Members of Jesuit Order Return to Roots for Tertianship
By Jessica Delaney

Jesuits preparing for their final vows at Ste. Anne’s Church include (from left) Brother John Moriconi, Father Francis Ryan, Brother Jim Horgan, Father Tim Kesicki, Father Jim Prehn, Father Brian Lehane, and Director Father Howard Gray.

History will be repeating itself on Mackinac Island this summer as six members of the Jesuit order will be preparing themselves for their final vows. The Island has a long history of Jesuits on the Island, as missionaries, priests, and settlers.

“This is historical,” said Brother Jim Boynton, S.J., of Ste. Anne’s Church. “The early history of this island is the church. The church records are among the earliest, and the church is still alive here today.”

The six men arrived here Sunday, June 26, led by Father Howard Gray, S.J., and will be involved in a silent retreat as part of their tertianship.

To join the Jesuit order, there is a long formation period. Two years are spent in the novitiate. During that time, the constitution of the order is learned and spiritual direction is given. The novice is involved in a 30-day silent retreat, at the end of which he takes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

For those studying to become a priest, three years of philosophy, three years of teaching or regency, and three years of theology precede ordination. A man who desires to become a brother is involved in the initial two years of the novitiate, followed by specialized training and philosophy and teaching experiences.

The last part of the process is called tertianship, and doesn’t occur until after one has been in the order for a period of years. The Jesuits who will be present on the Island through July are in the process of completing their tertianship.

According to Br. Boynton, the opportunity of having the retreat at a Jesuit church is a somewhat unique experience. Most often the retreat is held at a retreat center to insure a fully reflective atmosphere. Fr. Gray said Mackinac Island provides a nearly perfect environment for the retreat.

“This is an ideal place, filled with Jesuit missionary history,” he said. “It’s quiet, and there’s a sense of getting back to the natural human rhythms.”

The retreatants will spend up to five hours a day in intense prayer, and having a peaceful environment allows for relaxation.

The men will spend the majority of their time on the Island engaged in a 30-day silent retreat. They will not engage in extraneous conversation, and will strive to remain quiet and reflect. They will be able to speak, however, if asked questions, or to participate in a mass.

“The important thing is not in keeping silent, but in being open before God,” said Fr. Gray, who will be the group’s tertianship master and will guide the other Jesuits. “There is a time to talk. It is important to keep the commandment of kindness and openness, so we will answer prayers, sing hymns, and other things.”

In addition, each retreatant will also meet with Fr. Gray for an hour on a daily basis, for spiritual guidance and direction. According to Fr. Gray, the important thing for him as a director of the retreat is to give direction and help those under him move through the process.

The men were allowed to converse freely when they arrived here. For the first few days, there was an introduction and the beginning of exercises. The entire retreat is four weeks, though each day is not based on seven days. The first week deals with creation, the reality of sin, and bringing the two together. The second week focuses on the gift of Jesus from the Father, His birth and ministry. The third week is His passion and death, while the fourth week deals with His resurrection and appearances.

“In many ways, the introduction is the heart of the process. We introduce ourselves to the attitudes that carry us through these four weeks,” said Fr. Gray.

The men began each day with short reflections. They told each other where they were at the moment and the work they were doing. After a few days, they talked more about the way God has led them. According to Fr. Gray, this is the primary time for the retreatants to talk about themselves. Even after the silent retreat begins, they will be able to share information.

“During the retreat, they will not be talking, but that doesn’t mean that communication will cease,” said Fr. Gray. “They still need to find a way of giving support.”

When the 30 days of silence are reached, the Jesuits will reflect on the retreat and focus some more on the Jesuit constitution.

This summer’s retreat is the first in a process that takes two years. Next summer, the six retreatants will meet again, either in Spain or possibly in Italy. During the second summer there is more reflection and concentration on the constitution. During the intervening year, the men will meet once a month.

The Jesuits on the retreat come from a variety of backgrounds. One man is the president of a high school, one is a professor of English, one works with the homeless in Detroit. During the coming month, however, they will all be focused on one thing: Where it is that they feel God is telling them to go.

After the tertianship, they will be able to take their final vows, at which point they can have a full leadership position in the order.

While on the Island, they will be staying at the Ste. Anne’s rectory and Haan’s 1830s Inn.