don’t know where to start. There is a need to work closely with the Intellectual Apostolate.
Fr. Priyotamtama also asked about the participation of women in the conference. Fr. Locatelli hopes to have a good number of women participants. He also hopes for ethnic and geographic diversity.
Fr. Nebres asked on what level and in what context the Intellectual discussion should be.
Fr. Locatelli said that it should be through public intellectual approach and hopes for the conversation to avoid being abstract and for it to be delve more on the experiences that we are dealing with today.
Fr. Moreno suggested that if the goal is global network, it would be wise to already have a discussion on how we are going to set this up.
Fr. Locatelli said that we will have a framework which can go on different directions which would be a useful tool in acting as resource for the administrative side and faculty and use it.

Jesuit Catholic Identity in the Region

After the Presentation of Fr. Locatelli, Fr. Tabora then opened the discussion on a question that been raised earlier by Fr. Locatelli: What is distinct about the Jesuit Educational Mission of the AJCU EAO. An intensive dialogue among members followed, revealing critical thoughts and insights on the matter. Here are the some of the extracted points:

Fr. Priyotamtama started the dialogue by stating that there is the realization of the richness of religion and culture in the region. Concerning the shared Jesuit Educational Mission, he stated that there should be a distinct way of proceeding on our Intellectual Apostolate. The formation of Jesuits and Lay Collaborators is also important so they could contribute further to the Intellectual Apostolate.

Fr. Ben Nebres, S.J. stated that there were some cross-cutting viewpoints. One of them is the underlying attitudes towards the person, self, and community. If one would look at the spectrum of the person versus the community, our region is strong on the community side. He also added that in our context, relationships come first. He also noted that in the various notions of the self: the western context is strong in the individual self while our region is strong in the relational self.

Fr. Gerard Healy, S.J. digressed: once he was in a Jesuit institution somewhere in the EAO region, he had conversed with people there who mentioned that they had somebody who was not Christian but was strongly inclined to the Jesuit Ethos.

Fr. Nebres offered a remark from the angle of Theology and Science: This region did not go through the trauma of the Enlightenment. There was no historical baggage. The believers and scientists in our region mostly have a cordial dialogue and they would listen to each other.

Fr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J. stated that for some countries in the region like Japan, Christianity was not the shaper of its culture. He mentioned for a need for a humble approach. Intellectual Humility is important when it comes to formulating our identity.

Fr. Benedictus Triatmoko, S.J. remarked on the significant number of the youth in the region, and how we are still trying to reach out to them.

Fr. Ben Nebres remarked further on the situation and movement of the ASEAN and how socio-economic forces could affect our region. He suggested that the AJCU EAO would have to think about how to operate within the presence of ASEAN.

Fr. Gerard Healy, S.J. commented that the term “Catholic,” in terms of Identity, is generic. Jesuits give character by sharing the story or narrative that the people could identity with. The formation given to the faculty is sharing with them the story of Saint Ignatius, Saint Francis Xavier, etc... The Jesuit narrative provides a more personal approach to the individual.

Prof. E. Young Song shared an observation that only half of the Faculty members in Sogang University were Catholics. In terms of research at Sogang University, some of them were in harmony with the Jesuit Principles. He also observed that the research for Markets/Financial Crisis, which is critical in our time, is very market-based, and that their context has no correlation with belief. He also wondered how Christianity can be incorporated in their research

Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. recalled that then-university President, Byungdoo Sohn, aimed to bring in Ignatian formation to Sogang University, and asked where they are now.

Fr. Andrew Kim, S.J. answered that Pres. Sohn did emphasize Jesuit Formation to the Community but it didn't move forward. It was incorporated in the orientation of the new faculty members but in terms of Jesuit Spirituality and Education, it wasn't very active—that was the reality.

Prof. Song also made an observation about the different universities in Korea, in which Protestant and, currently, Buddhist universities require their students to be believers. Catholic universities are more generous as they accept and work with non-believers.

Fr. Kim followed up that faculty in Sogang University were given freedom to do research. They are also now heading to an area which has an atmosphere of formation, spirituality, mission, and identity. Sogang University is also getting more serious in giving formation to the faculty and they were forming a curriculum based on Jesuit Mission and Identity.

Fr. Hollerich also shared that in Sophia University, most of the students and teachers were non-Catholics. Also, finding teachers which were Catholics was also difficult. He recalled that in the past, the Catholic identity of Sophia University was formed by the Jesuits. He also remarked that Catholic Universities in Japan had to be international, even their forefathers came from different nations. The movement of Internationalization was not just a response to globalization but a vocation in correlation with history.

Fr. Tabora shared that once he had the idea that perhaps we could define what a Jesuit University is, however, in the region of East Asia and Oceania, schools are going in different ways. We are all different universities and we are defining what it is to be Jesuit along the way.

Fr. Nebres said that it would be very much helpful to go back to the narratives. He made an observation that the Society wasn't formed within the monastery; rather it was formed in a university. He also pointed out that it might not be the abstract things that we should ponder upon but our history and traditions. We should talk about the rich heritage that we have.

Fr. Hollerich commented that the choices that we make are very important, and our process in decision-making is very much Jesuit in terms of identity. He remarked that we had this great freedom to choose and hoped that it would be put in the right direction in the future.

Dr. Torres shared that she was impressed by the fact that the Ateneo de Zamboanga University had a prayer room for Muslims. She added that whether Christian or Muslim, our mission is the formation of good persons or good professionals.

Fr. Joseph Vu, S.J. commented on the importance of the formation of the good Jesuits. In Taiwan, the Jesuits couldn't do anything more than just to be there and lead the way. He also stated that the faculty also had the choice in accepting Jesuit Teachings.

Bro. Joseph Dao, S.J. stated that the Jesuit Education must be the care for the whole person. He said that it is important for the person not only to learn but also how he can live in that learning. In Vietnam, they are trying to introduce the students to the Jesuit Traditions and Jesuit Education. They also had their own service learning where they sent representatives to Indonesia to observe a Jesuit Institution. He also gave emphasis to the importance of Cura Personalis in instruction.

Fr. Priyotamtama cited that there were some Ignatian Values and Concepts which seem to be more attractive to the local students and teachers as they blend well with the local philosophy—the concept of the integration of the creator and the creature. He highlighted the concepts Finding God in All Things and Cura Personalis as examples.

Fr. Triatmoko remarked that aside from Governance, there is a need to look closely at the relationships: its degree of quality and its impact. He cited an example: that Jesuits from one institution to another have good communication, but communication between the Jesuits and the faculty is very much different as most do not have communication at all. He also asked how one institution can be considered as a “Jesuit Institution.” There must be something fundamental we could agree upon to measure how one institution is Jesuit.

Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. stated that institutions are defined to be “Jesuit” when it is given a mission by the Society. If the mission cannot be fulfilled then the Society withdraws the mission from the institution. It is our task to relate our activity with the mission given by the Society. We also have to look on how the story of Saint Ignatius could relate to the teachings in the institution.

Fr. Florge Sy, S.J. highlighted two levels of a Jesuit institution: 1.) the giftedness of a particular institution and the needs of a particular context which varies from place to place and 2.) how that institution addresses the particular need of the context.

Fr. Triatmoko, S.J. asked if there might be some minimum standard on how an institution is faithful to the Jesuit Traditions.

Dr. Torres remembered how the Church became an important force in EDSA I. In this she made a query on Faith and Justice: How are the Justice Issues addressed in other countries? If Justice is a reflection of our faith, how is it reflected to other countries which are non-Catholic?

Fr. Nebres remarked that our region is filled with very powerful and ancient cultures having their own traditions, and we should be respectful to them. The Church, which is very much western in context, should try to connect to these cultures—let them guide us through.

Fr. Tony Moreno, S.J. also remarked that having great religions and traditions, Inter-religious and Inter-Cultural dialogue is very crucial in our region.

Fr. Healy provided questions for reflection: Are the institutions genuinely responding to the ideals that the Society has expected of them? Are they taking them seriously in performing the mission? Is the institution really doing the mission given to it by the Society?

Fr. Locatelli remarked that there should be an integration of Academic Excellence and Spiritual Excellence and we need to piece them together in our context in ways that it fits our various cultures.

Fr. Nebres stated that there is a need for academic excellence, service learning, and concern for the poor. There are some distinctive attributes in our region, maybe not abstractly but concretely. It might sound the same in abstract formulation, but it might be different when put concrete action.

Nearing 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Fr. Tabora closed the discussion to prepare for lunch. As a final remark, he stated that what the members are doing together gave deeper insight to what is distinct in our region. We need to bridge things together through our mission.

Afternoon Session

1:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – Continuation of Meeting

The Afternoon session started with Fr. Tabora clarifying on who could vote during the referendum. For this Annual Meeting, they were:

Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J.
Fr. Ben Nebres, S.J.
Fr. Tony Moreno, S.J.
Fr. Florge Sy, S.J.
Fr. Bob Buenconsejo, S.J.
Fr. Paulus Priyotamtama, S.J.
Fr. Benedictus Triatmoko, S.J.
Fr. Jean-Claude Hollerich
Fr. Joseph Vu, S.J.
Bro. Joseph Dao, S.J.
Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.

First Proposed Resolution was from Fr. Priyotamtama granting the request of the students of the recently concluded Service Learning Program:

That the 2010 Service Learning Program (SLP) be held in or Korea and Japan.

Fr. Tabora asked Sogang and Sophia if any of the two universities could host next year’s SLP.
Fr. Hollerich volunteered for Sophia University.

There being no questions or objections, it was resolved that the 2010 Service Learning Program be held in Japan, to be hosted by Sophia University.

The meeting continued with a presentation from the committee on shared research with Ms. Elisabeth Enerio (Substituting for Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J.), Fr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, Fr. Benediktus Triatmoko, and Fr. Paulus Priyotamtama).

Fourth Presentation: Updates from the Ad Hoc Research Committee

The Ad Hoc Research Committee gave their status report:

October 2008: the Survey Strategy did not work
December 2008: there were informal visits to Sogang, Sophia, Ateneo de Manila, and Xavier University to map potential research areas and interests.
January 2009: there was a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee held in Manila.

There was an agreement in using the term “Flagship Committee” instead of “Research Center.”
Assigning of Research Areas

Sophia University – Environment
Ateneo de Manila – Migration
Sanata Dharma University – Inter-Religious Dialogue
Sogang University – Economics
ATMI Solo – Sustainable Technology
Australia (Frank Brennan) – Justice

Important suggestions have been raised:

AJCU EAO has to establish a working team to produce a Collaborative Research Agenda, including its funding.
AJCU EAO will reflect on some elements which will characterize the Jesuit Identity on the research works.

These are also some of the directions suggested by the research committee:

Inter-Religious Dialogue

Our different ways of promoting the dialogue in the region
What works and what does not (problems and best practices)
Theologies and catechism that can help dialogue

Economics

Main drivers of wealth and asset creation in Asia-Pacific
interlocking, transnational impacts of our economic activities (e.g. East ASEAN Growth Area, regional currency, etc)
sustainable development as understood and applied in Asia-Pacific

areas where this is and is not happening
barriers and best practices

Sustainable Technology

Clean and indigenous technologies for housing, energy, transport, etc

country and regional priorities
barriers and best practices

Technology transfer (or sharing) as applied in Asia-Pacific

hard and soft technology (hardware and people) transfer
training modules

Regional database of technical resources, tools, suppliers, technologies

After the presentation:

Fr. Hollerich stated that it is an important task to map the research areas. We have to start with reality: what is done in the different research fields by every university. There were fields that they’re now working on and there were possibilities of new things which could be linked up to the present. There are also some research which are not important at the moment.
Fr. Hollerich also brought out that there was a need for all the people to meet and communicate to do research. There was also a need to have a certain leadership, to assess reality, to see what is possible, and to draw some ideas from the research.
Fr. Triatmoko proposed to have a follow-up team to work on the ground level.
Fr. Hollerich added that it was important for the Committee to meet at least twice a year.
A standing committee was established through a resolution. The committee would be able to appoint themselves collaborators within or outside their respective universities. The committee could propose a budget and it will be handled as much as possible.
Second Resolution:

That instead of the formed Ad Hoc Committee on Research, a Standing Committee (Research Flagship) be established.
There being no questions or objections, it was resolved that the Standing Committee (Research Flagship) be established. The members are as follows:

Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J.
Fr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J.
Fr. Paul Priyotamtama, S.J.
Fr. Benedictus Triatmoko, S.J.
Mr. Augustinus Supratiknya
Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.

Third Resolution:

That Sanata Dharma University will coordinate Research on Inter-Religious Dialogue.
There being no questions or objections, it was resolved that the Sanata Dharma University will coordinate Research on Inter-Religious Dialogue.

As a follow-up, Fr. Tabora reminded the members of the papers concerning the four areas requested by Fr. Locatelli
Fourth Resolution:

That the papers requested by Fr. Paul Locatelli, S.J. for the World Conference of Jesuit Universities be written by the appropriate research focus namely:

Theology, Science and Culture

Sanata Dharma University

Fiscal Crisis, Markets Inequality and Poverty

Sogang University

Ecology and Eco-Sustainability

Sophia University

Human Rights and Civic Responsibility

Australia (Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.)

Prof. E. Young Song wanted to know more about the nature of the paper.
Fr. Locatelli explained that the paper should be for the public intellectual. It was for the people who deal with them in ordinary life.
Prof. Song then made a follow-up question on the number of pages
Fr. Locatelli suggested for the length of the paper to be around 10 pages.
Fr. Nebres asked how these papers be used in the conference
Fr. Locatelli said that people will read these papers and be discussed in small group discussions.
Fr. Nebres then asked how the paper would be shaped so it might lead to cooperative work.
Fr. Locatelli said that the scope of the paper is not only exclusive for the East Asia and Oceania.
There being no more questions or objections, it was resolved that a.) the papers requested by Fr. Paul Locatelli, S.J. for the World Conference of Jesuit Universities be written by the appropriate research-focus university and b.) that the names of the Principal Authors of the papers be submitted to Fr. Paul Locatelli, S.J. or Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. as soon as possible.

Fifth Resolution:
Fr. Tabora then asked the members for a resolution of Support and Research on Inter-Religious, Inter-Cultural, and Interpersonal Level on Islam.

Fr. Nebres commented that there is not enough work communicated about the particular shape of Islam in South East Asia, and there is nothing specific written about it or understood.
Fr. Moreno stated that Islam has different streams; there is a need to understand the dynamics of Islam in South East Asia.
Fr. Triatmoko asked if the problem is Islam itself or Fundamentalism
Fr. Nebres answered that for South East Asia, it really concerns in the understanding of Islam itself. There is a need to understand the broader concept. Ignorance towards Islam is also a problem in the region.
Fr. Tabora clarified that a resolution is not being forced. It is just a way in trying to know the religion better as a response of the growing phenomenon of Islam around the world. It was not only for the research but also for personal relationship. Part of the Service Learning will be the contact with Islam.
Fr. Triatmoko stated that the ACJU EAO should support the assistancy efforts relative to the standing relationship with Islam.
Fr. Raper digressed on the people who have already done research on Islam. In terms of a research agenda they had no more agenda than to share the papers that they are already writing. Individually, these people could help advise the other experts but they are not yet cohesive with other projects. A resolution of support for them is very important.
There being no more questions or objections, it was resolved that beyond making Islam a focus of research, the ACJU EAO work together to promote personal inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue with Islam, especially as Islam is actually lived in our region.

The meeting then continued with Fr. Tabora raising the ASEAN as an important frontier, this might also be a focus for all the members working together; For AJCU EAO to engage the political-economic formation in ASEAN.
Fr. Nebres gave some updates on the last meeting of ASEAN leaders. Some of the points raised were the possibility of lifting of tariffs and the ASEAN registry of professionals for a more mutual recognition of credentials.
Fr. Nebres also stated the involvement of the Ateneo de Manila University in ASEAN matters, one of which was the formulation of the Korean Charter.
Fr. Raper stated that Fr. Hollerich mentioned the possibility of having an “OCIPE” for Asia.
Fr. Hollerich then provided a brief description of the OCIPE which is a group focusing issues and advocacies in Europe. OCIPE is also Ignatian-based and is composed primarily of Jesuits.
Fr. Joel stated that we are basically accepting the challenge to address ASEAN concerns as the ASEAN develops and is becoming more influential in this part of the world. The idea might be to have a lobbying group for it.
Sixth Resolution:

That the AJCU EAO will together address ASEAN Concerns.
There being no questions or objections, it was resolved that the AJCU EAO will together address ASEAN concerns. Ateneo de Manila will spearhead the activity.

Before the break. Fr. Tabora introduced Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J. to the AJCU EAO members to give a brief on his activities concerning the Bill of Rights in Australia.

Fr. Brennan gave a short history on the current development of the Bill of Rights in Australia:

He was teaching at Georgetown University late last fall when he received a phone call asking if he would serve in a committee appointed by the government to look at human rights in Australia.
He hesitated at first but thought it would be appropriate because he knew that the government doesn’t have a clear policy on this and they wanted to listen to the Australian Community.
When he was at Rome for a meeting, he was called out by the Attorney General and was tasked to Chair the Committee (he has been its Chair for almost eight months now).
He said that he had received different perspectives and 70 community consultations—experiencing firsthand the concerns of the people.
As of the moment, there are over 40,000 submissions and he is finalizing a report to be completed on the 30 September 2009.

3:30 pm – Break (Group Pictorial at the Garden)
4:15 pm – Continuation of the Meeting

After the break, the case of the Loyola School of Theology was presented to the members. In the absence of Fr. Jose Mario Francisco, President of the LST, Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. was the one to discuss it.

LST is increasing its commitment in the International Program to respond to the request of Fr. Kolvenbach to the conference 7 or 8 years ago saying that it is a shame that in Asia, when we talk about Asian Theology, people only understand Indian Theology. He was talking about Theological Research—writing something out of our context.
When the Major Superiors came to consider the matter, they presented two challenges:

Research
Formation of the People

While we have six or eight schools of Theology, they were not placed where we need them (e.g. Vietnam, Myanmar, East Timor, etc…)
They decided that we would establish an International Theology Program. after some discussion, the Loyola school of theology was tasked to develop an International Theology Program
For any faculty, this is a big demand because they had their own agenda and local needs to the Church; there is a risk of being distracted from that agenda. There is also an international requirement.
Over the last year, they had brought together a working group coming from Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia) and in this group, they had set a principal:

Schools of Theology will be international in their perspective, and as far as possible we’ll have people able to have degrees mutually recognized. So that professors and students will be able to do a semester here. They are progressing on that on an Ad Hoc Basis.

Such program hoped for real support from the AJCU EAO members.
The courses offered required teachers from outside, the context that they deal with has an essential preliminary for inter-religious dialogue and also teaching methods had to suit an international group. So they need a lot of help for that.
As a project of the Philippine Province, the LST is currently financially challenged.
The LST is already quite international, some congregations send their people for their studies. Some national groups and even lay people have also been sent.
The next step would be good Theological Research.
Fr. Tabora stated the possibility that some universities may send their faculty to LST for Theological Formation.

Before the Business Meeting, Fr. Triatmoko shared some projects that might open doors for collaboration. The project presented is the I-CELL Seed Incubator and the Ecohome.

Formal Business Meeting

Election of AJCU EAO Officers

Nominations for the position of Chair was opened

Fr. Moreno nominated Fr. Tabora
Fr. Nebres seconded the motion

Seventh Resolution:

That Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. be re-elected as Chairman of the AJCU EAO for a term of three (3) years.
There being no questions or objections. It was resolved that Fr. Tabora be re-elected as Chairman of the ACJU EAO for a term of three (3) years.
Nominations for the position of Vice-Chair were opened

Fr. Triatmoko nominated Fr. Moreno
Fr. Moreno respectfully declined his nomination and recommended the Vice-Chair to be from a country other than the Philippines
Fr. Kim nominated Fr. Priyotamtama and found no objections

Eighth Resolution:

That Fr. Paulus Wiryono Priyotamtama be elected as Vice-Chairman of the AJCU EAO for a term of three (3) years.
There being no questions or objections, it was resolved that Fr. Paulus Wiryono Priyotamtama, S.J be elected as Vice-Chairman of the AJCU EAO for a term of three (3) years.

Ninth Resolution:

That the Financial Report of 2008-2009 be approved
There being no questions of objections. It was resolved that the AJCU EAO Financial Report of 2008-2009 be approved.

Tenth Resolution:

That the Budget for 2009-2010 be approved
There being no questions of objections, it was resolved that the AJCU EAO Budget for 2009-2010 be approved.

Fr. Joel then raised the case of the quorum, citing the possibility of not having a number needed to have a quorum. He asked if there was a need to change the bylaws to respond to this possible problem. He also noted that any definition of the quorum which discourages participation of the HEI heads should be avoided.
No alternative solutions having been presented, the quorum still remains the same, however, Fr. Tabora is still open to any suggestions on formulas that will help respond to such problems.
Fr. Tabora then noted that ASEACCU 2010 will be held in Assumption University in Bangkok, Thailand. The AJCU EAO follows the venue of the ASEACCU. Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. will help in recommending a venue for next year’s annual meeting.
Eleventh Resolution:

That the next AJCU EAO Annual Meeting be in Bangkok, Thailand (following the ASEACCU). Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. will make recommendations on a possible venue for the AJCU EAO 2010.
There being no questions or objections. It was resolved that the next AJCU EAO Annual Meeting be in Bangkok, Thailand (following the ASEACCU). Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. will make recommendations on a possible venue for the AJCU EAO 2010.

Fr. Tabora then formally ended the meeting.

4:30 pm – Eucharistic Celebration at the Canisius Chapel; Fr. Joseph Vu, S.J. was the main celebrant.
6:30 pm – The AJCU EAO members and the Australian hosts went to St. Aloysius College at Milson’s point for some socials and to meet Fr. John Ross, S.J., Principal of the school.
8:00 pm – The AJCU EAO members and the Australian hosts went to Ripples Restaurant for Dinner.

AJCU EAO 2009 ANNUAL MEETING RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution no. 1:

That the 2010 Service Learning Program be held in Japan, to be hosted by Sophia University.

Resolution no. 2:

That instead of the formed Ad Hoc Committee on Research, a Standing Committee (Research Flagship) be established. The members are as follows:

Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J.
Fr. Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J.
Fr. Paul Wiryono Priyotamtama, S.J.
Fr. Benediktus Triatmoko, S.J.
Mr. Augustinus Supratiknya
Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.

[The universities below will focus on the following areas:
Sanata Dharma University:                 Inter-Religious Dialogue
Sophia University:                              Environment
Sogang University:                             Economics
Ateneo de Manila University:             Migration
ATMI Solo:                                         Technology
Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.:                      Social Justice/Human Rights

Resolution no. 3:

That Sanata Dharma University will coordinate Research on the Inter-religious Dialogue

Resolution no. 4:

4a. That the papers requested by Fr. Paul Locatelli, S.J., for the World Conference of Jesuit Universities be written by the appropriate research focus namely:

Theology, Science and Culture:                                 Sanata Dharma University
Fiscal Crisis, Markets Inequality and Poverty:           Sogang University
Ecology and Eco-Sustainability:                                 Sophia University
Human Rights and Civic Responsibility:                    Fr. Frank Brennan, S.J.

4.b. That the names of the Principal Authors of the papers be submitted to Fr. Paul Locatelli, S.J. or Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. as soon as possible.

Resolution no. 5:

That beyond making Islam a focus of research, the AJCU EAO work together to promote personal inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue with Islam, especially as Islam is actually lived in our region.

Resolution no. 6:

That AJCU EAO will together address ASEAN Concerns. Ateneo de Manila will spearhead the activity.

Resolution no. 7:

That Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. be re-elected as Chairman of the AJCU EAO for a term of three (3) years.

Resolution no. 8:

That Fr. Paul Wiryono Priyotamtama be elected as Vice-Chairman of the AJCU EAO for a term of three (3) years

Resolution no. 9:

That the Financial Report of 2008-2009 be approved.

Resolution no. 10:

That the budget for 2009-2010 be approved.

Resolution no. 11:

That the next AJCU EAO Annual Meeting be in Bangkok, Thailand (following the ASSEACU). Fr. Mark Raper, S.J. will make recommendations on a possible venue for the AJCU EAO 2010.