On Saturday 21^st May, a simple ceremony marked the conclusion of the 2021-22 tertianship programme in Dublin, as well as the end of the European tertianship there. Fr Franck Janin, President of the Conference of European Provincials, which is responsible for the programme, presided over the Eucharist, which was followed by a celebratory dinner prepared by our chefs, Tommy and Jacinta.

Saturday's mass was marked by a deep sense of gratitude, tinged with a certain sadness, for this event brought to a close a programme that had been running since 2006. Fr Joe Dargan, from the Irish Province, and Fr Jan van de Poll, from the Netherlands, both former provincials, were the first instructors and built up the programme which continued until the end, with very small changes. It was housed in the former Irish novitiate, generously made available and renovated by the Irish province, in the grounds of the Manresa spirituality centre in east Dublin. It was a perfect location, enjoying the spacious grounds of the retreat house as well as the neighbouring St Anne’s Park, Dublin's second largest park.

The European tertianship was set up to provide an opportunity to Jesuits from different European provinces to share a basic period of Jesuit formation after some years of active ministry. It helped to form stronger bonds in that part of the body of the Society that lives in Europe. The house could welcome up to 12 tertians, including at least two who came from outside Europe.

Unfortunately, over the last four years visas for non-EU tertians were becoming more difficult to obtain, creating such uncertainly that the Provincials judged the Dublin tertianship to be no longer sustainable.

Saturday was a great occasion to give thanks to God for all the good things that happened at Cardoner house, through so many who contributed so generously to the tertianship’s mission. Our best wishes go to the new JCEP tertianship in Bikfayah, Lebanon.

Paul Pace S.J.