St Ignatius called tertianship ‘the school of the heart’, a time where the Jesuit is invited to consider his life story and his response to God’s call. A key part of the programme is the experience of the full Spiritual Exercises, an opportunity to renew and deepen one’s sense of discipleship. Tertianship is also the time for rereading the Jesuit foundational documents, especially the Constitutions and the recent General Congregations. In addition, Tertians spend ten weeks away on apostolic placements in a variety of settings. Tertianship is an experience of deep integration of the tertian's life, as he prepares for his definitive incorporation into the Society of Jesus through final vows.
The European Tertianship in Dublin, one of around 15 in the Society worldwide, was opened in 2006. It welcomes around 12 Jesuits every year for an 8-month programme, from September to May. Most come from European provinces, but there are always at least two Tertians from outside Europe.
A new Tertianship program of the European Conference begins in 2021 in a Jesuit Residence in Bikfaya, in Mount Lebanon. The new program will focus on Reconciliation as horizon to Jesuit life-mission.
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