Kieran Gill SJ is one of three Australian Jesuits who will be ordained as deacons in Boston in September this year. In the latest of our ‘To know, love and serve’ video series, Kieran talks about how Pedro Arrupe helped inspire Jesuit educational institutions in forming ‘men and women for others’, and describes how his own vocation led him into teaching.
Since entering the Jesuits in 2008, Kieran has undertaken studies and worked in various ministries across the Australian Jesuit Province. One of the great blessings, he says, has been the opportunity to work in Jesuit schools.
‘It’s a precious opportunity to serve parents and to help in the education and formation of their children. It’s just so enjoyable, and engaging and lively every day’, he says.
In July, the Jesuits announced the beginning of the canonisation process for their former Father General Pedro Arrupe. Kieran says that Arrupe’s writings have helped inspire and shape his approach to teaching.
‘Fr Arrupe articulated the mission of Jesuit educational institutions as a mission of forming “men and women for others”. He described how that mission was based on our belief in Jesus Christ, who is the man for others’, says Kieran.
‘He helped us to see that our mission is to form people who are inspired by the person of Jesus, and to form men and women who are living out their baptismal call to holiness in all aspects of their lives and in a whole variety of endeavours.’
Do you have a desire to use your gifts and talents in the service of God? Does the idea of living out your faith at the frontiers of our world — both spiritual and physical — excite you? Perhaps you are being called to Jesuit life. Visit www.jesuit.org.au/vocations to find out more.
Contact us at vocations@sjasl.org.au.