THE Jesuits have been based in Belfast since 1988 and the order's work in the Diocese of Down and Connor has reached a new milestone with the opening of a dedicated centre in Donegall Street.
The location - in the old St Patrick's School building, and right beside the Ulster University's campus - is key for a project that will focus on working with young adults.
"We want to be able to give young adults the tools to make better decisions from our rich tradition of reflection and self-awareness, that speaks to people of all faiths and none," explained Fr Gerry Clarke SJ, the centre director.
The centre will provide faith formation training as well as cultural and social activities, he said: "In true Jesuit style we want to create places of encounter and dialogue, where people can ask questions about their lives and critically examine the issues of the day."
The Jesuits are well known for their educational, missionary and charitable works, but it is their practical approach to spirituality that Fr Clarke - who is also Catholic Chaplain at Ulster University - hopes to promote.
Jesuit spirituality is about "finding God in all things", he says.
"A personal encounter with a loving God is at the heart of our mission. Our spirituality is grounded in the conviction that God is active in our lives and that we can discern or uncover God's presence, especially through reflection, which will influence our compassion and outreach to others.
"We bring this spirituality into the wider human context as we strive for social justice, peace and dialogue."
As well as Fr Clarke, the team at the centre includes Fr Tom Layden SJ, Fr Brendan McManus SJ and Fr Piaras Jackson SJ.
A launch event on Saturday included a talk on the history of the landmark Donegall Street building from historian, Jim McDermott, as well as an afternoon with Pope Francis biographer, Austen Ivereigh.
The Jesuits regard the new centre as providing a "public face" to their work in Belfast, and it expands the activities and the outreach of the Peter Faber Community, which remains based at Brookvale Avenue in the north of the city.
Their ministry in Down and Connor has included offering spiritual direction and retreats as well as training in Ignatian spirituality to lay people and clergy and support to the diocesan seminary, the chaplaincy at Jordanstown and the Living Church office.
The Jesuit Centre, which has opened following a period of discernment and with the encouragement and blessing of Bishop Noel Treanor and Jesuit Provincial, Fr Leonard Moloney SJ, adds a new dimension to the Society of Jesus' work.
Fr Clarke said the programmes and events already planned include preparing for Advent, creative writing and processing trauma. There will be weekly worship with music, a four-week course for priests, deacons and parish leaders on 'Scripture at the heart of the parish', and even a book club on Pope Francis's reform of the Church, "using reflection to 'channel your inner fire'".
More information by telephoning 077 0631 6319, emailing belfastjesuitcentre@gmail.com or visiting belfastjesuitcentre.co.uk
