Prior to my arrival in Boston, I had completed my undergraduate degree in Theology, in Ireland, during which I had received a scholarship to pursue some further theological studies in Rome. At this time, I undertook a class entitled Spiritual Giants of the 16th Century: Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross. It was then I had been introduced to Ignatian Spirituality.
Though growing up, we had become very familiar with Blessed John Sullivan SJ through my Great-Grand Aunt Ena who prayed to and talked about his witness to faith, the poor and sick. The story of the “Cycling Jesuit” from Eccles Street Dublin, beatified by Pope Francis in 2017, was somehow naturally passed down to me with a potential Ignatian charism quietly instilled. We were taught to meet people where they are, to respect and love people for who they are, and to walk with people whenever possible – that ultimately typifies finding God in all things! Me, my brothers and sisters had a very healthy upbringing and formation where we came from a faith-filled home, and a relaxed environment, which allowed for us to explore our faith freely.
Besides a wonderful upbringing and receiving a well-rounded and holistic education I had been blessed with many role models, much support, encouragement, and experience along the way, which had informed me of my decision to go to the CSTM. One encounter I had was on a ‘new’ and established Celtic Camino inspired by the life of Saint Columba/Colmcille in 2020-2021, where I gradually discovered a lack in personal faith formation - as if academia had taken over. A fellow pilgrim had said to me, “we are so concerned in life about getting from ‘A to B’ that we often miss or forget to enjoy the journey in-between”. It was apparent to me upon reflection, the attentiveness and engagement with interior life was somehow becoming gradually restless. So, when seeking postgraduate universities, it was important for me to go somewhere that would strike a balance between education and formation, that the CSTM do exceptionally well!
My journey to the CSTM was met with what we would say in Irish: “Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat, a Íosa” or “a hundred thousand welcomes, O Jesus”, which illustrate the vast warm welcome of the faith-filled intentional community here, who clearly walk and learn together as pilgrims.