‘A privilege to be part of it’

“A truly special gathering filled with meaning and a deep sense of togetherness.” That was how one attendee described the celebratory event to mark the historic Silver Jubilee of postgraduate studies in Applied Spirituality in and from Ireland. The celebration was organised by the trustees (see photo) of the Spirituality Institute for Research and Education (SpIRE). 150 graduates and faculty members across the years gathered in the Gibson Hotel Dublin on Saturday, 28 March 2026, to honour the occasion.

Andrea Hayes, broadcaster and former SpIRE graduate, opened the day with a warm welcome for all those who had travelled to the event from across Ireland and further afield. She invited the Director of SpIRE, Dr Michael O’Sullivan, SJ, to say a few introductory words. He explained the spelling of SpIRE. He told those gathered what SpIRE stands for. Sp = Spirituality; Capital I = Institute; Capital R = Research; and Capital E = Education. The whole event was videoed, and you can watch it here »

“The spelling also evokes Spirituality Ireland,” he explained in his address, where he logged on to the SpIRE website and encouraged participants to view it for themselves, noting in particular the unique online library catalogue for Applied Spirituality studies that can be found under the ‘Resources’ tab.

Dr Bernadette Flanagan and Michael are the leadership link across the three different third-level institutions where these spirituality studies have taken place over the past 25 years, and, as the co-founders of SpIRE, they recalled the story of this thriving development over the years for those present. Click here to watch the video (12 minutes in) »

A graduate from each of the three higher education institutions then shared their experience of what brought them to postgraduate studies in Applied Spirituality and the impact of their studies on them (see photo and click here to watch the video, 36 minutes and 30 seconds in »).

Dr Suzanne Denieffe, Head of the School of Humanities at South East Technological University (SETU), gave a stirring commendation regarding these MA and PhD studies, and spirituality research group, at the University, where they are now, and the role of SpIRE which hosts and resources these studies at the Jesuit Centre in Dublin.

Dr John Philip Newell, a leading scholar of Celtic spirituality from Scotland, delivered what many participants called an ‘inspiring’ and ‘visionary’ keynote address, which you can watch here (at 1.35.35 on the video) ». He spoke about the unspeakable gift of every day, which asks us to stay aware of the poor and suffering of the earth and to discern what we are called to do in response to that awareness. He says we are in the midst of huge crises in nature and humanity because we have turned away from the vision of the sacred in the cosmos and in one another.

Joy and gratitude characterised the celebration and the attendees wrote messages about the lived experience of the study of spirituality in their lives which were enclosed in a Memory Capsule to be opened in 10 years time.

Below are some testimonials that Michael received after the Silver Jubilee event:

Gratitude for an Inspirational Day

• I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to you both for such a wonderful and memorable day as we celebrated the MA in Applied Spirituality Silver Jubilee last weekend. Everything about the occasion reflected care, warmth, and thoughtfulness. The atmosphere you created was both joyful and reflective, allowing us not only to celebrate this important milestone but also to reconnect with our class friends. It was truly a special gathering, filled with meaning and a deep sense of togetherness. Days like this remind us of the programme’s lasting impact and the rich connections it continues to foster. John Philip Newell was an outstanding speaker who captured the audience for the last part of the day. Thank you again for the spirit in which the entire celebration was held. It was a privilege to be part of it.
• To have been a student of this MA programme has and continues to be a huge part of my spiritual, evolving, transforming life. The day did not disappoint. I loved it all.
• A very inspiring day… Lovely to meet old friends and hear the uplifting stories and unique research being undertaken.
• I really enjoyed the table settings rejoining our group, and it was like no time at all had passed. Even though I keep in touch with fellow graduates from time to time, I appreciated the opportunity to meet in person. I particularly enjoyed Mick’s story and his message after his horrific accident, realising the inherent value we all have as human beings, even as we may lie broken and despairing…We all really enjoyed Philip’s reflections and the Alleluia chorus! I appreciate all the organisation it took to ensure we had the wonderful experience of his presence and insights. Thank you so very much for all you do, and I know everyone felt the same.
• A great day was had by all. It was wonderful to see the mixing of past and present and to have the opportunity to listen to John Philip Newell. An inspiring man.
• It was a wonderful day… You have done outstanding work, Michael and given an enormous commitment to the whole area of Spirituality. It is what it is today because of you. Thank you for your endless patience and understanding.
• I cannot emphasise enough how wonderful it is to be part of the community that you Michael, and Bernadette have built over 25 years. To have such an event was wonderful, and all the work you must have put into making it such a success. Andrea was a fabulous MC. It was great to laugh so much about ‘corridors’ and where they might lead one. Indeed, most of us have come through the MA through circuitous routes.
• Many thanks for organising that wonderful gathering we have just had. It was wonderful to meet with the class (2017) group again, and it seemed as if the years since we parted had just melted away.
• Congratulations on the fantastic success of the Silver Jubilee celebration. The day was a triumph due to your meticulous planning and hard work… It was a privilege to attend and meet so many new people, and to reconnect with friends and acquaintances.
• It was a privilege to be with you last Saturday. Congratulations on the wonderful work you have done and continue to do. The event was inspiring and uplifting. “May the nourishment of the earth be yours, may the clarity of light be yours, may the fluency of the ocean be yours, may the protection of the ancestors be yours.” (from Beannachtí by John O’Donoghue)
• Congratulations to you and the team on achieving 25 years of steering people through post-graduate Spirituality. It has been wonderful for those of us who benefited from your efforts, and I hope you can all feel proud of what you have done. I look forward to the 35th anniversary gathering.

Miriam Costello

Good morning, Noelia, Bernadette and Michael.

Congratulations on the Jubilee- what a wonderful occasion and celebration! You must be delighted with how well the day went. I appreciated being part of it. It was a great opportunity to meet some of my group and other people that l know independently of the M. A. One big highlight was meeting Rory Halpin, who was my supervisor for the dissertation. We had not met in person but had connected very well over zoom. It was a joy to meet him and his wife. Of course, it was lovely to see all of you too, even though there was no time for a proper conversation. I am looking forward to visiting Milltown, but l don’t know when that will be…hopefully in the fairly near future.

Aedamar Kirrane

Dear Michael

Thank you for a truly wonderful celebration Saturday week ago. I had a great time and really appreciated all the hard work and planning that clearly went into creating such a special and memorable event. It was five star! Congratulations.

Warm regards and gratitude

Aedamar

Richard O’Connell

Just a quick note to congratulate you all on the Silver Jubilee celebrations on the 28th March. It was an uplifting experience and very enjoyable reconnecting with classmates, yourselves and others on the day.

I found John Philip Newell’s talk to be inspiring.