Paddy Carberry SJ

January 9, 2015 in Irish Jesuits and colleagues

Born in Dublin and educated by the Loreto Sisters and by the Christian Brothers in Coláiste Mhuire, Paddy Carberry is one of three children born to Matthew and Mary Carberry. He entered the Jesuits after leaving school in 1963. Upon completion of his novitiate, he studied Irish and English in UCD and then went on to begin his philosophical studies in the exciting environment of the newly established Milltown Institute. He spent two years’ regency in Coláiste Iognáid, Galway, where he taught a variety of subjects and encouraged extra-curricular activities, and then returned to Milltown for his theological studies. Following his ordination in 1975, Paddy spent a further two years studying theology, during which time he lived in University Hall and helped with the care of the students there. In 1977 he was awarded his Licentiate in Theology.

After three years directing retreats in Tabor House, then a young adults’ retreat centre in Milltown Park, Paddy began his final year of formation, known as Tertianship (1979-1980). This year began in Tullabeg, Co. Offaly, continued in London for a number of months, and ended in Manresa in Dublin. Following this year, which he refers to as the most precious year of his life, Paddy received a number of assignments within the Irish Province: Rector and Spiritual Father in Clongowes (1980-1983), Novice Director in Manresa (1983-1989), Editor of the Sacred Heart Messenger (1989-1993 and 2002-2006), Treasurer of the Irish Province (1993-2001) and Director of the Spirituality Centre in Manresa (2006-2012). He was also, at various times, the Provincial’s Delegate for Formation, Spirituality and Young Adults within the Irish Province. At present, among other responsibilities, he is in charge of the Ignatian outreach programmes in St. Francis Xavier’s, Gardiner Street, Dublin.