Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 26: Fr John Dardis, the general counsellor of Jesuits for Discernment and Apostolic Planning paid a visit to St Aloysius Deemed to be University on Tuesday, February 25. Fr Dardis has the assignment of providing essential guidance and strategic planning to Jesuits globally.
He has been instrumental in suggesting and designing strategies for sustainable impacts of Jesuits in communities and institutions that they serve. He demonstrates an ideal blend of communication and theological erudition. He holds a Master’s degree in television, radio, and film from Syracuse University and a licentiate in sacred theology in moral theology from the University of Toronto. He has the uncanny capacity to break complex concepts into simple but insightful spiritual practices.
His extensive leadership experience includes serving as president of the conference of Jesuit provincials of Europe, Irish Jesuit provincial, JRS-Europe regional director, holding communication roles within the Arch-diocese of Dublin and the Jesuit Communication Centre.
Widely acknowledged for his expertise in discernment and leadership, Fr Dardis has conducted numerous workshops and retreats. He offers spiritual direction, drawing from Ignatian Spirituality for values-driven decisions and transformations. He is deeply faithful and highly skilled Jesuit whose dedication to discernment, leadership and service makes him an invaluable resource.
Fr Dardis paid a visit to the University, witnessed the incredible spaces like the Chapel and its paintings, the Museum, the Community Radio and the heritage building. He showed a keen interest in the legacy of the institution with a history of 145 years.
Fr Dardis SJ interacted with the officers of the University and other educational institutions under the Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES) in the University Sanidhya Hall.
He made an engaging presentation and reflection on the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) of Jesuits–showing the way to God, walking with the poor and the marginalized, caring for our common home, Mother earth and Accompanying Youth. He connected the UAPs to the current context and elicited responses from the participants. The participants shared their priorities among the UAPs with Fr Dardis.
The visit was facilitated by the rector, Fr Melwin J Pinto SJ, Dr Praveen Martis SJ. Fr John Dardis was felicitated by the rector and the officers of the University.
Dr Loveena Lobo, director, Maffei Block offered a floral welcome, Dr Charles Furtado, director, administrative block conducted the prayer and proposed a vote of thanks, Dr Alwyn V D’Sa, the registrar welcomed the gathering and introduced the guest to the audience.
The programme concluded with the felicitation to the guest.