Since my last post, we have had a very enriching experience for Jesuit Week. As I write this, I am watching the birds pecking at the feeder that our resident St. Francis of Assisi (Mr. Carroll) has placed on a tree outside my window. This is conveniently a most apt metaphor for Jesuit week – seeds of faith planted in the hearts of the young, spiritual food given to nourish the faith lives of those who have pecked away at our guest speakers with questions and vibrant discussions.
On Thursday we had Eoin Carroll in from whycare.ie to speak to the Grammar lads about the services that they provide on homelessness and understanding crime. It is a really useful website to browse with a Teachers’ area loaded with resources. Later in the day, Seán Meehan from JUST Ballymun spoke about education in Ballymun, the struggles that are encountered there and benefits of his work to the locals there.
Friday saw our last speaker, Fr. Edmund Grace S.J. take a CSPE class from Mr. Marron to talk about PeopleTalk – a new initiative which he is setting up for people who have problems and may need the intervention of a Government organisation. Fr. Edmund was particularly buoyed by the enthusiasm with which his project was met and is very interested in working with some classes again in the future.
I really felt that this week was a great celebration of the Jesuits and the particular ways in which the various charisms of the Society of Jesus contribute so much to our society. It has demonstrated the tangible way in which the Holy Spirit is working in our world and particularly through the Jesuits themselves. Our Rector, Fr. Michael Sheil S. J. summed this up very well in morning prayer this morning asking us to reflect on the ways that God is present to us. He bade farewell to the Jesuit Provincial, Fr. Tom Layden S.J. who we were blessed to have with us this week. Fr. Tom is truly a Man for Others, offering his support to any who need it across the province. Thanks to him and to all who have contributed so richly to Jesuit Week in Clongowes.
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will.
All I have and call my own.
Whatever I have or hold, you have given me.
I restore it all to you and surrender it wholly
to be governed by your will.
Give me only your love and grace
and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.
(Prayer of St. Ignatius)
Aisling English, Director of Ethos
