Shadowing Peter McVerry
Posted on 13. Apr, 2017, in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Economy, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Vocation, Young peopleComments Off on Shadowing Peter McVerry
Chris Brolly is a Jesuit novice on a three-month placement in Dublin. Originally from Newcastle, England, 28 year-old Chris is of Irish Catholic heritage who worked in marginalised communities before joining the Jesuits. In this interview with Pat Coyle from Irish Jesuit Communications, he speaks about his reason for joining the Jesuits and he shares his experience of working with Peter McVerry SJ.
Chris talks about how a chance comment, first introduced him to the idea of the Jesuits. Someone pointed out to him that being motivated by his faith to do his work in a disadvantaged school with no faith was a very jesuitically thing to do. Chris looked up the work of the Jesuits and was impressed by what he saw, later making the decision to join the order.
Chris shadows Peter McVerry SJ at his drop-in shelter for the homeless in Upper Sherrard Street, around the corner from Gardiner Street Church as part of his discernment to realise whether the vocation is truly for him. He feels inspired by the Irish Jesuit who is well known throughout the Jesuit community for his work with the homeless. Chris says it’s been a real journey of insight and spiritual growth to work with Peter McVerry.