Letter from the Provincial

Dear Friends,

I write to you from the heart of our Midwest Province today with deep joy and gratitude. These months of summer sunshine remind us of the new life the Lord is always bringing forth in His Church and in our Society.

In this issue of Jesuits magazine, we have an abundance of joyful stories to share. In the news on pages 2-3 and 22, you’ll read about several new leadership appointments across the province, including at five of our Jesuit high schools, plus important roles in Washington, D.C. We’ll bid farewell to some of our colleagues with warmth and heartfelt gratitude; they are generous leaders whose efforts have touched countless lives.

“WHOM SHALL I SEND? AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?” AND I SAID, “HERE AM I. SEND ME!”

–Isaiah 6:8

Our feature stories in this issue are equally inspiring. On page 6, we rejoice at the ordination of nine new Jesuit priests on Saturday, June 13, at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee. It is always a day of profound grace when young men say their “yes” to the Lord in the Society of Jesus.

Elsewhere, we explore the important role of lay presidents at Midwest Jesuit universities (page 16) and how they, together with their Jesuit colleagues, continue to uphold the distinctive Jesuit model of education with its foundation in Ignatian spirituality. Another story looks at our vibrant Jesuit parishes (page 18) and the qualities that draw so many people to them—dynamic preaching, Ignatian spirituality, outreach to the poor and a genuine sense of community.

We’ll meet Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, whose tremendous appeal and global reach on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)—the world’s largest religious media network—are profiled on page 20. Finally, on page 23, we celebrate two of our Jesuit Jubilarians as they mark 50 years in the Society of Jesus, reflecting on lives filled with mission, friendship and God’s faithfulness.

These stories remind us that the mission of the Society of Jesus continues to be robust and very much alive in the heart of the Church, thanks to your faith-filled partnership.

As ever, I am deeply grateful for your ongoing prayers, financial support and friendship. You make all of this possible. Please know that I keep you and your intentions in my daily prayers, and I ask that you remember the Jesuits of our province—and all those we serve—in yours.

With warmest regards and sincere blessings for a joyful summer,