Skip to main content

Embracing the Call: My Transformative Journey through Arrupe Month - Sooraj Dominic

In the serene commune of Serverette, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northern Lozère, France, I embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual discernment during the sacred period known as Arrupe Month. Guided by the teachings and traditions of the Society of Jesus, this month-long program offered me a sacred space to delve into the depths of my vocation, preparing me for the solemn responsibilities of priesthood. In this narrative, I reflect upon my personal experiences, challenges, and moments of grace encountered throughout Arrupe Month, exploring the profound impact it has had on my spiritual journey.









Week One: Unveiling Vocation Stories

The journey commenced with an intimate sharing of vocation stories, where fellow scholastics and I unveiled the intricacies of our individual calls to priesthood. As we delved into the depths of our experiences, we unearthed the subtle nuances of God's presence in our lives and the unique paths He had carved for each of us. Through heartfelt conversations and shared reflections, we forged bonds of camaraderie and mutual understanding, enriching our collective vocation journey.





Amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Serverette, we embarked on exhilarating rafting expeditions and invigorating hikes, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring majesty of creation. These moments of communion with nature served as poignant reminders of God's boundless love and providence, infusing our vocation discernment with joy and gratitude.













Week Two: Delving into Jesuit Identity

During the second week of Arrupe Month, we delved into the Jesuit identity, exploring the foundational principles and values that underpin our vocation. Through engaging presentations and insightful discussions, we gained deeper insights into the ethos of Jesuit priesthood, embracing the call to serve as companions of Jesus in the Ignatian tradition. As we navigated the complexities of our role as Jesuit priests in a rapidly changing world, we grappled with questions of social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the pursuit of spiritual discernment.





Week Three: Contemplating the Mission

In the third week, our focus shifted towards the contemplation of mission, as we reflected upon the sacred calling to proclaim the Gospel message and minister to the needs of God's people. Through prayerful discernment and contemplative silence, we sought clarity and direction in our vocation journey, surrendering ourselves to the divine will and embracing the challenges that lay ahead. Inspired by the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuits who had gone before us, we resolved to embrace our mission with courage and conviction, trusting in God's guidance every step of the way.




Week Four: The Culmination of Retreat

As Arrupe Month drew to a close, we embarked on a transformative eight-day retreat at the Abbey of Pradines, immersing ourselves in a sacred space of reflection and prayer. Guided by experienced spiritual directors, we journeyed inward, confronting our fears, doubts, and vulnerabilities with unwavering faith and trust. In the hallowed halls of the abbey, we encountered the living presence of God, experiencing moments of profound intimacy and spiritual renewal. As we emerged from the retreat, our hearts were aflame with a newfound zeal and devotion, ready to embrace the sacred calling of priesthood with renewed vigor and purpose.







Conclusion:

Arrupe Month has been a sacred pilgrimage of the soul, a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual discernment. Through moments of shared reflection, communal prayer, and contemplative silence, I have been drawn closer to the heart of God, discovering anew the beauty and richness of my vocation as a Jesuit priest. As I look towards the future with hope and anticipation, I carry with me the lessons learned and the graces received during this sacred time of preparation. With God as my guide and companion, I embrace the call to priesthood with humility and gratitude, ready to serve His people with love and compassion.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Glorious Culmination: Celebrating 90 Years of Christ the King Church, Malaparamba- Sooraj Dominic, SJ

The grand closing ceremony of the 90th Jubilee Year celebration of Christ the King Church, Malaparamba, took place on the 19th of May, 2024, marking the end of a year-long series of commemorative events. The day's festivities commenced with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Provincial E P Mathew SJ, setting a reverent tone for the occasion. Following the Mass, the historical exhibition "Jesuits in Malabar" was inaugurated, offering an in-depth exploration of the Jesuits' missionary endeavors and contributions to the region. Dr. Beena Philip, the Mayor of Kozhikode Corporation, inaugurated the subsequent public function. Her presence was important to the event, highlighting the Church's important role within the broader community. Msgr. Jenson Puthanveettil, Vicar General of the Diocese of Calicut, presided over the function, further emphasizing the event's spiritual and communal significance. A major highlight of the ceremony was the honoring of eight distin
2 comments
Read more

Paris to Compostela : A Pilgrimage of Reflection - Sooraj Dominic

Our journey began on a balmy morning at the iconic Gare Montparnasse in Paris.  Alongside me were my Jesuit companions, Jack Jermanos and Shaddy, both dear friends from Centre Sevre, Faculté de Jésuits de Paris. As we settled into our seats aboard the train, excitement mingled with a hint of nostalgia for the memories we were leaving behind. The train ride from Paris to Bayonne stretched for six hours and thirty minutes, a leisurely passage through the French countryside. Rolling hills, quaint villages, and fields of sunflowers painted a picturesque scene outside our windows. Conversations flowed freely as we reminisced about our time in Paris, sharing laughter and contemplation in equal measure. Byonne to St Jean Pied de Port  Upon reaching Bayonne, we embarked on the next leg of our journey by bus, bound for St Jean Pied de Port. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, this charming town welcomed us with open arms. Our spirits soared as we breathed in the crisp mountain air, eager
Post a Comment
Read more

A Journey through Ignatian Places: A Travelogue - Sooraj Dominic

Paris, France: A Scholarly Sojourn As I embarked on my journey through Ignatian places, my first stop was Paris, a city of scholarly pursuits and cultural marvels. Arriving in the City of Lights for my theological studies was a thrilling beginning to this pilgrimage of faith and discovery. Paris welcomed me with its enchanting streets, bustling cafes, and the timeless elegance of its architecture. My days in Paris were filled with immersion in the French language and the vibrant academic life of the city. The cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter echoed with the footsteps of generations of scholars, and I found myself drawn to its intellectual energy. The Collège de Montaigu, where Ignatius first pursued ascetic studies, resonated with a sense of history and intellectual rigor. Moving on to the Collège Sainte-Barbe, where Ignatius studied for his master's degree, I felt a profound connection to his journey of intellectual and spiritual growth. The halls of Sainte-Barbe see
Post a Comment
Read more