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Maiden days in the scenic hilly land

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The JCSA-JCAP international tertianship began with abundant blessings and positivity on 1 September 2024. Twelve tertians and three instructors embarked on their journey from Chennai International Airport to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo on 31 August 2021. Fr. William Sequeira, the outgoing tertian instructor, joined Fr. Donald Miranda and Fr. Sajeev, the current tertian instructors to give a good kick-start to the programme and form a solid foundation for it. Two Vietnamese and two Europeans (a Pole and an Irish) had also arrived in Colombo a couple of days ago. The entire group gathered outside the airport, where tired but eager faces expressed their enthusiasm for getting to know one another. Fr. Sachintha, the minister of the house, arranged a bus to journey to the Arrupe House, which was about a four-hour journey from the airport. A brief stopover at a motel rejuvenated the group before continuing their journey. The international tertianship programme is housed at ...
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Exploring Batticaloa: A Journey Through Nature, Heritage, and Faith

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The journey to Batticaloa through the mountains was nothing short of a spiritual experience, each turn revealing the hand of the Creator in nature's wonders. It felt as though we were traveling not merely across the landscape but deep into the heart of beauty itself, where every moment held the grace of divine creation. The sun’s gentle rays kissed the lush crowns of pine trees, transforming them into a spectacle of light that spoke of sacred wonder. As I gazed out the window, I found myself in a kind of moving meditation, my soul uplifted by the breathtaking views—nature whispering its hymns to me through each mountain, each valley. The majestic mountains stood as symbols of strength and resilience, while the valleys held a crystal-clear river, flowing gently as if carrying with it the peace of the heavens. Its waters mirrored the blue sky and the vibrant green of the earth, creating a perfect harmony that filled...
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KANDY makes a BRAND ‘ Y OU’ In the contemplative haven of Arrupe House in Kandy, individuals embark on an immersive journey of self-discovery and spiritual enrichment, where the qualities of authenticity, fellowship, and service converge to shape the essence of the brand 'YOU.' 1. K oinoia Moment – Cultivating Fellowship: Within the sacred confines of Tertianship, I have delved deep into the essence of koinonia , guided by the wisdom of seasoned Tertian’s Novice masters and the warmth of companionship. Here, amidst the tapestry of diverse life stories and shared aspirations, our collective love for the marginalized fuels our bond, igniting a flame of compassion and solidarity that transcends mere camaraderie. In both collective endeavors and intimate relationships, the spirit of koinonia flourishes, offering unwavering support and guidance through life's myriad challenges and triumphs. 2. A gape Moment – Nurturing Love: As we gather in the school of the heart, we c...
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A Journey Through the Orange Field Tea Factory: A Reflection on Craftsmanship, Tradition, and St. Ignatian Spirituality

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 There has been a tradition that tertians visit a tea factory and this year too as a part of the programme we visited “ Orange Field Tea Factory”. On the 23rd of January 2024 , I had the privilege of visiting the Orange Field Tea Factory, an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. Stepping into this sanctuary of craftsmanship and tradition, I was immediately struck by the reverence with which every aspect of tea-making is approached. As I wandered through the corridors of the factory, I couldn't help but reflect on the principles of St. Ignatian spirituality, particularly the Principle and Foundation, which reminds us that God created all things on earth to help fulfill the purpose of praising, reverencing, and serving God, and ultimately, to save our souls. This principle calls us to use the things of this world only to the extent that they aid us in this purpose, and to rid ourselves of anything that obstructs it. In the context of the Orange Field Tea ...
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Deeply Rooted, Branching Outwards

My Tertianship experience at Kandy can be summed up as an imagery of an ordinary water plant. Even a small twig pruned from a tree and planted in a water bottle comes to life. Tertianship is a time to be pruned and to be planted. The weather, the ambience, the campus, and the surroundings are conducive to the holistic growth of an individual, meeting one's basic needs. The food is delicious and is filled with a lot of variety. Though struggling economically, the country and the province of Sri Lanka are very hospitable and warmly welcoming. The companionship of fellow Tertians guided by the Directors, who are, in fact, our elder brothers, provide constant spiritual accompaniment that gives greater meaning and a sense of common purpose.  The Retreat and the Experiment give you an occasion once again to have a personal experience of the Ignatian tradition. There is sufficient time for familiarity with the sources throughout the program. There is a whole world outside our window, and ...
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Welcome! Hello friends! Welcome to Arrupe House News and Views. This space is for the Jesuit Tertians at Arrupe House Jesuit Tertianship in Sri Lanka to share their news and experiences during the Tertianship programme. We are at the end of the programme at the 'diaspora tertianship' at DNC Pune, and already looking forward to the next batch of Tertians (2023-24) in Sri Lanka. The seventeen names of the would-be Tertians have come already, and it is more or less clear that the instructors will be Willie and me (Sajeev) with the assistance of the veteran Fr Baylen. I'm hoping that this blog is up for a great start, but will have to wait till September 2023, when we will actually come together. In the meantime, Willie and I are holding all of you in an embrace of prayer and love.
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