Fr Javier Melloni SJ of the Spiritual Centre of the cave of St Ignatius in Manresa, Spain was here with us in September. Here are the excerpts of the interview with him.Can you tell us about your work and the challenges in your mission?
I teach Theology in the Faculty of Theology of Catalonia (Barcelona). In the West, in spite of the secularism one can see a quest for spirituality. The main challenge is to offer a deep experience of God. God is the Abba of Jesus, the original fountain of everything. We are called to lead people to the source of their self, in the cave of their heart - from the exterior cave (St Ignatius’ cave) to their personal inner cave.
Father, what do you focus on in the retreat center?
Ignatian Spirituality leads to a deep experience of God that transforms the heart in order to find God in every person and in everything. Our goal is to lead people into the same experience of the Pilgrim (St Ignatius). People expect from us to have an open-mind and an open-heart and the wisdom of discernment in order to lead them in the depths of God and the Reality.
What gives you joy in the work that you do? What keeps you going? (Your personal inspiration)
When I live authentically and faithfully, when I celebrate the Eucharist with all my soul and with all my heart, then words, actions and thoughts flow luminous from within and they reach the hearts of the seekers. I am also in the Inter- Religious field. The encounters and meetings with other believers also nourish me.
What is the role of Ignatian spirituality in today's context?
The main contribution of Ignatian spirituality is the understanding of spiritual life as a process, a process from self-centredness to selflessness. What has to be discerned is whether a particular practice makes me more and more open to God, to others and to the world. It is not about contents but about dynamics. That is why Ignatian spirituality is very fit for our times.
What is the most important quality required of a Jesuit in the face of modern challenges?
The word ‘Jesuit’ comes from the Latin word “Jesu-ita” which means: “at the manner” (Ita) of Jesus,” “like Jesus”. So, like Jesus, two main things are required: to be rooted in the depth of the Father, the ultimate mystery of everything, and to be open to humankind, particularly the poorest and the excluded.
How can we attract the youth to Ignatian spirituality?
The characteristic of youth is authenticity, open mindedness, capacity to take risks and daring. If we live authentically, if we risk for the Lord and for the Gospel - that certainty will attract the youth; not because it is a strategy but because our lives will have the taste of Truth. That is what exactly happened with Jesus. We only have to be ita- Jesus, like Him.
Can you tell what it is to be a saint in today’s world?
To be a saint is the purpose of our vocation: to surrender our whole being to Christ. That means to feel, to look, to listen & to talk like Him. It requires all our life to make that transformation.
What did you like the most about your stay in India?
What I admire the most in Indians is the sense of the Divine. This gives you a very particular sense of life because you are deeply connected with the Absolute.
Thank You Fr Javier. (Interviewed by Novices Praveen Martis & Joseph Jerald)
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