Journeying with St Ignatius

Day 1: St Ignatius and my life

(St Ignatius of Loyola was not a familiar name before I joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). But ever since I joined the Jesuits, he has become my ‘FATHER’. The more I read about him or listen to someone about him, he becomes more real to me. I am fascinated by his spirituality, philosophy and idealism of life. I have encountered a number of Jesuits, who have lived out or are living out the life of St Ignatius. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of St Ignatius I thought of penning my personal thoughts on St Ignatius. This is not a scholarly writing or research paper rather it should be treated as my personal reflection.)

Another new language!

I have just begun learning another new language. Two weeks have passed since I arrived in Rome. One week has passed since I began learning Italian. Italian is being spoken all around me. Hardly anyone in my community speaks English. I do find it difficult for not being able to express myself. But this forces me to speak Italian. In other word, I have to speak Italian to survive.


I must admit that so far I found the language quite easy. I am also trying my level best. Practically whole day I am immersed in the world of Italian. My dream is that within one month i should be able to express myself in Italian. I dream to write an article in Italian and post on my blog...is it too much! Too ambitious! But I have to do...I have a long way to go before i sleep..............................ciao.....

Life in Rome

Life beginning in Rome


Finally I am in Rome! Things happened so quickly. There are many surprises in my life. Sometimes I wonder – am I worthy of all these surprises! But things come along the way…

Do they love the country?

Years back, probably 10 -12 years back I was doing college studies in Dhaka, capital city of Bangladesh. Those were really crazy days, full of fun! My days would begin by reading daily newspapers. Among many things, I used to look forward to reading any news of hartal, strike. This would bring a lot of joy for many of us in the hostel. We would always love to see hartal being called on our quiz days.

Finally i found it...

Its Sunday...I got up quiet late. Had quick breakfast. Checked my mails, read my country’s newspaper. Tried to read something but could not concentrate. Feeling a bit uneasy. Did not feel like going out as evening I would be going out with a friend. I was wondering what should I do? Should I watch a film? Should I begin a novel? Should I sleep? A process of discernment started…Nothing appealed to me. Something new I wanted to do. Something, which I have not done for quite long…suddenly it, clicked me. Why not working in the garden, cutting grass. Immediately I left my room, took the lawnmower(this word i learnt from my friend Patrick) and began to work. It was wonderful. Two hours works rejuvenated me. My spirit was uplifted…then what should I do? Why not cooking something…cooked rice and chicken curry…had good lunch. Then I decided to pen something in my blog. I have not written anything for quite long. Then what is the topic…what should I write? Why not pen just what I did this morning…


Life is a real mystery. At one point I thought the day is dull, nothing exciting…but with little bit of creativity and effort, I translated my time. A great lesion learnt…sometimes we are bored with life. If we take little initiative we could easily come out our boredom. Finally at the end of the day it is my life …and it is up to me how do I utilize my time…why not try to do something creative?

Pilgrimage to Spain

Sojourning in my Founder’s land


Ever since I joined the Jesuit Order, I have been repeatedly hearing about Loyola, Manresa, Xavier and Montserrat. These few places got imprinted in my heart as ‘Holy Land’. Deep within my heart a desire kept on growing to visit these Holy places. Fr Donal Neary, a Jesuit (Parish Priest of Gardiner Street Parish) casually asked me if I was willingly to partake in a pilgrimage to Ignatian sites. I grabbed the opportunity without giving a second thought!

March 26...

My country is great!

Once again March 26 is with us! The celebration for Independence and national day is all around us! The national flag is hoisting ...the patriotic songs are being played in most of the common places. The media is broadcasting special programmes on the importance of March 26.