Welcome to the Jesuit Centre of Spirituality Blog
During the last two weeks of December and through the Christmas holidays the Jesuits of Halifax (Fr. George Leach, S.J., Fr. Earl Smith, S.J. and Deacon Dan Kelly, S.J.) moved from the St. Patrick’s Rectory to the former residence of the Sisters of Charity at 2287 Brunswick Street. A number of friends assisted in this move “many hands make light work!” We are deeply grateful to Joe Power, Tom LeBlanc, John Lewis, John Brownlow, Grant McLean, Blair Beed & Fathers Owen Connolly & Basil Carew. Of course, our faithful cook, Joanne Pettipas, came with us. Thanks to her, the kitchen stuff arrived in tact with the dishes unbroken and everything else in place. Yes, we have many reasons for deep gratitude.
Our new Centre, replete with Chapel, Large Sitting Room, Library, Dining Room and Kitchen and living quarters on the second floor, provides an ideal space for group and individual ministryboth at the Centre and in the Maritimes. Since the beginning of the year the Jesuit team has animated a Day of Silence under the direction of Fr. Earl Smith for 21 people at the Centre. All three of the Jesuits engaged the people of Holy Trinity Pastoral Unit (St. John Vianney, St. Elizabeth Seton & St. Francis of Assisi) in Lower Sackville in a parish mission with the theme: COME FOLLOW ME. As well, Dan Kelly and Fr. George led the Life Teen leadership team in a Day of Prayer, introducing these young leaders to Ignatian contemplation, vocal prayer and the Spiritual Awareness Inquiry.
Each of the Jesuits minister to many different people in spiritual accompaniment. Some seek spiritual counselling, others are making the Spiritual Exercises in daily life Annotation 19) while others come for regular spiritual conversation.
Since Dan Kelly is ordained a deacon, he preaches regularly at the SMU Sunday evening Mass celebrated at the Canadian Martyrs’ Church. Fr. George and Fr. Earl preside and preach also. Dan is the Roman Catholic chaplain at SMU with an office full of students and regular interviews.
On a monthly basis Fr. Earl Smith, S.J. goes to Antigonish for two days as one of the Spiritual Counsellors at Bethany for the retired Sisters of St. Martha.
Fr. George P. Leach, S.J.
Director
April 1, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Great beggining. I am glad to see the that Jesuits have entered the age of Web 2.o through the art of blogging !!!!
April 29, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Congratulations, George. I was happy to see so much about the Center.