Saturday, November 29, 2008

பெட்ரோ ARRUPE

Pedro Arrupe, one of the most dynamic and charismatic Generals in Jesuit history whose vibrant personality and enduring message as spiritual leader continue to inspire Jesuits and non-Jesuits alike, even eighteen years after his death, has almost become reference point to illumine the contemporary issues concerning the various facets of religious life.
The direct experience of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima and his travels throughout the whole world enormously enlarged the breadth of this fascinating Jesuit's vision and expanded the scope of his activity. His unflinching commitment to the cause of the poor and the marginalized by bringing in the justice component to the faith remained like a beacon of light even if it resulted in occasional misunderstandings with the hierarchy of the church.
"Arrupe, an exceptional Charismatic prophet, could see the future. For that reason, he was ahead of many who could not follow his footsteps. He was not only ' a man of his times' but he wished to prepare his men for the third millennium " - Cardinal Tarancon.
" Arrupe is one of the great men of our times. One who, according to the beautiful expression of John XXIII, knew how to see ahead of his time." Gustavo Gutierrez.