The Tertian community with Fr Aloysius Pieris SJ (front row, fifth from right) at Tulana, Sri Lanka
It has been nearly a month since we began our tertianship in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Jesuits from India, Korea, Myanmar, Nigeria, the United States, and Vietnam are here together. Despite differences in language, culture, and background, we quickly opened up and formed friendships simply because we are Jesuits. Sharing our life stories and experiences of approximately 15-20 years as Jesuits strengthens our vocation, like different melodies forming a chorus. In fact, our differences create a richer resonance and harmony.
We are all healthy, enjoying the food and the cool, comfortable weather due to sporadic rains. Above all, we are grateful for the thoughtful consideration of our instructors and minister. Thanks to their support, we can focus on this journey steadily. Furthermore, we receive significant support from the Sri Lankan Province for visas and other activities.
JCAP Tertians: (From L to R) Stephen Kinh Tran Thien (VIE), Kundong Benedict Kim (KOR), Joseph Zaw Goan (MYN), Changjoon Rosario Lee (KOR), Francis Xavier Luan Hoang Khac (VIE)
While visiting some of the province’s apostolic works, I am reminded that Tertianship is a place of living experience. Meeting 91-year old Fr Aloysius Pieris and others has brought Sri Lanka, once vaguely perceived as a distant land, much closer. In particular, I felt a deep connection, witnessing Jesuits engaging in dialogue in this predominantly Buddhist land.
Recently, we engaged the autobiography of St Ignatius–reading and understanding the original texts anew by adding our experiences as Jesuits from different perspectives. While preparing for our group presentations, the brainstorming gave us fresh perspectives and methods I could not have developed independently. Through collaboration, we deepened our learning and enriched the understanding of our Founder’s life, thereby rediscovering our vocation.
We also had time to reflect, calmly within ourselves, through the Intensive Journal. Beginning with quiet self-reflection, we reaffirmed our vocation and identity as Jesuits, leading to sharing and empathy. It also served as a preparation for the upcoming long retreat. On 1 of October, after a short pilgrimage to a nearby shrine, we will begin the 30-day retreat. Kindly pray for us that we may dwell more deeply in God and faithfully walk the path of our Jesuit vocation.
