Fr. Andrew Cera, SJ
Entered the Society of Jesus: 2015
As a Jesuit: Father Cera taught Ignatian Spirituality and Christian Spirituality in the Theology and Religious Studies Department at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
Assignment Following Ordination: Father Cera will continue to pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology with a focus on Ignatian spirituality and prayer at Boston College.
Expression of Gratitude and Inspiration: In Into the Silent Land, Martin Laird wrote “debts of gratitude are always a privilege to bear, and it would be impossible to thank enough of those who have been instrumental through the years.” I can say the same and hope the meager words that follow may make present more invisible depths of gratitude.
To my parents, Charles and Therese, siblings Tina, Becky, Nick and Nate, brothers-in-law Nick and Patrick, sister-in-law Jessica, aunts, uncles, grandparents, especially Otto and Jane Bonahoom, my first school of community, friendship and prayer. Thank you! To my Jesuit provincials and directors of formation, especially Frs. Tom Lawler, Brian Paulson, Karl Kiser, Tim Lannon and Charlie Rodrigues, whose leadership, care and love for Christ and the Society of Jesus have been abundantly felt though words and deeds. Thank you! To my local superiors Jesuit Frs. Joe O’Keefe, Tom Pipp and George Collins, whose concrete witness of service and style after the Good Shepherd have always pointed me to the presence and call of Christ the Eternal King. Thank you!
To the faculty, staff and administration at John Carroll University, especially Dr. Ed Hahnenberg, Dr. Ed Peck, Sr. Katherine Feely, John Scarano, Kathleen Sardon, Jurell Sison, Ann McGinness and former President Al Miciak, as well as all JCU students, alumni and parents who made real for me those words of Pope Francis: “happiness comes when our hearts are filled with faces and names.” Thank you! To the professors at Fordham University and Boston College who have deepened my love of Ignatian Spirituality, and to my brother Jesuits, most immediately those at the Faber Community and Xavier House at Boston College, who have added to the “hundredfold” of this vocation. Thank you!
Finally, to the benefactors, whose support and prayers have made this life of study and mission possible. Thank you! To everyone—most especially God—it is impossible to thank you enough, and this is precisely what turns this debt not only into a privilege but a joy to bear.
