International Tertianship in
Sri Lanka
Arrupe House
No. 15/10, Dutugemunu Mawatha, Lewella, Kandy.
Tel. +94 081 224 0725
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka is a tropical haven celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and hospitality. Often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” this island nation seamlessly weaves together ancient traditions and modern charm.
With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Sri Lanka boasts a legacy of flourishing civilizations, deep Buddhist roots, and colonial influences. Ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa stand as proud symbols of its glorious past, while landmarks such as Sigiriya, the “Lion Rock Fortress,” showcase architectural brilliance.
The island’s natural beauty is captivating and diverse. From radiant beaches and rolling tea plantations to vibrant rainforests and misty mountains, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of scenic wonders. Its World Heritage Sites highlight the country’s cultural and ecological significance. Despite its challenges, Sri Lanka remains a sanctuary of peace, offering serenity and spiritual renewal to all who visit.
TERTIANSHIP PROGRAM
Welcome to a transformative chapter in your journey of personal and spiritual growth — Tertianship. This unique period marks a time of reflection, discernment, and deepening of one’s spiritual understanding and commitment. Rooted in the rich traditions of Ignatian spirituality, Tertianship is a sacred space where individuals, having completed their initial stages of formation, embark on a more profound exploration of their relationship with God and the world.
Tertianship is a season of discernment, inviting you to engage in prayer, contemplation, and communal living. It is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, allowing these transformative practices to guide you in discerning God’s will for your life. As you step into this period of intentional reflection, you join a community of like-minded individuals, fostering a supportive environment for shared experiences and spiritual companionship.
Throughout Tertianship, you will be encouraged to explore the contours of your faith, confront the challenges of the modern world, and discern how your unique gifts and talents can contribute to the greater good. It is a time to refine your spiritual discernment skills, cultivating a deeper awareness of the movements of the Holy Spirit in your life.
This journey is both personal and communal, a sacred pilgrimage that extends beyond the confines of time and space. May your time in Tertianship be a period of profound encounter, growth, and discernment, as you deepen your commitment to living a life of purpose, service, and spiritual authenticity.
Welcome to Tertianship — a sacred space for discernment, contemplation, and the unfolding of God’s plan in your life.
Dear Tertian,
As you embark on your Tertianship journey, we extend a warm welcome and are excited to provide you with essential guidance through our comprehensive Visa Process and Finance Matters Guide. This manual has been crafted to ensure that your transition to Tertianship in Sri Lanka is not only seamless but also allows you to focus on what truly matters – your transformative experience.
- Per Diem: The cost per diem amounts to $4,000 for a duration of 6 months. The amount is predetermined and is intended to reflect the average cost of meals and the day-to-day functioning in the given location. This category typically covers miscellaneous expenses, such as laundry, or other small, non-meal-related costs that may arise during the period.
The Jesuit Tertianship Program is often referred to as the “third probation” in Jesuit formation, and it marks the final stage before a Jesuit is fully incorporated into the Society of Jesus through the profession of final vows. It consolidates the Jesuit’s growth in religious life, offering a deepened spiritual and apostolic focus in preparation for lifelong service in the Society of Jesus.
1. Spiritual Renewal
Tertians deepen their spiritual life through a 30-day silent retreat, revisiting the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the core of their vocation.
2. Apostolic Experience
Apostolic assignments challenge tertians, stretching pastoral skills and deepening engagement with the marginalized.
3.Community Life
Living with fellow tertians fosters shared reflection, mutual support, and insights into religious and apostolic life.
4. Formation & Study
Tertians study Ignatius Resources such as Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, Jesuit Constitutions and the History of the Society of Jesus along with the contemporary Church documents, enriching their Jesuit charism.
5. Preparation for Final Vows
Tertians deepen their spiritual life through a 30-day silent retreat, revisiting the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the core of their vocation.
6. Evaluation & Discernment
Guided discernment helps tertians assess their readiness for final vows and clarify their role in the Jesuit mission.
Fr Donald Miranda, SJ
Donald Miranda belongs to the Patna Province of the Society of Jesus. He has been a tertian instructor since 2024. Prior to that he served his province as Rector and Provincial. He was also Novice Director for eight years.
Fr Sajeev Painunkal, SJ
Sajeev is from Kerala and belongs to the Calcutta Province. He has been a tertian instructor since 2022. Prior to that he served as Novice Director and Pre-noviciate director in his home province.
Fr Ahilarajah, SJ
Superior of both FRH community and Arrupe House community (resides at FRH). Fr Ahil belongs to Sri Lanka Province and has been the superior of FRH community since 2015. Prior to that he worked in many houses in the province in various capacities.
Fr Sachintha Fernando, SJ
Fr Sachintha belongs to Sri Lanka Province and was ordained in 2023. He had most of his formation in India and the Philippines. He was appointed the minister of Arrupe House in August 2024. Prior to that, he worked as a pastor.
August 31 : Arrival
September 1 : Inauguration of the programme
Weeks 1-2 : Introduction, Self-discovery through the Autobiography of St Ignatius
Weeks 3-4 : Ignatian Spirituality
Week 5 : Preparation for the Spiritual Exercises
Weeks 6-10 : The Spiritual Exercises
Weeks 11-14 : Charism of the Society
Weeks 15-19 : Ignatian Experiments
Weeks 20-23 : Constitutions of the Society
Weeks 24-25 : Knowing oneself better
Week 26 : Winding up, Triduum
February 26 : Departure
This is a tentative programme. Courses and dates may be adjusted according to need and convenience. The arrival and departure dates are fixed.
Arrupe House can accommodate sixteen tertians only.
Individual rooms with common bathrooms
Spacious lobby and dining hall
Chapel and class-room suitable for our need
Library with many titles on Jesuit life
Washing machine
Scenic routes for walking and relaxing
Pleasant weather (the temperature is between 15 to 30 degrees (c) during the tertianship months (and plenty of rains! Please bring some light warm clothes and an umbrella).
Limited wi-fi facilities
Help to get local phone number
Cooked meals three times a day (local Sri Lankan cuisine)