Our time in Girisonta (Indonesia) is a profound and transformative experience, marking a special chapter in our journey as Jesuits. Coming together as nine Tertians from seven different countries—Indonesia, Korea, Kenya, Portugal, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Uganda—we find in this place a home where our shared vocation is deepened and enriched. Though we come from diverse backgrounds, we are united by the common call to serve and grow in the Society of Jesus.
The Tertianship programme in Girisonta runs from the end of January to the beginning of August. Three instructors accompany us: Fr Sunu Hardiyanta, Fr Priyo Poedjiono, and Fr Wiryono Priyotamtama.
Girisonta has truly been a school of the heart. In this sacred space, we are given the grace to slow down and reflect on our desires, mission, and relationship with God and others. As St Ignatius states in the Constitutions:
“It is a time to apply themselves in the school of the heart by exercising themselves in spiritual and corporal pursuits which can engender in them greater humility, abnegation of all sensual love and will and judgment of their own, greater knowledge and love of Our Lord so that when they themselves have made progress, they can better help others to progress for the glory of God, our Lord.” [516]
The goals of this time include growing in devotion and ease in finding God in all things, appropriating and integrating our past personal experiences deepening our sense of belonging to the Society, and experiencing Jesuit life as “friends in the Lord”.
The focal point of Tertianship is the 30-day Spiritual Exercises. To prepare for this, we will be guided through a review our own life histories, learning about the life and experiences of St Ignatius, studying documents of the Society—all helping us recognise God’s love and guidance. During the Spiritual Exercises, we journey through our Savior’s path of salvation so that, through a deep personal experience of ourselves, the Society, and God, we may desire to live the life of a true Jesuit.
Although we have only been here for a week, we are already experiencing the richness of this programme. With six months ahead of us, we hope to have deep experiences like those Ignatius and his companions. The structured rhythm of our Tertianship—rooted in prayer, sharing, study, silence, and experiments—allows us to discern the movements of the Spirit within us more deeply. I look forward to encountering Christ in new ways, through the Spiritual Exercises, personal accompaniment, and the companionship of one another.
Beyond being a time of study and reflection, this experience is one of joy. The fraternal bonds we form here remind us of the beauty of our international Society. We learn from one another’s experiences, support each other in moments of challenge, and celebrate together the gift of our vocation.
As we continue this journey, we carry the deepening of our desires, the renewal of our commitment, and the joy of companionship. This time strengthens our hearts, preparing us to serve with greater love and generosity in the mission entrusted to us. We hope this grace-filled programme will help us embrace the next stage of our Jesuit life with faith and courage, according to the spirit of St Ignatius.
Dominic Nguyễn Quốc Kính SJ is a Jesuit priest from Vietnam.