Jesuit education – A time for pondering

Brian Flannery, past pupil and past staff member of Belvedere College SJ, speaks to Pádraig Swan about his relationship with Belvedere and Jesuit education in general. Brian has served as Delegate for Education of the Irish Jesuit Province for many years and will be transitioning from this role to working with the European network of Jesuit schools (JECSE). The podcast conversation is part of a series on how members of the Belvedere community speak to the Vision, Mission and Values (VMV) of the College. Click here to listen to the podcast story ».

In talking with Pádraig Swan, Director of Belvedere’s Faith and Service Programmes, Brian discusses the consultation and discernment process involved in helping to create the school’s statement of Vision, Mission and Values (VMV). For example, he talks about what it means to be ‘men for others’, a school that strives for ‘academic excellence’ and ‘lifelong learning’, along with a deep hunger for ‘social justice’. He gives an insight to the network of Jesuit schools across the world.

Furthermore, Brian reflects on his connection with the Jesuits while attending secondary school at Coláiste Iognáid in Galway and Belvedere College in Dublin City. He talks about his work as Principal of Belvedere’s Junior School, which has since closed, and his work in liaising with students, parents and staff as Delegate for Education. He discusses his friendships with former classmates, and more.