Category: April-June 2026

By Cedric Prakash, SJ

A meme which is going viral these days shows a group of jungle animals of different species gazing at the skyline with planes above bombing buildings. There are flames of fire with plumes of black smoke. The animals say to each other, “They have spent billions to explore life on Mars and are spending trillions for destroying ‘life on earth’”. Seated beside these jungle animals are two apparently ‘Martian’ looking creatures. One of them quips, “Humans are really stupid!” That pointed meme says it all!

The world is in the grip of a terrible war. It has never been so bad – particularly since World War II. Thousands are already killed, millions more are affected all over the world -particularly in the Gulf countries and the developing world. The poor and the marginalized, the small farmer and the casual labourer, the slum-dweller and those who live on the peripheries of society, are the worst- affected. Prices have skyrocketed. Today, the average Indian is not even able to procure a cooking gas cylinder to meet his family’s daily needs!

The war began on 28 February 2026, when first Israel and then, the United States, attacked Iran, without any provocation. It has continued till recently when a fragile ceasefire was announced. High-cost missile defense, aircraft sorties, and munitions are driving daily expenditures for the U.S. According to reliable information, the United States spends an estimated $890 million to $1 billion per day on the war against Iran as of late March/early April 2026, with total costs rapidly exceeding $27 billion within the first month. This expenditure is not only astronomical but also downright scandalous. It could easily meet the pressing needs of millions of people all over the world who suffer tremendously because of the lack of food, clean drinking water, housing, clothing, global warming and other natural disasters and much more. The expenditure incurred for this unwanted war becomes much more unbelievable if one has to add the huge amounts incurred by Israel, Iran, Lebanon and the other Gulf nations.

Pope Francis of beloved memory took a very strong stand against war. In his path-breaking Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he devoted an entire section titled ‘The injustice of war’ (#256-262) where he states “since conditions that favour the outbreak of wars are once again increasing, I can only reiterate that “war is the negation of all rights and a dramatic assault on the environment. We can no longer think of war as a solution, it is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a “just war”. Never again war! Every war leaves our world worse than it was before.”

Whose war is it anyway? Millions all over the world, and particularly in the United States, have come out on the streets to protest, demanding that the war stops now! There is an outrage everywhere, as most ordinary people rightly target the U.S. and Israeli regimes and their military outfits! Obviously, a good percentage of the media – controlled by the warmongers – will not highlight this reality. There are cries for peace – underlining the painful reality, that in any war the greatest victims, the people who suffer the most – are the poor, the vulnerable and marginalized; those who have to eke out a living; whose very existence is on their meagre daily earnings. Many of them have lost everything.

Interestingly, most of the leaders of the developed nations are not supporting the war. They demand that war stops immediately. The US, Israel and their crony capitalist friends unfortunately justify every attack, every bombing, and every killing! No one is looking at the consequences of war: of how reality irreversibly changes for the victims; how there is irreparable devastation and wanton destruction of both of life and property. Even the ordinary middle class traveller has been affected and greatly inconvenienced with the rise in airfares and the fact that hundreds of daily flights have been cancelled everywhere!

“We can no longer think of war as a solution, it is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a “just war”.” – Pope Francis

The one sector that is profiteering is the industrial-military complex – those who own the companies that produce arms and ammunition. Today billions of dollars are allocated to the production of weapons, particularly on weapons of mass destruction. Pope Francis also took on the arms trade referring to it as the ‘industry of death’. On 23 September 2015, addressing the U.S. Congress, he spoke plainly:“Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often-innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.”

Ever since this war began, Pope Leo XIV has spared no efforts to condemn the war and ask for the immediate cessation of hostilities. At a Prayer Vigil for Peace on 11 April in the Vatican, his message to the world was powerful and direct, “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! …Dear brothers and sisters, there are certainly binding responsibilities that fall to the leaders of nations. To them we cry out: Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided! Yet there is a no less significant responsibility that falls on all of us — men and women from all over the world.  We are an immense multitude that rejects war not only in word, but also in deed.”

“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems.” – Pope Leo XIV

President Trump has not taken too kindly to Pope Leo’s insistence that war must be stopped. The President has used words against the Pope which are very unacceptable and which have been unequivocally condemned by all sections of society. To the President’s rant Pope Leo’s response was, “I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him. Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. I am not afraid of the Trump administration. I speak about the Gospel, I am not a politician. I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing. I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems. The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel: “Blessed are the peacemakers; I do not see my role as that of a politician, I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world.”

We all have much to learn from the Pope’s message and take a stand against this senseless war and all other wars.

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Responses from 5 JCSA Scholastics

Rooted in Reality

Sch. Jerome Joseph, SJ

Prior to joining the Society of Jesus, I worked at a tech startup company for about four years. The use of AI in our workflow at that time was minimal. However, just about a year later, the rapid rise of AI, with the launch of GPT-3.5 and its impact, left me baffled, even affecting my discernment as a novice.

During the same time, I went through the courses offered in the Novitiate, grew in my appreciation for the history of the Society of Jesus, leaving me with a sense of awe at the marvellous contributions of the Jesuits to the Church and world history. This filled me with a deep sense of assurance in the mission of the Society, its versatile nature and the commitment of its members to employ every available resource in its mission.

My vision for the future of the Society of Jesus is deeply inspired by its past, not by the particulars of what was achieved, but by the magnanimity of its worldview. No human advancement, whether technological or otherwise, is incompatible with Christ’s mission. Beyond the pursuit of digital excellence, however, the greater challenge at hand for us is the deepening of our commitment to Christ through the Spiritual Exercises. Our fading devotion is visible in our diminishing availability and sense of gratitude, which is contradictory to our legacy.  This raises deep concerns about the future of our mission. We need to remember that our passionate love for Christ is central to our effectiveness as Jesuits, and no amount of technological sophistication could ever replace that.

Sch. Jerome Joseph, SJ (PUN)is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.

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These four resources

Sch. Nibin Daniel, SJ

As I am in formation, I am preparing myself to serve a world that is fast changing, marked by technological progress, moral uncertainty, individualism, and a deep sense of loneliness and fragmentation. The challenges of this world are complex and constantly developing, and therefore, our formation must equip us with deeper and more integrated resources that shape us as persons and priests. We cannot afford to focus just on marks and grades.

I realize that continuous self-examination is essential as a spiritual resource. In a noisy and distracted world, the capacity to reflect, discern, and remain rooted in God helps a priest stay authentic and grounded. It enables him to accompany others not merely with words, but with a life that has been deeply examined and transformed.

Second, as an intellectual resource, we must cultivate practical wisdom (phronesis) rather than mere theoretical knowledge. It is not enough to know ideas; we must learn how to apply them sensibly in concrete situations. This allows us to respond meaningfully to real human struggles with sensitivity and responsibility.

Third, intellectual courage becomes an important psychological resource. In a world shaped by quick answers and artificial intelligence, we must develop the courage to question, to think critically, and to seek truth sincerely rather than settling for superficial understanding.

Finally, as a social resource, we must couple wisdom with kindness. In a divided and polarized world, a priest is called to listen deeply, respect differences, and build bridges through dialogue and compassion.

These four resources, integrated into life, enable us to serve today’s world with depth, relevance, and authenticity.

Sch. Nibin Daniel, SJ (CCU)is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.

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Authentic relationships

Sch. Ronald Kharsohtun, SJ

In a world marked by conflict between the living and the artificial, the born and the manufactured, the conscious and the programmed, the imaginative and the logical, empathy and simulation, love and function, the fallible and the accurate, the soul and the system, the question of coexistence becomes essential. Becoming a priest in such a world is not easy.  Our identity and ministry must be grounded in authentic human presence, discernment, and communal responsibility.

As priests, we need to be grounded to the Church’s traditions, Scripture, the Sacraments, and devotion. These foundations lead us to love Christ and his Church, fostering a sense of mission, interior freedom, hope amid challenging times, and the capacity to discern God’s will. Cultivating discernment during the ongoing intellectual formation, and upskilling oneself is important. Such formation enables a priest to engage meaningfully in dialogue with the contemporary generation and to deliver sermons that speak to present realities.

Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of oneself, healthy affectivity, and the ability to handle pressure, are all essential to prevent burnout and crises. These will foster authentic relationships, and address controversies constructively. Priesthood equally entails living in communion with all people and remaining present within the community. Some essential qualities include commitment to community life, collaboration with younger generations, cultural sensitivity, a listening heart, authenticity in action, and openness to the ideas of others.

Sch. Ronald Kharsohtun, SJ (KHM) is a student of theology at De Nobili, Pune.

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To Remain Relevant

Sch. P.J. Sam Alexander, SJ

The world we are preparing to serve is marked by rising religious fanaticism, deep polarisation, and a growing secular outlook where faith quietly fades into irrelevance. Alongside this, an algorithm-driven culture shapes thought, isolates individuals, and weakens genuine human encounter. In such a context, we as Jesuits risk becoming irrelevant when we lose our rootedness in our rich spiritual and intellectual tradition.

To face these challenges, I believe I must first be deeply grounded. I desire the intellectual clarity and rigour of St. Robert Bellarmine and the great Jesuit theologians of the Council of Trent; the missionary zeal that crosses boundaries, as seen in St. Peter Faber and St. Francis Xavier; and the courage to witness boldly while remaining prudent, “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Mt 10:16), like the martyrs. I also see the need for a spirit of dialogue and inculturation, inspired by Matteo Ricci and Beschi: the ability to enter into cultures, engage people at all levels, including those in positions of influence, and work gently toward building God’s Kingdom.

During my formation, I seek to cultivate these qualities intentionally. I hope to deepen my study, not merely for knowledge but for wisdom; to grow in prayer so that my ministry is rooted in God; and to remain open to people, learning to listen, understand, and accompany. Only by holding together spiritual rootedness, intellectual depth, and pastoral sensitivity can I hope to serve meaningfully in a complex and changing world.

Sch. P.J. Sam Alexander, SJ (MDU) is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.

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Discernment – not answers

Sch. Vincent Macwan, SJ

Today the world appears vastly different to us from what it was for the Jesuits who came before us. Standing on the shoulders of giants, we are preparing to enter a world they could scarcely have imagined – a world shaped by digital fragmentation, ecological crisis, and a profound erosion of institutional trust. Amid these challenges, if we are to serve the world effectively, we cannot merely rely on the prestige of the collar; rather, we must be rooted in a deeper, more resilient interiority.

Specifically, a central grace for this journey is found in the Ignatian principle, known as Tantum Quantum: the ‘insofar as’ that grants us inner freedom. This inner freedom enables us to desire and choose only what leads us closer to God. In a world of polarized, binary certainties, such freedom fosters the flexibility to remain open, attentive and discerning. It empowers us to step into chaotic and difficult situations without needing to control the outcomes. Instead, we learn to trust that God is already at work, quietly drawing all things toward the greater good.

We must, therefore, transcend being men of answers to men of discernment. The currentethical and technological challenges require humility, depth and openness to listen. Our most humane social resource is a shared vulnerability. The world longs for compassionate companions rather than distant authorities. By embracing our own fragility, we become capable of walking gently with those who struggle.

Ultimately, we are being formed to be contemplatives in action – men who find God not by retreating from the world, but by standing at the heart of the formidable challenges ahead.

Sch. Vincent Macwan, SJ (GUJ)is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.

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By Dominic Irudayaraj, SJ

Our context: Conflict seems to have become the order of the day. Even a cursory reading of newspapers or a passing glance at television or a quick scrolling of our social media pages can overwhelm us with pictures and videos of greed, hatred, and bloodshed. War, conflict and hate politics contribute to this inhuman reality in no small measures. International conflicts, as immense and immoral as they are, never stop at the global level. They quickly devolve into familial spaces and personal psyches. In this situation which looks almost hopeless, what relevance can the Resurrection of Jesus – the foundational mystery of Christian faith -have? From the rich repertoire of our Biblical, Church and Jesuit resources, can we hope to draw some inspiration?

Resurrection: The episode of Jesus raising the dead Lazarus (John 11:1—12:8) is a moving and therefore a memorable episode in the gospel of John. Jesus receives the word that Lazarus is seriously ill, but does not rush to Bethany. After a considerable delay of four full days, when he arrives in Bethany, the ever-active Martha rushes to meet Jesus and confronts him: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died!” She continues as though goading Jesus to do something: “Even now I know that God will give you what you ask of him.” Jesus responds that Lazurus will rise again. Martha, however, does not seem satisfied. She blurts out: “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” It is at this juncture that Jesus declares to her, “I am the resurrection and life” (11:25).

At the face value, such a discourse on resurrection when a sister is dealing with a deeply painful experience of losing her beloved brother would sound out of place, if not outright offensive. Commenting on the encounter, an eminent Johannine scholar, Francis J. Moloney, SDB highlights a disconnect here: while Jesus is trying to invite Martha to move from the gift (resurrection and life) to the very giver of that gift (Jesus), Martha prefers to accept Jesus only “on her terms.”

A similar dynamic may characterize our Christian disposition to Jesus’ resurrection, when we approach it amidst our current and painful realities of unending wars, mindless massacres, and insensitive treatment of our brothers and sisters – particularly those at the existential margins. Despair will be the natural response. But Jesus gently draws Martha’s attention to the fact that the grace of resurrection shines through when we embrace it amidst pain and loss. He may be extending the same invitation to us. It is hardly a coincidence that our current and previous Popes try to instill hope in us.

“God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood’.” (Isaiah 1:15)

The Prophetic Voice of Pope Francis: During his Urbi et Orbi on 21 April 2019, Pope Francis earnestly entreated that there be an end to conflict and bloodshed in Libya, and for peace in the entire African continent. The Pope made a specific mention of conflicts in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, and South Sudan. And he prayed, “May the light of Easter illumine all government leaders and peoples in the Middle East, beginning with Israelis and Palestinians, and spur them to alleviate such great suffering and to pursue a future of peace and stability.”

Pope Leo continues the prophetic legacy: On 29 March 2026, Pope Leo, in his Palm Sunday Homily emphatically declared: “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood’.” (Isaiah 1:15).

During the so-called golden era of the eighth-century BCE, when Israel and Judah enjoyed a prolonged period of peace and notable prosperity, prophet Isaiah did not fail to notice a serious disconnect. People brought to the Temple offerings obtained from rich and powerful people’s greedy grabbing of houses and fields from their less fortunate brothers and sisters (Isaiah 5) – a blatant violation of God-given covenant! So, the prophet could not but roar like a lion (cf. Amos 1; 3) announcing that offerings by the exploiters and war-mongering leaders are detested by Israel’s justice-loving God. The courageous words of Pope Leo continue the same prophetic legacy.

Ignatius invites us to act as “healers, truth-tellers, reconcilers, and comforters” in the world, living as people who know that life has defeated death.

St. Ignatius: Naming the warmongers for who they are constitutes a key prophetic charism that our Sacred Book readily attests to. The obverse side is no less important: when we dare to unlearn war-waging tactics, the covenantal blessing of safety and security will soon be ours (cf. “sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree” cf. Micah 4, Isaiah 2). On this, our Founder Father Ignatius’ insight is immensely relevant. Drawing on his deep mystical experiences and reflecting on the mystery of resurrection, Ignatius invites us to act as “healers, truth-tellers, reconcilers, and comforters” in the world, living as people who know that life has defeated death (cf. V. H. Wright, “What Does It Mean to Live the Resurrection?” http://www.ignatianspirituality.com).

To dare, love and care: In his recent talks on the Holy Triduum, a noted biblical scholar Enrique Sanz Giménez-Rico, SJ, compared the three days to three moments of love: the hour of love (Maundy Thursday), the silence of love (Good Friday), and the challenge of love (Holy Saturday). When Jesus’ self-giving love is faced with a betrayal by one of his own disciples, the same love runs the risk of being silent or, in fact, silenced! But the Risen Lord, who refused to be confined to the grave, calls us to dare, love and care in a war-torn world.

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My dear friends,

On May Day we bring you this issue of INI, dated April–June, 2026, which focuses on two grave issues of the present moment – war and climate emergency.

“A meme which is going viral these days shows a group of animals of different species sitting in a jungle and gazing at the sky. Bombs from planes and drones are shattering buildings. There are fires everywhere and plumes of black smoke are going up. The animals say to each other, “These men have spent billions of dollars to explore life on Mars and are spending trillions for destroying ‘life on earth.” Seated beside these animals are two apparently ‘Martian’ looking creatures. One of them quips, “Humans are really stupid!” That pointed meme says it all! 

This is how Cedric Prakash, SJ, begins his article titled, ‘Is War Ever a Solution?’ He points out how Pope Leo and his predecessor, our beloved Pope Francis, kept opposing war. The ‘just war’ theory which the Church accepted once is no longer valid, simply because in today’s world there can be no just war. Every war, today, by its very nature, is unjust, barbaric, and inhuman.

When the situation looks hopeless, we always turn to faith to find hope. This is what Dominic Irudayaraj, SJ’s article offers. “In this situation which looks almost hopeless, what relevance can the Resurrection of Jesus – the foundational mystery of Christian faith -have?” Even before the break of dawn, Jesus broke the rule of darkness and death and rose victoriously. Dominic, therefore, quotes Pope Francis, who said, “May the light of Easter illumine all government leaders and peoples in the Middle East, beginning with Israelis and Palestinians, and spur them to alleviate such great suffering and to pursue a future of peace and stability!” He also quotes V.H. Wright who says that the Risen Jesus calls us to live as people who know that life has defeated death.

A highly interesting feature in this issue of INI is the responses of five Jesuit Scholastics who were asked to respond to a vitally important question: ‘Are you ready for the world you will encounter when you become a priest?’ The question asks them what they need in order to be effective priests – which they will soon be – in the world they will face.

Sch. Jerome Joseph, SJ (PUN), who worked at a tech startup company for about four years before becoming a Jesuit, says, “We need to remember that our passionate love for Christ is central to our effectiveness as Jesuits, and no amount of technological sophistication could ever replace that.” Sch. Nibin Daniel, SJ (CCU) says he would need a spiritual resource – continuous self-examination and two intellectual resources – practical wisdom and intellectual courage and a social resource – combining wisdom with kindness.

Sch. Ronald Kharsohtun, SJ (KHM) lists what he needs to do now to be an effective priest soon: cultivating discernment and upskilling oneself, a comprehensive understanding of oneself, healthy affectivity, and the ability to handle pressure, all of which will foster authentic relationships. Sch. Sam Alexander, SJ (MDU) says he desires the intellectual clarity and rigour of St. Robert Bellarmine and the great Jesuit theologians of the Council of Trent – the missionary zeal of St. Peter Faber and St. Francis Xavier – spirit of dialogue and inculturation, inspired by Matteo Ricci and Beschi.  Sch. Vincent Macwan, SJ (GUJ) says what will prepare him for the world that awaits him  is the Ignatian principle, known as Tantum Quantum – the ‘insofar as’ that grants us inner freedom. This inner freedom, he says, needs humility, depth and openness to listen.

In his article on ecology, Suresh Antony, SJ says: “With an inspiring history of opting for frontier missions, the Society of Jesus has to confront the harsh realities and challenges of the ecological crisis… Every Jesuit – whatever their ministry may be – is called to be an Eco-Jesuit… Only through a personal and collective transformation we can truly respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor and become faithful stewards of God’s creation.”

There are two interesting short stories in this issue – one by an active Jesuit collaborator and the other by a Jesuit Scholastic.

Enjoy reading this issue and ensure you recommend INI to all your friends!

– M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

Editor