The Adventurer

February 13, 2023

The Adventurer, a film about Michael Barrow, a Jesuit for over 70 years

Words by Fr Michael Barrow SJ

I am Fr Michael Barrow; I’ve been a Jesuit for just over 70 years, and I’ve now come to what we call our ‘retirement’. I don’t feel like retiring but I’ll be 92 next week so they feel I ought to! My brother is a Jesuit, my other brother is a Diocesan priest, and so we were a thoroughly Catholic family. If Jesus came into our house, my mum would offer him a cup of tea. He was just part of the family.

Somebody asked me “what attracted you to the Jesuits?”. I think it is really that a Jesuit could be himself… If somebody’s thinking of being Jesuit, I hope it can be as fantastic [an experience] as mine. You’ve got to take the risk. If you’re inclined to, get out of the boat and walk upon the water. The water varies. There are worries. There are things that are going to get in the way. You’ve got to walk on that to get to Christ.

If you are thinking about your place in the world, interested in exploring your vocation or calling, or want to know more about the Society of Jesus, please visit the vocations page on our website here.

Jesuits and Dominicans Collaborate on New Senior Appointment

June 1, 2021

Youngest ever Senior Research Fellow at Campion Hall will also teach at Blackfriars.

Jesuit Missions is backing the Climate and Nature Bill

January 15, 2025

The Bill gets a second reading in Parliament on Friday 24th January

Warm Welcome for Catholic Students in Manchester

September 28, 2023

Manchester Universities Catholic Chaplaincy sparkled with vitality as the new academic year began

A reflection on the "Open Your Hearts" student retreat

May 18, 2023

The Manchester Universities’ Catholic Society retreat was held at Savio House in the Peak District