After the 30-day retreat and the joyful celebration of Christmas, On Deceomber 26, 2015, four Tertians went to Galway for a mini villa. Marco, Zeljko, Ziad and Jeff travelled by Car to Galway and on their way to their destination, they had to stop in Athlone for a sumptuous Italian lunch of pizza and pasta.
They stayed with the Jesuit community of St. Ignatius Residence in 27 Raleigh Row, Galway. There are 5 Jesuits in the community and they are all very accommodating and warm. Fr. Minister is Fr. Enda O’ Callaghan, and he attended well all our needs. He also loves to play table tennis and he invited Jeff and Ziad to play table tennis at night time. He’s one of the senior members of the community but mind you, he is still strong and athletic. He even beat Ziad at times, in spite of him being young and a table tennis varsity when he was in secondary school. The games added a flavor to their trip and much needed physical exercise for the tertians.
The next day they visited Kylemore Castle and got themselves immersed in the local history and heritage of the place.
On their third day, they visited the majestic Cliffs of Moher. There is really something about that brought them to awe and wonder. This is a very conducive place to contemplate the wonder of God and nature. On their way to the place, they met heavy rain and strong wind but thanks be to God, the moment they reached the place, the rain and the wind stopped. Giving the happy tertians ample time to explore and enjoy the place.
They need to leave Galway on the 29th of December, 2015 late in the morning because Storm Frank would have its landfall in the afternoon on that day. They were one in prayer with those people who were affected by the storm.
Ziad stayed in Galway to accompany Clement for the 2nd batch of the mini-villa. I heard, they spent most of their time in the residence due to the storm. It gave them opportunity to bond one another and to get to know the Galway Jesuit community better.
Overall, it was fun, worthwhile and consoling villa for the tertians.
Jeff, Marco and Zeljko in Cliffs of Moher
Jeff, Ziad and Marco at Kylemore Abbey
Sunrise in Galway near the Jesuit Residence
Galway Cathedral
Kylemore Abbey
Ancient Clonmacnoise Irish Monastery
At the Galway City Center