Tempo Forte 2026

On : 2026-05-27

Tempo Forte 2026 was held on 13 May 2026 at Loyola Mandir, Bengaluru. The gathering began with an introductory session and prayer service led by the Socius, Fr Arun Kumar, based on the theme “Deep calls to Deep.” Fr Dionysius Vaz, the Provincial, welcomed the participants and outlined the key agenda for the meeting, which focused on renewal of mission, higher education, ethnicity, formation, and planning for the coming year.

In the first session, Fr Brian Pereira presented the RRSJSA Post-Process, emphasising that the Society is entering an action-oriented phase centred on renewal of life and mission through the “depth dimension.” The gathering stressed the importance of collaboration with mission partners, strengthening intersectoral initiatives, and promoting skill development in response to contemporary social challenges.

Fr Daniel Fernandes presented the report on Guidelines for Higher Education, highlighting the need for mission-driven communities, collaborative leadership, and greater diversity within institutions. Participants also reflected on the importance of teamwork, staff formation, and the transformative impact of service-oriented initiatives.

The Provincial presented the Ethnicity Report, which highlighted the challenges posed by ethnic identities within the province. Suggestions included promoting faith-sharing, transparent appraisal systems, diversity in appointments, and greater self-awareness to overcome biases and prejudices. The session also stressed the importance of discernment and honest introspection.

During the session on Formation, Fr Pratap Chandru highlighted concerns such as digital well-being, generational gaps, accompaniment, screening processes, and the need for skilled counsellors and spiritual directors. Participants underlined the importance of fostering openness, maturity, and deeper interiorisation of Jesuit values throughout formation.

The planning session for 2026-27 reviewed major upcoming events and initiatives, including the search for a new Provincial, province congregation, jubilees, ordinations, the launch of the Skill Academy, and implementation of the Higher Education guidelines. Discussions were also held on the proposal for an exclusive pre-novitiate year and the future planning concerning KJFTC, Anekal.

In his concluding remarks, Fr Dionysius Vaz emphasised the importance of cultural intelligence, meaningful accompaniment, and focusing on persons rather than structures. He also encouraged greater engagement in the electoral process and announced a special address by Fr Hans Zollner, SJ, scheduled for 5 June 2026. Tempo Forte 2026 concluded with a vote of thanks, the hymn “I Thank My God,” and a group photograph.