Dear Friends,

I have the opportunity—some might say burden—to travel quite a bit for my work as provincial. Much of my travel is related to our ministries, where I meet with the employees, board members, and people served by our works. It’s quite invigorating, and while there are issues to deal with at each location, it is consoling to see the work of the faithful firsthand.

My work also requires that I meet with almost all our Jesuits (there are more than 400 in the Midwest Province) each year. I am able to delegate a small number of these visits, but the bulk of them are my responsibility. As with the ministries, these visits are always rewarding; I am able to see my Jesuit brothers in person, learn about their joys and concerns firsthand, and assist them in reaching their potential. This type of attention can be described as cura personalis, a Latin phrase meaning “care for the entire person.” It’s a phrase often found in Ignatian spirituality and even in the mission statements of some of our works. It is one of our guiding principles as Jesuits.

It was this same spirit of care and concern that brought Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, to the U.S. in August. After first visiting the USA East Province, Fr. Sosa traveled to Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota (cover story, page 16). There, he sought to learn about and from the Lakota people—especially regarding their relationship with the Jesuits—and visited several sites of cultural and historic significance. It was my privilege to be a part of his deeply moving visit.

Care and concern, hallmarks of Jesuit ministry, are recurring themes throughout the pages of this magazine: Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House will soon celebrate 75 years of caring for the faithful (page 2); Adam Bohan, SJ, offers a reflection on his dual vocation as a Jesuit and nurse (page 8); Fr. Walt Bado, SJ, describes the journey that introduced him to the Jesuits and led him to start a mission in Kentucky (page 9); Katie Chustak cares for students and the environment through sustainable agriculture at Red Cloud Indian School (page 15); “friendship in the Lord” facilitates intergenerational Jesuit companionship (page 20). We also revisit the work of the Contract Buyers League and the Jesuits who joined the fight against housing discrimination in Chicago (page 22).

These and the many other stories presented in these pages would not be possible without the care and concern of you and others who support our work. We are very grateful.

In Christ,