KANDY makes a BRAND ‘YOU’

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. Koinoia 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. Agape Moment – Nurturing Love: As we gather in the school of the heart, we cultivate the spirit of agape through shared moments of leisure and celebration. From spirited recreations to soulful picnics and reflective evenings, each interaction becomes a testament to the profound bond of love and mutual respect that defines our community. Through the ritual of communal dinners and the exchange of heartfelt homilies, we deepen our understanding of agape, fostering an environment of acceptance, understanding, and unconditional love within the hallowed halls of Arrupe House.

3. Natura Moment – Embracing Nature's Bounty: Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Kandy, Arrupe House serves as a sanctuary for spiritual growth and communion with nature. Here, the verdant fields and cascading rivers offer a tranquil backdrop for encounters with the divine, while the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and humanity serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of all creation. As we heed Pope Francis' call to cherish and preserve God's creation, we find solace and inspiration in the simple joys of nature, reaffirming our commitment to stewardship and environmental conservation.

4. Divine Moment – Surrendering to the Divine: Throughout the retreat, I have been gently guided by the Holy Spirit to surrender to the boundless love of God, experiencing His presence in every facet of my being. These divine encounters, reminiscent of St. Ignatius' transformative journey at Manresa, have left an indelible mark on my soul, offering solace and spiritual rejuvenation in times of adversity. As I immerse myself in the teachings of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit tradition, I am reminded of the sacred bond that unites us all in fellowship and service, inspiring me to embody the spirit of Christ in all aspects of my life.

5. YOU – Embracing Authenticity: In the crucible of Tertianship, I have unearthed the essence of the brand 'YOU' – my truest self. Through introspection, fellowship, and communion with nature, I have embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth, guided by the timeless wisdom of Ignatian spirituality. As I navigate the complexities of life's journey, I am reminded of the profound interconnectedness of all beings and the sacred responsibility we share to nurture and preserve the divine spark within us all. 

Fr Prabu Francis SJ

Jesuit Chennai Province

Comments

  1. SajeevMarch 7, 2024 at 6:25 AM

    Thank you Prabu. You've captured the essence of our life at Arrupe House 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring Batticaloa: A Journey Through Nature, Heritage, and Faith

Image
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...
Read more

A Journey Through the Orange Field Tea Factory: A Reflection on Craftsmanship, Tradition, and St. Ignatian Spirituality

Image
 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 ...
Read more

Maiden days in the scenic hilly land

Image
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 ...
Read more