Skip to main content

My Training in Paris at the Centre Sèvres

During my training in Paris at the Centre Sèvres, several elements contributed to a rich and transformative experience:

Studies at the Centre Sèvres:


International Exposure: One of the most enriching aspects was living, working, and studying within an international community. Interacting with priests, religious, and laypeople from all over the world offered me a profound sense of universality in the Church and theological thought.

Theological Formation: The opportunity to study theology from a French perspective, under world-renowned professors, was a unique advantage. Their insights, shaped by a distinct cultural and intellectual context, broadened my understanding of theology and how it is lived and taught across different regions.

Access to Resources: The Centre's library was an invaluable resource. Having access to the best academic materials and being able to study directly from original sources significantly enhanced the quality of my research and learning.

Language Learning: Although learning French was a challenge, it became an essential part of my training. The language allowed me to engage more deeply with the texts and the people around me.

Community Life:

Diversity and Fraternity: Living among a large and diverse group of Jesuits from all over the world was a truly enriching experience. The lively atmosphere created by members engaged in various apostolic and academic activities was a constant source of inspiration.

Active Living Groups: Our regular group meetings fostered a deep sense of fraternity. We shared openly about our lives, challenges, joys, and how we experienced God. These conversations, held in an atmosphere of trust and sincerity, often revolved around a shared spiritual theme, which helped us grow together as a community.

Language Support and Encouragement: The community was incredibly supportive of my efforts to learn French. Members, especially the superiors like Fr. François Boëdec and Fr. Dominique Cuppilard, were not only generous in their help but also encouraged me throughout this journey.

Special Mentorship: Fr. Jean-Yves Granet, the former Provincial, was particularly encouraging. His constant support had a significant impact on my time at the Centre, especially as I navigated various challenges.

Community-Building Initiatives: We spent two weekends outside Paris as part of our community-building efforts. These sessions provided a chance to connect more deeply with fellow Jesuits in a relaxed setting, strengthening bonds of fraternity and friendship.

Spiritual Accompaniment:

Guidance and Support: I was fortunate to have Fr. Charles Hendry O'Neill as my spiritual director. His guidance was pivotal in helping me navigate the challenges I faced during my stay. His wisdom and support allowed me to reflect deeply on my experiences and to grow spiritually.

Apostolic Activities:

CVX Group Animation: I had the privilege of accompanying a CVX (Christian Life Community) group of 10 laypeople. This spiritual accompaniment not only enriched their faith journeys but also deepened my own pastoral and spiritual sensitivity. Even after the experience, I continue to stay in touch with the group, maintaining the bonds we built during that time.

In Retrospect:

Language Learning: If I could revisit my time at the Centre, I would dedicate more time to learning the French language. One year of focused study on language acquisition would have greatly enhanced my ability to engage fully with both the academic and social aspects of my training. While I did learn French, I felt the need for more formal and intensive language training to polish and solidify my command over it. With a stronger grasp of the language, I could have engaged even more deeply with the rich resources and conversations that surrounded me.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Awakening in the Hills: My Transformative Journey at Bodhi Zendo, Kodaikanal - Sooraj D

Bodhi Zendo, nestled in the serene Perumalmalai near Kodaikanal, stands as a unique beacon of Zen meditation in South India. Founded in 1996 by Fr. AMA Samy, the first Indian Zen master and a Jesuit priest, the center represents a remarkable confluence of spiritual traditions. Fr. AMA Samy's journey to establishing Bodhi Zendo was deeply shaped by his life experiences and spiritual quests. His search for spiritual depth led him to Hindu ashrams, Buddhist meditation centers, and eventually to Japan, where he trained under Yamada Ko-Un Roshi of the Sanbo Kyodan school of Zen Buddhism. In 1982, he was authorized to teach Zen, blending elements from Soto and Rinzai traditions along with influences from Christianity and other religions, thereby creating a distinctive teaching method that reflects both his Indian heritage and Zen training. Bodhi Zendo literally means "Awakening Hall" and functions as a Sangha—a community of practitioners—open to all, regardless of religious bac...

A Spiritual Haven in the Hills: Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur- Sooraj D

Nestled in the breathtaking Palni Hills of Kodaikanal, Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur is much more than a Jesuit formation house—it is a living testament to a rich legacy of faith, ecological stewardship, educational dedication, and spiritual renewal. This remarkable institution’s origins and ongoing mission are rooted in the vision and efforts of early Jesuit missionaries, particularly Fr. Saint-Cyr, whose pioneering spirit laid the foundation for what has become a beacon of Ignatian spirituality and holistic formation. The Genesis: Fr. Saint-Cyr and the Birth of a Vision The story of Sacred Heart College begins in the mid-19th century with one man’s profound encounter with the Kodaikanal plateau. In 1852, while on a pastoral visit to Periakulam as a missionary responsible for the Dindigul, Palni, and Kumbam valleys, Fr. Saint-Cyr happened upon the steep rise of the Kodai plateau. Intrigued and inspired, he climbed through dense jungle to the plateau’s summit and immediately envisi...

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...