Nursing assistant Tammy Bennett assists Fr. Jack Beez with his lunch selections at Colombiere Center, where older Jesuits get whatever help they need.

In the midst of rolling hills in Michigan, an hour's drive north of Detroit, stands Colombiere, a retreat center and the home of some 60 Jesuits. The community is a place for retirement and recuperation. It is a nursing home and health care center. Jesuits are assigned here to "pray for the Church and Society, serve at the side of Christ, and build the Kingdom of God."

The men say that old age here begins at 93. Up to that time you're considered "advanced" middle age.

Age aside, this is their home. It is filled with brother Jesuits, friends, and colleagues surrounded by a loving and compassionate staff. It is a special and holy place.

[Left] Jesuits are encouraged to work out weekday mornings; exercises range from aerobics to weight training. John Dennis, one of many volunteers who come to Colombiere from the area, is leading this session.  [Center] Personal trainer Renee Turner, who has been at Colombiere for four years, assists Fr. Eugene Dwyer on an exercise machine. "Working with the Jesuits has been so gratifying. They present a challenging balance of intelligence and spirituality. It's changed my aspirations in terms of my career. Now I'm driven to be a better trainer."    [Right] Stylist Kim Chadwell, who has been cutting hair at Colombiere for almost thirteen years, listens to Fr. Vincent Hagarman's story about a University of Detroit Mercy student. "I've gotten to love these guys," she says. "They're kind and interesting and always happy with their hair."

[Clockwise from upper left] Sandy Clark, Colombiere's activity director, watches over an Uno game Fr. Ben Morin is poised to win. Field trips and movie nights are among the activities that keep life interesting for the Jesuits.   •   Br. Brutus Clay regularly walks Colombiere's grounds. When he speaks, you can hear the sound of his native Kentucky. He recently traveled back there for the ordination of a family member.   •  "A priest is always a priest," says one visitor to Colombiere. "These men may be older, but they want to remain active. They serve God by being who they are."   •  Fr. Joe Downey has written five books on faith and spirituality since moving to Colombiere. "I've found this time to be one of great excitement," he says. "It's been a time to reflect, a time to measure yourself up and ask, Have I become the man that God intended me to be?"

[Left] On weekday mornings Fr. Joe Downey organizes his room for Mass. Chairs are moved, books and writing material are put aside, and a old typewriter stand becomes an altar. Participants include Frs. Fred Bergewisch, Robert Murphy, and Derm Rabaut. •  [Right] Colombiere's health care manager, Elaine Hines, RN, has cared for hundreds of Jesuits and has witnessed the deaths of more than 70. "It's difficult, but I've accepted death as something very spiritual and try to make sure that someone's last days are peaceful. They've led good lives; they're going to heaven. What else would you want?"

[Left] During the wake for Fr. Joe Owens, a Jesuit for more than 70 years, a short biography was read and stories retold of a life dedicated to God, the Society of Jesus, friends, and students.

[Right] Fr. Ben Morin gives a final blessing to Fr. Owens.

"This is a holy place. I love these men, and I come here for the grace I receive," says Steve Nicholson, receiving Fr. Derm Rabaut's blessing. Steve, who has been coming here since his childhood in the '60s, is often at Colombiere for Mass and confession. He recalls with a smile, "Father once couldn't remember the absolution in English, so he did it in Latin."

In the solitude of the chapel's choir loft, Fr. Herbert Raterman prays the Divine Office.

Fr. Richard Twohig, superior of the Jesuits at Colombiere, takes part in the Morning Report at 9:00 daily, when the staff gathers to discuss the care and treatment of the Jesuits.