Our beloved Father Adolfo Nicolás SJ has peacefully united with His creator and Lord today, 20th of May in Tokyo, Japan.
Fr Nicolas was our World CLC Ecclesiastical Assistant from 2008 until year 2016. He was a member of the World Executive Council and was present in Fatima 2008 and Lebanon 2013 World Assemblies. He was the 30th Superior General of the Society of Jesus.
Many of us have many heartfelt stories of personal encounters with Fr Nicolas. He was wise, generous, and warm. An encounter with him would almost always be infused with wit, tender laughter, and gentle truths. Meeting him was always a gratifying moment of deep human connection like seeing a dear friend, united in mission.
Recognising our particular vocation as a lay Ignatian community in the Church, Fr Nicolas accompanied and challenged us in our endeavours being actively present in the pressing realities of our world. Most notably, in Lebanon 2013, he invited us to rediscover the Language of Wisdom. He inspired us to explore how we might engage with the contemporary world beyond history and prophecy: wisdom. He pointed out that through Ignatian spirituality we can provide the depth which societies need today. Wisdom in this sense is about discovering God’s gracious action, not simply in his more obvious actions in history, but in everything, in ordinary life. It is the way of the Contemplation on Love (SpEx 230-237), of finding God in all things. (Lebanon 2013 – Final Document No. 7)
Today, we grieved as one community for losing a companion in the path. In the same vein, we also thank the Lord for the gift of fellowship and communion that have deepened with our Ignatian family and particularly, that of Society of Jesus, through Fr Nicolas.
Let us pray for the eternal rest of his soul.
Here are Fr. Nicolás’ speeches at the G.A. in 2008 and 2013