USA MIDWEST PROVINCE | SPRING 2019

On the Frontiers MAGIS 2019 in Panama Celebrates the International Ignatian Family

Also in This Issue: n Midwest Jesuits Evangelize Through the Arts n Brebeuf Freshman Creates Non-Profit to Care for the Elderly n Helping Others to Find God in All Things Dear Friends, From the very beginning, Jesuits have been sent to the frontiers to serve where the needs are greatest and to spread the Gospel near and far. As a result, we as a worldwide Society of Jesus celebrate our diversity in ministry, both at home in our Midwest Province and all around the world. This past January, young adults from all corners of the globe congregated in Panama for MAGIS, a celebration of Jesuit connections and unity leading up to World Youth Day. I am heartened to continue to see “the beautiful diversity in the Ignatian family,” as Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, puts it (pages 10-11) and I know the future of the Society is in good hands.

In this issue, we celebrate the ways our Midwest Jesuits are sent to the margins. On page 16, Fr. Tim Howe, SJ, reflects on how his history in ministering to immigrant families and leading St. Xavier High School prepared him to serve as president of Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola in Puerto Rico. On page 13, Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ, writes how he helps to balance sports with spirituality as chaplain of the Creighton University basketball teams and the men’s soccer team. From ministering to those on death row, to serving as a translator for Pope Francis, our Jesuits’ vocations are as unique as the individuals who are called to carry them out.

You will also read how our lay partners in ministry are serving the world as men and women for others. A Brebeuf Preparatory School freshman, Lance Williams, has created a non-profit to help the elderly and those facing homelessness in Indiana (page 12). Rita Carfagna has used her spiritual journey to introduce others in the Cleveland area to Ignatian spirituality (page 20). Though unique in practice, every ministry highlighted in this magazine is undertaken with the same guiding principle: to serve for the greater glory of God.

It is with that same mindset that we approach the future of the Society. Earlier this year, Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, announced the four new Universal Apostolic Preferences for Jesuits around the world. They include promoting discernment and the Spiritual Exercises; walking with the excluded; caring for our common home; and journeying with youth. These guiding principles were crafted after nearly two years of discernment and dialogue and will guide us over the next 10 years and beyond. I invite you to learn more about these new horizons for our ministries at JesuitsMidwest.org/UAP2019.

We could not achieve any of these missions without the help of you—our generous companions. From the bottom of my heart—thank you for your gifts of time, talent, and treasure. As we approach the season of Easter and new life, please know that you remain in our prayers, and I humbly ask that we remain in yours.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Brian G. Paulson, SJ Provincial, USA Midwest Province

Young adults at MAGIS 2019 take a selfie with Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus (second from right), and Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ (right). ®

USA MIDWEST PROVINCE Spring 2019

Lights, Camera, Contemplatives in Action! Page 6

ON THE COVER Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, a vocations promoter for the Midwest Jesuits, witnessed the “beautiful diversity of the Ignatian family” in Panama during MAGIS 2019.

It’s not often that a Jesuit seeks the spotlight, but sometimes finding themself center stage is a realization of their vocation.

For additional content and more information, connect with us online: WWW.JESUITSMIDWEST.ORG Page 4 Page 10 Healing Souls Many Parts, One Body The Ignatian Spirituality Project ea e e ae With 900 pilgrims from 35 countries, e e Pee e a aga addresses the opioid crisis by serving along with 100 Jesuits, MAGIS 2019 men and women coming out of was a celebration of the Ignatian family. gaee a eegg homelessness and addiction.

Page 13 Page 17 JOIN THE JESUIT Playing with Soul A Light Shines in the Darkness PRAYER COMMUNITY! Father Tom Shanahan, SJ, finds joy in Matthew Spotts, SJ’s, “professors his “work” as chaplain for Creighton in blue” at San Quentin State Prison JesuitPrayer.org University basketball and soccer teams. have taught him what it means to be a ■■ Daily Scripture, Ignatian minister. reflection, and Ignatian prayer ■■ Free iPhone, iPad, and Android Apps ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ■■ Submit a prayer request ■■ Download prayer cards News...... 2 Living the Magis...... 12 Assignments...... 18 ■■ Free daily email Social and International...... 3 Many Ways to Give...... 14 In Memoriam...... 18 A Heart on Fire...... 8 Pope Francis...... 15 Spirituality...... 20 A Jesuit’s Journey...... 9 Social and International...... 16 Advancement...... 21 NEWS JESUIT CONNECTIONS

John Carroll University Receives $20 Million Gift from Anonymous Graduate The anonymous donor underscored a deep gratitude to the Jesuits and academic leaders who made a significant impact on the college experience. JesuitsMidwest.org/ JCUDonation2019 Welsh Academy to Open in Fall 2019 The new academy for 7th and 8th graders on the campus of Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland will open its doors in August. Mikayla Lofton How has a specific Jesuit impacted your JesuitsMidwest.org/WelshAcademy2019 life? Hometown: Last year, I had the privilege of making the Saint Paul, MN (currently resides in Chicago) New Books Capture Spirit of Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius through Schools Attended: Jesuits Past and Present the 19th Annotation—an opportunity University of Wisconsin-Madison Audacious Ignatius, a children’s book, and Profession: to engage daily in prayer, reading, and Sharing the Wisdom of Time, a collection Grants Program Manager, Cristo Rey meditation. Father Todd Kenny, SJ, vice president for mission and identity at Cristo of stories from elders around the world, Network Rey Atlanta Jesuit, generously provided including Pope Francis, are now on sale. How did you get involved with the Jesuits? this opportunity to all who were willing to JesuitsMidwest.org/BooksSpring2019 You could argue I have been involved with commit to the several-month experience. the Jesuits since birth. My dad was working I wanted to challenge myself and signed St. John’s Jesuit in Toledo, Ohio, in student affairs and residence life after up to participate. The experience was Helps Buy Family A New House completing his master’s at Marquette exceptionally rewarding and taught me University when I was born. Shortly The Jesuit school partnered with local thereafter, I was baptized at the Chapel of several very important lessons. It was alums and businesses to provide a new the Holy Family. Growing up in Saint Paul, through Fr. Todd’s guidance and support that house for a large extended family in need. my family attended the Jesuit parish of the I was able to have such a fruitful experience JesuitsMidwest.org/SJJHouse2019 Twin Cities, IHM-St. Luke’s Parish, now St. with the Exercises. Red Cloud Indian School Names Thomas More. I was an active participant in How do you bring Jesuit values into the the parish starting at a young age, first as an Dr. Raymond Nadolny President workplace? altar server, then as a Eucharistic minister. I aspire to be a woman for and with others Former college president brings extensive After completing my undergraduate work each day through my work at the Cristo experience and commitment to innovative at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I Rey Network. Whether interacting with entered into a year of service through the education models. JesuitsMidwest.org/ coworkers or meeting with donors, I treat Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where I was placed RayNadolny2019 everyone with respect and great care. The at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School for Cristo Rey Network embodies countless the year. This past June, after three years Society of Jesus Ordains New Jesuit values, namely putting the needs of at Cristo Rey Atlanta—one as a JV and two Deacons the vulnerable first and providing students as a full-time staff member—I relocated to with a rigorous Catholic education that Four Midwest Jesuits were among those Chicago to work for the Cristo Rey Network, forever changes the trajectory of their lives. ordained: Bryan Norton, SJ; Greg Ostdiek, SJ; the national office that oversees and James Sand, SJ; and Matthew Spotts, SJ. supports all 35 Cristo Rey schools throughout Read the full interview with Mikayla at JesuitsMidwest.org/MidwestDeacons2019 the country. JesuitsMidwest.org/Lofton2019

Page 2 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 SOCIAL AND INTERNATIONAL A Christmas of Encounter at the El Paso Border

By Fr. Tom Florek, SJ

ister Erin McDonald, CSJ, and I parents. Most leave the following day. Srecently accompanied 10 University The UDM students immersed of Detroit Mercy (UDM) students to themselves in this critical historical event the U.S.-Mexico border at El Paso, of people on the move. Some students University of Detroit Mercy senior Vania Noguez (left) was one of ten UDM students who immersed Texas, as part of UDM’s immersion trip sat and talked with the young families. themselves in the lives and struggles of asylum- experiences. Others helped distribute fresh clothes in seeking immigrants at the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez Taking a week from their Christmas the dispensary. Some were responsible for border. break, the diverse student group joined the laundry while others made beds and the recently organized Encuentro cleaned showers. This incredible two-day, Project—a collaborative work whose hands-on encounter with asylum seekers of the arriving immigrants to the mission is to offer an El Paso-Ciudad filled our souls, launching us into an shelter. The same hope of a previous Juárez border experience among encounter with the sacred other. age continues to journey with today’s immigrant asylum seekers. Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso immigrants. In the midst of the fear, Within less than 24 hours of landing welcomed and edified the UDM students rejections, and the threats, a renewed in El Paso we were invited to prepare with his personal story of transformation understanding of God-with-us awakens the Sunday evening meal for arriving while pastoring to the needs of the an effable joy. Christmas will never be asylum-seeking families at the Loretto- immigrants. His recent pastoral letter, the same. Nazareth shelter. It’s one of 16 multi- Sorrow and Mourning Flee Away from The gift of the asylum-seeking denominational facilities in the El Paso Isaiah 35 referencing Israel’s return from immigrant families became real during Annunciation House Network, serving exile, helps to situate the border reality my return flight from El Paso to Detroit. the 2,000 to 3,000 immigrants who are within a sacred historical narrative. Being one of the last to board the Dallas- arriving weekly. Instead of seeing the migration as one bound flight, I found one remaining Arriving at 3:30 p.m. on a government of chaos and violence which results in seat next to a Guatemalan dad, Zunun, bus were the first dozen Central American the militarization of the border and the and his young son, Yori. After a brief families who had just been released from demonization of the immigrants, Bishop introduction in which we found out that an ICE detention facility. They spent Seitz names the reality as one which is our paths crossed at the border shelter, three to five days in a windowless and blessed. Historically, El Paso-Ciudad Zunun opened up his one and only carry- bed-less cement cell with an aluminum Juárez is not a boundary, rather a joyful on plastic bag and gifted me with a large mylar cover for warmth, water, and a place of people coming together. “We are fruit cup. He took out the other smaller daily meal of a frozen burrito or other united in family, fiesta, and faith,” says food container to share with his son. In packaged food items. Seitz in his pastoral letter. He reminds the our conversation I learned that he left No one carried luggage or backpacks, students that El Paso has historically been his Guatemalan village 23 days earlier, only their children. The shelter’s a place of both North-South migration arriving at the border with nothing but volunteers, including the UDM students, and East-West migration. his son. He was then put in the asylum provided a warm welcome, assuring Because we were in El Paso during detention center for five days, during the young, exhausted, cold, and hungry the pre-Christmas season when border which he and his son only had water and families with hospitality and human care. communities celebrate the migration gelatin to eat. His gift continues to fill me The fathers and mothers were oriented to of the Holy Family from Nazareth to up. the movement of the next 12 to 24 hours, Bethlehem with the popular religious @ which included volunteers contacting Posadas, a deeper understanding of the their families in the U.S. who would asylum seekers was presented. The two- purchase their bus or plane tickets; the thousand-year-old Christian narrative of Fr. Tom Florek, SJ, is a religious evening meal prepared and served by a young and expecting family who had in residence at the University of volunteers; room assignments; showers; journeyed dangerous terrain seeking a Detroit Mercy and a consultant to the USCCB Catholic Migrant a visit to the clothing dispensary; and place of safety to rest and give birth to Farmworker Network. an evening rec room for children and their child, illuminated the experience

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 3 PASTORAL MINISTRIES Healing Souls Amid Opioid Addiction and Homelessness By Amy Korpi, staff writer

hat does it cost to help a ENTER JESUIT MINISTRIES Wperson facing homelessness AND IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY and recovering from addiction better Ignatian Spirituality Project retreats have spread all Twenty years before this conclusion was over the nation, including this one for women, which understand he or she is a child of God? written, Fr. Bill Creed, SJ, and Ed Shurna took place in New Orleans. As little as $85. co-founded one such intervention: the It’s an extremely simplified answer to a Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP). tremendously complex question, but it’s The ISP provides retreats, days her story: “I grew up in a great a start. of reflection, and ongoing spiritual neighborhood…I went from a Catholic schoolgirl involved in Girl Scouts, sports, THE CRISES companionship to men and women facing homelessness and in recovery from cheerleading, drama, and book clubs to Whether they make the news every addiction. Blending elements of Ignatian a teenager on the honor roll. I lacked day doesn’t matter; homelessness spirituality and the 12-Step recovery for nothing physical. My pain was more and addiction are very much with us. program, ISP retreats are an effective emotional.” She salved that pain with Consider this: resource in laying a foundation of hope, drugs and alcohol. ■ According to the Department of community, and healing for those living After years of substance abuse, three Housing and Urban Development, on on the margins. related heart attacks, and several stints any single night in 2018, more than ISP executive director Tom Drexler in jail, she sought recovery in a shelter 550,000 people were homeless in the reminds us, “Being homeless does not environment and then participated U.S. preclude a spiritual life. When we see in an ISP retreat. Today she says, “I can definitely give a lot of credit for ■ Opioid abuse—of both prescribed and someone living on the street, we must illegal substances—has taken on crisis remember this person is on a spiritual my continued sobriety to my ISP connections…The fact that I even feel proportion in recent years. The Centers journey. We’re all on similar paths, even comfortable in reaching out now is truly for Disease Control and Prevention if we’re in different places.” a miracle.” indicate the number of overdose deaths INNOVATIVE PROGRAM RELIES In nearly six years as the ISP men’s involving opioids in 2017 was six times ON BEST PRACTICES coordinator in Cincinnati, Tim Boyle has higher than in 1999 (the Midwest saw seen many such stories take shape. an increase of 70 percent from July Over the years, ISP has developed an “It is heartrending to know some of 2016 through September 2017). infrastructure, created a reproducible format, and codified policies, materials, the horrific struggles our retreatants have ■ The roots of and solutions for the training, and formation procedures that experienced,” he explains. “Violence, opioid crisis are deeper than the drug have made possible expansion to 30 cities abuse, and neglect fuel the desire for the itself. As a 2018 American Journal of across the U.S. and in Canada (retreats in temporary comfort of drugs and alcohol. Public Health article put it, “Although Ireland are planned for later this year). Once addicted, the force of the person’s drug supply is a key factor…the crisis And it works. A DePaul University illness is so strong that many have done is fundamentally fueled by economic pilot study, coauthored by Drexler and heinous things to support it. And if they and social upheaval,” with opioids published in Psychology in 2015, found become part of the network of selling, being “a refuge from physical and that over time, ISP retreat participants they can feed their habit, make a great psychological trauma, concentrated reported significant decreases in deal of money, and feel powerful. But disadvantage, isolation, and loneliness, a critical factor in addiction eventually, it must come crashing down, hopelessness.” The authors’ conclusion: recovery. Drexler indicates plans for either through overdose, violence, or “A broad focus on suffering should additional research, but anecdotal incarceration.” guide both patient- and community- evidence is also powerful. The situation in Cincinnati is daunting. level interventions.” For example, one woman recalls “Some of the first ‘pill mills’ in America

Page 4 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 PASTORAL MINISTRIES

were in southern Ohio, and there is despair in communities that have lost Pope Francis Center Addresses Rise in Need numerous jobs,” says Boyle. “Many ISP is not the only Jesuit ministry addressing the opioid crisis. Another is the Pope Francis people would be surprised by how easy Center in Detroit. it is for individuals in the mainstream population to buy heroin.” On average, the center welcomes more than 170 guests daily, with nutritious meals, hot “People’s motivations for coming to showers, laundry facilities, and access to doctors, dentists, lawyers, and housing providers the retreats vary,” he adds. “Some realize through free clinics. Plans for a housing project are in the works. this might be their last chance. Some As indicated on the center’s website, staff and volunteers interacting with guests “see think it’s a way to get a respite from the humanity and goodness in each person who arrives…and treat them with the dignity transitional housing. Sobriety is hard— God intends for all His Children.” and an addicted dealer might be making A recent annual report describes the story of Mike, who became addicted to heroin as thousands of dollars a day, being a ‘big a teen. For nearly 15 years on the streets, he was a regular guest of the center. Believing deal’ in his community, and supporting his life was destined for doom, he recalls, “Life was just going to be misery, and then I was his habit. To stay in transitional housing— going to hell. It’s what I deserved.” often court-ordered—he has to take a The center helped keep Mike alive, though, and eventually some caring people led him low-paying job, stay sober, and follow the to enter a methadone clinic to get clean. Mike was able to turn his life around. He works, house rules. Not everyone makes it.” But one thing is clear: Once retreatants he’s married, and he and his wife volunteer at a rehabilitation center where he counsels are ready to change their lives and realize others with addictions. they are in a safe place with people who As the report concludes, “This same man, who once believed he was destined for hell, have similar hopes and fears, they can reap now believes in the power of angels and a miraculous Father who dearly loves him.” great rewards from sharing their stories. ‘A lot of guys I knew didn’t make it. It’s a miracle I’m still here,’” Mike says. COST-EFFECTIVE ISP’s Four-Fold Approach TRANSFORMATION ■■ Offering retreats Today, the ISP network serves more than and spiritual 2,000 retreatants through more than 200 companionship retreats a year. How is this possible with a inspired by Ignatian paid leadership staff of only six persons? spirituality to those “We’re a lean but effective team, thanks who are homeless to our protocols and the dedication of and seeking over 800 active volunteers who serve recovery. as coordinators, retreat facilitators, and ■■ Building a network fundraisers. Many have transformed their of volunteer teams lives through retreats and expressed a to respond to the desire to give back,” says Drexler. He spiritual needs Tom Drexler (left), executive director of ISP, with estimates that from July 2017 to June of those who are participants at a Bay Area ISP retreat. ISP now offers 2018, volunteers put in $800,000 worth homeless and retreats in more than 30 cities of time. seeking recovery. Of course, even a cost-effective system ■■ Including on our needs resources. “The need is so great,” teams men and women who have themselves experienced homelessness. says Boyle. “We could host a retreat every ■■ Collaborating with individuals and agencies working to end the injustice of weekend if we had the money. Even at $85 a person for a weekend retreat, our homelessness. capacity has limits. But that $85 does go a long way.” How You Can Help The goals for future cost-effective To invest in the Ignatian Spirituality Project, please visit www.ISPRetreats.org. At the ISP growth continue, with a strategic plan website, you can also learn more about volunteering at one of the ministry’s locations. calling for establishing more institutional To invest in the Pope Francis Center, visit: www.PopeFrancisCenter.org. affiliates among Catholic parishes, retreat houses, and similar organizations. @

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 5 ARTS & CULTURE

Lights, Camera, Contemplatives in Br. Joseph Hoover, SJ, (right) performs Amends, a play he wrote about different characters attempting to atone for past transgressions. He and his brother, Action! Bill, (left) played all eight characters.

By Ben Gartland, communications specialist

t’s not often that a Jesuit seeks the and artistic director of the Magis Theatre Hoover, SJ, is one of those Jesuits. He Ispotlight. But for some whose mission Company. He also works with the La found success in various acting roles in is to preach through the arts, finding MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, an his hometown, Omaha, and then again themselves center stage is a realization of organization that celebrates works that when he moved to New York. It was there their vocation. push the boundaries of language and he met Jesuits, such as Fr. Drance, who Across the country, Midwest Jesuits culture. It was through La MaMa that he showed him he could be both an actor and carry on the centuries-old tradition of starred in *mark, a one-man show that playwright, as well as a vowed religious. using the arts—acting, writing, and relays the stories of the Gospel of Mark in “The successes I had were great, but directing—to share their God-given a contemporary setting. they weren’t enough in some way,” said talents as ministry. “Living in the words of the Gospel is Br. Hoover. “I wanted to serve Christ “We have to remember that in the a profound experience,” said Fr. Drance. in some more public way. This wasn’t classical ancient theater, the first actors “Going through it on stage and sharing about Joe Hoover being a writer or an were priests,” said Fr. George Drance, SJ. it with others, it gets back into the oral actor but about Joe Hoover being a Jesuit, “The early tradition of the Jesuit theater tradition of the early Church.” galvanizing his craft in service of Christ.” was steeped in the morality tales of the “There is a feeling of being a Brother Hoover has acted in many classics, the Scriptures, and the theatrical connection between the audience and the roles and written several plays in his tradition. Those plays by the early Jesuits spirit of the play. The way in which the career. He completed a successful run as were formative of their contemporaries message of the playwrights is transmitted a member of the ensemble of King Lear and really shaped the theater of the to these particular people is through my in the Shakespeare in the Park series in world.” work.” Central Park, and he starred in one of his Father Drance has been acting and Father Drance has also served as a latest plays he wrote, Amends, alongside directing for more than two decades. model and spiritual director for those his brother, Bill Hoover. They portrayed In New York, he teaches acting at interested in the arts—but who also feel all eight characters who were attempting Fordham University and is the founder a call to religious life. Brother Joseph to atone for past transgressions. He also

Page 6 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 ARTS & CULTURE Photo: Fordham University

Above: Fr. Jim McDermott, SJ, has written for the AMC show Preacher and publishes a weekly e-newsletter called “Pop Culture Spirit Wow” (TinyLetter.com/jimmcd). Top left: Fr. George Drance, SJ, (second from right) teaches acting at Fordham University in New York. Bottom left: Fr. George Drance, SJ, translated and directed Calderon’s Two Dreams: Life is a Dream 1677 for the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in 2017.

played twin brothers in an off-Broadway formation, even on his yearly retreats, he community of people.” show, Monster, and Smirnov in Anton found himself imagining scenes, plots In addition to screenwriting, Fr. Chekhov’s comedy, The Bear. and stories. That led him to pursue media McDermott works as a California Brother Hoover is also the poetry work a year after his ordination. correspondent for America, and writes editor for America Magazine and founded “I went to America magazine trying to television and movie reviews. He also Xavier Theatre and Film, a Brooklyn- find a way of doing communications and publishes a weekly e-newsletter, “Pop based company creating new works in the also to explore these persistent thoughts Culture Spirit Wow,” that focuses on the Catholic arts tradition. of filmmaking,” he said. “‘Was there ways that pop culture and spirituality “As a Jesuit, you use what you’ve got something to them, or what?’ With the intertwine. to serve the greater glory of God,” said encouragement of my provincial and other While some may dismiss pop culture as Br. Hoover. “The brothers especially have Jesuits I eventually decided, ‘Okay, I’m meaningless, Fr. McDermott considers it been craftsmen or sculptors so, by being going to take that risk.’” often modern-day sacramental. “It’s a way a brother, you have the freedom to make He applied to film schools across the that God is able to speak to us and we are your ministry your work.” country, ending up at UCLA. He also open to being spoken to,” he said. That line of thinking is also what led landed an internship with AMC, where he Through both current pop culture Fr. Jim McDermott, SJ, into ministry as a spent three years providing feedback on and classics from centuries ago, Jesuits screenwriter. scripts while working on his own ideas, continue to keep the arts alive within the Father McDermott entered the eventually selling a script to the network Society and the Church as a whole. Society thinking perhaps he would be and later writing for its show Preacher. “The Catholic arts tradition is one of a teacher and spent a number of years Father McDermott said working with our greatest treasures,” said Br. Hoover. of his formation teaching English and AMC was the best experience he’s had “The arts are a massive way to evangelize drama at the Jesuit-sponsored Red in Hollywood. “They were so interested and I would love to see more people in the Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge in story and in character at a deep level,” Church involved in that.” @ Indian Reservation. But throughout his he said. “It was such a great and creative

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 7 A HEART ON FIRE

Erin Kast, SJ, receives his vow cross—a symbolic reminder of his commitment to the Society of Jesus— from Fr. Gregory Hyde, SJ, at the first vows Mass in August 2017. God Has Been Good

By Erin Kast, SJ

f it weren’t for Fr. Filella, I would Province and told him I wanted to learn many people get to share faith and Inever have come to the United States.” more about the Jesuits. My discernment companionship with incarcerated young “ I grew up in Northern Wisconsin but in college took all four years and most men every week and look forward to my mom is from India and Fr. Filella of the time I was pretty unsure about it because every face looks like Jesus? was a Jesuit who taught her psychology taking vows of poverty, chastity, and How many Americans get to spend a at Xavier’s College in Mumbai. After obedience. But the more time I spent in summer in the mountains of Northeast my mom had finished her degree, Fr. prayer, the more time I learned about India teaching and doing pastoral work Filella encouraged her to get her PhD with Jesuit missionaries? How many in psychology at Fordham University in pilgrims get to walk 54 miles from Selma, New York. She said she couldn’t afford it, I SAW A RICHNESS AND BEAUTY Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, but he insisted and did whatever it took TO MY FAITH THAT I HAD NEVER with nothing but a fifty-cent bedsheet, to turn her dream into a reality. Many BEFORE SEEN… a harmonica, the New Testament, and years later, and shortly before he died, I a rosary, content in doing nothing more got to meet Fr. Filella in an infirmary in than following in the footsteps of the Spain. By that time I was almost finished Jesuit spirituality. And the more Jesuits saints who walked before them? Not with my degree in biology and religious I met, I began to see something more many, but those who have will know that studies from Swarthmore College in than sacrifice in a religious vocation: I to follow Jesus as a Jesuit isn’t just a Pennsylvania, and the time was fast saw an opportunity to discover answers transition in lifestyle, it’s a transformation approaching when I would have to make to questions I always wanted to ask but in heart-style: the big decision of what I wanted to do never knew how to; I saw a richness “Take my heart, Jesus, and make it like after I graduated. and beauty to my faith that I had never yours.” @ Ever since middle school I had loved before seen nor ever so much desired to science, but I also remembered many of understand. By my senior year I knew I the stories my mom told of the Jesuits she couldn’t be honest with myself without knew in India. So in high school when taking the leap and entering the novitiate Erin Kast, SJ, is a Jesuit in I first thought of a religious vocation, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. formation completing first studies the Jesuits came to mind immediately, Now I’m studying philosophy at at Loyola University Chicago. He even though I’d never met one! Before Loyola University Chicago and I can entered the Society of Jesus in I left for college I got in contact with say with confidence that I didn’t make 2015. the vocation director for the Midwest a mistake, God has been good. How

Page 8 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 A JESUIT’S JOURNEY

“Who I am is related to who I am yet to become”

By Amy Korpi, staff writer

t was a homecoming 50 years in the While teaching, he says the best part As such, he continues to live out his Imaking. about his job was “getting to meet and trademark phrase: “Who I am is related to In 2016, Fr. Casey Bukala, SJ, moved know students, who became alumni … who I am yet to become.” to the Colombiere Center near Detroit, I’ve taught sons and daughters of former Father Bukala is also known for his where elder Jesuits live in community, students, celebrated many weddings, and passion on the topic of forgiveness. He receive the healthcare they need, and pray baptized many of their children.” created an “Ethics of Forgiveness” class for the Church and the Society. and the Bukala Forgiveness Initiative It was not Fr. Bukala’s first time at at JCU.edu. “As we live our lives, it’s Colombiere, however. FORGIVENESS IS ULTIMATELY necessary to let go of many things, From 1959 until the 1990s, the ALWAYS FOR THE FORGIVER. especially the bad,” he explains. “We’re Center served as a Jesuit facility called IF WE ARE INTERESTED IN all pretty much the same in being Colombiere College, and it is where OUR OWN HAPPINESS, WE vulnerable. And hurts can impact us in a Fr. Bukala studied as a novice and was FORGIVE OVER AND OVER way that changes our lives forever. Yet ordained. AGAIN, AS JESUS TAUGHT with understanding and support, we can Today, “Colombiere is a place to gather US, IN ALL SITUATIONS AND also come to understand that we don’t to support one another,” Fr. Bukala says. CIRCUMSTANCES. have to let these hurts fester within us, “It’s a community of love. While we may that we can let them go.” not be in the fields anymore, we still do Excerpt from the Bukala Forgiveness Initiative Emphasizing that forgiveness is a gift what we can, and we share our common the forgiver offers to him or herself, experiences.” at least as much as it is to the forgiven For Fr. Bukala, those experiences took Those students valued getting to meet person, Fr. Bukala also believes that place largely at John Carroll University and know Fr. Bukala as well. In a jovial, sharing one’s stories is instrumental in (JCU)—where he earned bachelor’s caring style, he challenged those in his healing. “Hopefully, everyone can find and master’s degrees and then returned classes to take what philosophers had comfort and relief from the negative in 1970 to teach philosophy, serve as to say and develop personal responses, baggage they carry in life by sharing their chaplain to campus groups, and more. learning about themselves in the process. stories,” he says. “A part of us dies when His homecoming to JCU began a journey He also encouraged them to learn we hurt someone or are hurt by someone, that impacted generations of students from each other by sharing common as well as when we don’t forgive and alumni—through learning as well as experiences—much like he does today ourselves or others. There is no future lifelong friendships. with his Jesuit brothers. without forgiveness.” @

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 9 ON THE FRONTIERS

Young adults from all around the world gathered in Central America in January to celebrate, pray, Many Parts, and serve with other Jesuit-connected pilgrims One Body ahead of World Youth Day.

By Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ

t is fitting that the Jesuit “pope from the participated in this year’s MAGIS, which hosted the initial MAGIS activities in Iperiphery” would choose Panama as occurred from January 10-22. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, the host of World Youth Day and that this Panama is known as the “Bridge of the Honduras, and Panama, before all the diverse nation would also be the site of World” because of its canal that connects pilgrims came together at Colegio Javier the MAGIS program. the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It was in Panama City. Since the 2005 World Youth Day in an appropriate host for a program that The central part of the MAGIS program Germany, the Jesuits have organized facilitates deep connections between is the “experiments.” These experiences, MAGIS, which is a gathering of young young adults from different places. like the “experiments” that a Jesuit novice adults from the Ignatian family that This was my third time participating in partakes in, are meant to push pilgrims precedes World Youth Day. These MAGIS. I led a group of students from out of their comfort zones and facilitate pilgrims, who come from Jesuit Marquette University to MAGIS in Spain a deep encounter with God, self, and universities and young adult ministries, in 2011 and helped with communications others. Groups of pilgrims went to many participate in a program of spiritual, for MAGIS in Poland in 2016. In addition different locations across Central America cultural, and pastoral activities. to media work, I served as a presenter and for their experiments. Some worked with The Jesuits minister all over the world, translator at the large events of this year’s the elderly or children with disabilities. so it was only appropriate that this MAGIS in Panama. Some participated in pilgrimages or celebration of the Ignatian family brought One of the key differences this year ecological initiatives. One group shared together young adults from nearly all the was that this MAGIS took place in five life with an indigenous community that is continents. (Sorry, Antarctica.) different countries. As was fitting for the only accessible by boat. Roughly 900 pilgrims from 35 Central American Province of the Society In addition to the work that they do countries—along with 100 Jesuits— of Jesus that goes beyond borders, they during these experiences, pilgrims come

Page 10 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 ON THE FRONTIERS

Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, celebrated Mass with the help of many Jesuit priests from almost every continent, a symbol of the universal Church.

together each day for Mass, spiritual Cross-cultural encounters abounded. the delegation from Hong Kong to join reflection, cooking, and oftentimes much It was not uncommon to see a pilgrim them. The readings, homily, music, singing and dancing. These groups were who initially did not even know where and Eucharistic Prayer were a mix typically composed of pilgrims from four Mauritius was located later become of Mandarin, Polish, Cantonese, and different continents and at least that many close friends with someone from that English. Many of us could not help but languages. island nation. Zimbabweans learned to smile at the beautiful absurdity of this Many pilgrims commented on how combination. It was an “only at MAGIS” well they understood each other without THE CENTRAL PART OF THE MAGIS experience. actually speaking the same language. PROGRAM IS THE “EXPERIMENTS” MAGIS concluded on the day Many pilgrims spoke Spanish, but those ...MEANT TO PUSH PILGRIMS OUT that World Youth Day began so that coming from Africa, Asia, and Europe OF THEIR COMFORT ZONES AND participants could join the hundreds of typically did not. Most understood FACILITATE A DEEP ENCOUNTER thousands of other pilgrims in this larger English, but few were native speakers. It WITH GOD, SELF, AND OTHERS. ecclesial celebration. was common to hear French, Portuguese, On the Sunday Pope Francis celebrated and many other languages. Smiles, savor tereré, the yerba mate drink from Mass at the end of World Youth Day, the thumbs up, and hugs were common forms Paraguay, and South Koreans learned second reading was from 1 Corinthians of communication that seemed to break how to make pupusas, a traditional dish in which Paul talks about how “there down linguistic barriers. from El Salvador. are many parts, yet one body.” It was a After the week of experiments, all 900 perfect description of MAGIS. pilgrims descended on Panama City, Jesuits have gone to the frontiers. There where there were cultural celebrations, is a beautiful diversity in the Ignatian activities that facilitated reflection on family. And MAGIS both demonstrates all that they had experienced, and an and deepens the fact that there is also address from Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, the unity in this one body. @ Superior General of the Society of Jesus. MAGIS formally concluded with a Mass celebrated by Father General and 55 other Jesuits from around the world. One of my most memorable experiences was when Jesuits from Taiwan and Poland were both planning Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, Even with language barriers, the MAGIS 2019 on using the same chapel to celebrate is a vocations promoter for the pilgrims were able to communicate through smiles, Midwest Jesuits. He was ordained thumbs up, and hugs. Mass for their respective delegations. in 2017. Discovering this, they decided to have Mass together, and they invited me and

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 11 LIVING THE MAGIS

Lance Williams (left) created a non-profit focused on helping those facing homeless in Indiana, as well as purchasing gifts for the elderly, such as A Gift to His these residents at the Nora Commons Senior Citizen Community Community.

By Becky Sindelar, staff writer

ance Williams, a freshman at focused on helping the elderly and his work on the project is a wonderful LBrebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in homeless in Indiana. With the help of example of how our mission statement is Indianapolis, was a “man for others” even volunteers and donors, Lance and his lived out by our students ‘cultivating their before he arrived at Brebeuf this past fall. mother, Carolyn Mosby, raise funds to God given talents as a responsibility and As an eighth grader at St. Monica provide items for the elderly during the as an act of worship.’” School, Lance was assigned a project to holiday season. Lance brings joy to the seniors he identify something he was passionate In 2017, Lance’s Gift raised almost serves through his program, but he about. “I’ve always wanted to help people $3,000 and bought gifts for the elderly receives it as well. “The thing that brings and make them happy, so I researched living at the Carolyn Mosby Senior me the most joy is how the seniors seem ways that I could do that,” he says. High Rise, named after Lance’s late so happy that I am buying gifts for them. During his research, he found out grandmother. This past Christmas, he Many of them thank me and give me that many senior citizens live on fixed expanded the program, raising about hugs,” Lance says. incomes, and some can barely afford $3,700 and purchasing gifts for 400 The larger Brebeuf school community normal household items after they take people. In December, Lance hosted also became involved in Lance’s Gift. care of bills each month. So, he decided a party at the Nora Commons Senior Lance is part of Ignatian Scholars—a to establish Lance’s Gift, an organization Community, where Lance’s late leadership, service, and academic grandmother, Ruby Smith, was a resident. program at Brebeuf—and his fellow He also sent gifts to residents at the Scholars helped him wrap the presents. Carolyn Mosby Senior High Rise, where “It’s humbling to meet a freshman like he hosted last year’s party. Lance who arrived at Brebeuf with a The seniors received presents that passion for helping others,” says Klingler. included blankets, scarves, food items, “Through his work with Lance’s Gift, journals, word search books, pens, he’s proven to be not only a leader within calendars, hats, and gloves. his freshman class, but for everyone in “Our view of service always has our community.” a focus on opportunities to engage Lance plans to continue Lance’s Gift Williams (right) has purchased gifts for more than in relationships with those we are in 2019, with the hopes of establishing it 400 seniors, including Olympic boxer “Sugar” Ray serving,” says Nick Klingler, director of as a 501(c)(3) charity and increasing the Seales, who is holding the gold medal he won in 1972. community service at Brebeuf. “Lance’s amount of donations. program is so great because the gifts he He says the motto of Brebeuf to be men delivers to the elderly are an entryway and women for others inspires him. “It into lifting up their dignity and getting to means being a role model for others and know them. Lance’s own growth through to always help when you can.” @

Page 12 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 PASTORAL MINISTRIES

Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ, has been a continual presence on the bench at Creighton University athletic events for more than two decades. Playing with Soul

By Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ Photos: Creighton University

Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ, (left) with the Creighton women’s basketball team during the national “Go Jays!” anthem before a game. ow often do I hear that cheer their sport months) they seem to be the Hduring an academic year? “A ton” very definition of “student”-athletes. as they say. For the past 20 some years Our coaching staffs hold their players’ I have been chaplain for three sports academic lives to a strict standard. another Jesuit, a Vincentian, an at Creighton University: men’s and I find the “work” as a chaplain to be a Augustinian, and a Dominican—is an women’s basketball and men’s soccer. joy. Duties are simple: be present for all important aspect of their athletic and It’s been a long and fun ride with the home games and some away games; lead academic programs. Creighton student-athletes, and I look a prayer before a contest; be present to The seasons move by quickly. I am forward to each year with anticipation. the teams, coaches, and staffs. I consider confident that the future athletes here at And each year has its ups and downs as the presence of a Jesuit very important all athletic competitions do. for our athletic teams, a presence that has Creighton will be as impressive as the I witness practices and games and led to some sacramental and personal current and earlier players have been. come away proud of the teams’ hustle, encounters outside the confines of Their competence and hard work on and determination, and goodwill throughout sporting events. off the court is a given. They quickly the seasons. It always amazes me how Often over the years our fans, absorb a culture that inspires their best quickly a player’s time at Creighton especially our graduates, remark that efforts as student-athletes. shoots by. I miss the ones who leave and they value the presence of a Jesuit on “GO JAYS!” @ pray silently for them, as well as for the the bench. The Jesuit presence clearly season’s upcoming athletes. enhances their support of the Jesuit/ I am amazed what fine students our Catholic factors of their Creighton athletes are—all graduate and do it University experience. This says loads with style. The cumulative grade point about the values of our fan base. I am Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ, is average for all our athletic teams is in the honored to assist in that wonderful aspect a chaplain for the Creighton B to B+ range. Some of our graduates of their overall support of Creighton. I University men’s and women’s attain a full A average at the conclusion am also convinced that the presence of basketball teams and men’s soccer of their years here at Creighton. With chaplains at our Big East Conference team. their hard work (especially during centers of higher education—including

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 13 MANY WAYS TO GIVE The

of TimeGift Deon Taylor (left) was guided by many mentors growing up, including Matt and Christine Botica (right). By Ben Gartland, communications specialist

eon Taylor was a fourth grader longer economic distance. Because of with the boys that the Boticas’ eyes Dattending a public elementary school this, he was introduced to Christine and were opened to new perspectives about on Chicago’s West Side when he saw a Matt Botica. The Boticas were founding obstacles the kids from CJA faced. flyer advertising the new Chicago Jesuit benefactors and volunteers at CJA, and “We were just happy doing what Academy (CJA)—a full scholarship their home was near Loyola Academy. we were doing—living on the North middle school for young men from According to Taylor, that connection Shore—and we really weren't touched modest economic backgrounds on the quickly went to “whatever you need, by anything,” Christine Botica said. West Side. He applied and was accepted I’m here to help. I just want to see you “Then when the boys actually started into the fifth-grade class the following succeed.” The Boticas became “like coming to the house, it brought it to year. second parents” to Taylor. They mentored a totally different level of clarity and It was a completely different him at Loyola Academy and provided a understanding.” The Boticas’ work at CJA atmosphere. place to stay on weekends for him and his had truly come home with them. classmates. That way, they wouldn’t have By the time Taylor and his classmates to travel back to the West Side on late went to college, both they and the Boticas YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE SO nights following school dances or sports had been profoundly impacted by this MANY POSSIBILITIES IN THIS practices. connection, this beautiful gift of time. DIGITAL AGE WHICH UNITES “It’s amazing how people who don’t “That relationship blossomed into THEM AS NEVER BEFORE. even know you that well, people who something you wouldn’t normally see WE WANT TO WALK WITH have no interest in getting anything from from people coming from two different THEM, DISCERNING THESE you can be so kind and invested in your backgrounds,” Taylor said. “There is no POSSIBILITIES AND FINDING life,” Taylor said. “They were just one of amount of words that I can say or things GOD IN THE DEPTHS OF God’s angels sent to me to help me out at that I can do to express my gratitude for REALITY. a young age.” them.” Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the When the Boticas first started Both Taylor and the Boticas Society of Jesus, in the new Universal Apostolic connecting with these Loyola students acknowledged bumpy roads along Preferences from CJA, they never could have the way, including the usual issues of imagined the relationships that would adolescence, societal obstacles, and the “The teachers actually cared about you form. Christine and Matt had been angels absence of a mentoring roadmap. Still, and what was going on at home,” Taylor sent to the boys, but the boys had also Taylor went on to earn a bachelor’s said. “I felt a lot safer. I felt like the been angels sent to Christine and Matt. degree from Southern Illinois University teachers were invested in me. I just felt “It was a very enjoyable period those Carbondale and now works in business like I could be myself and could grow up few years when the boys were at Loyola,” development in Chicago. And his “second to be who I wanted to be.” Matt Botica said. “We were very close parents” are grateful too. The small class sizes, extended school and did a lot of great things.” “You can’t imagine what you can do days, and 11-month academic year Soon enough, the Boticas were for the young man or young woman you helped prepare Taylor for high school. spending time attending sporting events mentor,” Matt said. “This may sound He was accepted at Loyola Academy, a at the high school, taking the boys out trite, but ultimately you’ll get as much or Jesuit preparatory school in Wilmette, to eat and talking about life, and getting more out of it as they do.” @ Illinois. Wilmette, 16 miles from his to know the boys’ families personally. It home, is a long physical distance but a was through forming these relationships

Page 14 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 POPE FRANCIS

A Call From a Friend Leads to an Answer From Pope Francis

Fr. Lukas Laniauskas, SJ, (left) greets Pope Francis during the pope’s visit to Lithuania in 2018. Fr. Laniauskas served as a translator and media liaison. By Becky Sindelar, staff writer

t’s a powerful thing to find oneself programs and other outlets. The pope shared that he was tired, but I10 feet from the pope—to be in the “I’d especially highlight the pilgrimage that he hoped that it was all for the good presence of someone charged with the aspect—leaving the comfort of one’s of the Church. He then proceeded to take spiritual and religious experience of home to line the streets where the pope questions from Jesuits on many topics. 1.2 billion people. Yet, there Fr. Lukas would pass. I felt tremendous grace Near the end of the meeting, Fr. Laniauskas, SJ, was, nervous in a moment in the presence of so many faith-filled Laniauskas stood and spoke. He asked of silence with Francis. believers,” he explains. the pope—who has described the Church The pope took a few deep breaths and During some of Pope Francis’ two-day as a field hospital and has invited priests then looked up. “Are there any other visit to the country, Fr. Laniauskas was and people to go out into the chaos of questions?” After a deep breath of his stationed in a hotel banquet hall where the streets—how he, as a young priest, own, Fr. Laniauskas stood. the media was based, answering questions can keep himself from being overtaken … about the visit and about topics the pope and crippled by the fear of the chaos and Last year, Fr. Laniauskas received a brought up. He also got the chance to help brokenness that we see in our world. call from a friend to help with a project. the media explore and enjoy Lithuanian The pope looked at Fr. Laniauskas with But this was no ordinary call; his friend culture. compassion and reminded him of the Bishop Kęstutis Kėvalas asked if he Father Laniauskas also celebrated Mass meditation of The Two Standards from would be interested in helping with for the international media in English the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the media when Pope Francis visited and served as a liaison to help with any a meditation of the epic battle between Lithuania in September 2018. other assistance the media or other guests good and evil, Jesus and Satan. Fr. Laniauskas’ background put him in needed in English. “The Holy Father reminded me that if I a unique position to help. A Lithuanian- All the work paid off, with thousands am alone in battle, I will die. We must not American, Fr. Laniauskas was born and of people turning out to see Pope Francis. be alone, we are on this battlefield with raised in Cleveland, and, after accepting “As a Jesuit, to have a Jesuit pope others. To this end we must never forget the call to the priesthood, entered the visit the land of my ancestors and where the voice of the one who calls us, or we Society of Jesus in Lithuania in 2004. I entered the Jesuits, was an amazing will get lost in the chaos of the battle.” After two years in the novitiate there, Fr. experience! It was truly moving to see Finally, Fr. Laniauskas recalls, “He Laniauskas transcribed to the then Detroit how important this visit was to the encouraged us to remember our vow of Province (now Midwest Province) to Lithuanian people—the streets were obedience, which calls us to work, toil, complete his formation closer to home. packed with people who were excited and especially love in the little corner of The Lithuanian bishop’s conference to simply catch a glimpse of the Holy the vineyard that we’re called to serve.” was looking for people who could help in Father,” says Fr. Laniauskas. “Since this amazing visit, in my heart representing Lithuania to the international After all that busyness, Father I have returned to the many moments, media during the pope’s visit. Father Laniauskas found himself in a room experiences, and especially the Holy Laniauskas, who has dual citizenship and with the pope and about 20 other Jesuits. Father’s words to us as Jesuits in thinking speaks both English and Lithuanian, was Father Laniauskas recalls looking about the ways that I am called to serve invited to work in the media center. around at the faces of the others, some the people of God and the Church at this Arriving in Lithuania a few days before who had been tortured, persecuted, or unique time.” @ the pope’s visit, Fr. Laniauskas worked deported during the Soviet occupation of on drumming up participation, including Lithuania. Many of them are heroes of the writing stories and going on radio Lithuanian Church.

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 15 SOCIAL AND INTERNATIONAL

God Writes Straight Photo: Colegio San Ignacio with

Crooked Lines Fr. Tim Howe, SJ, speaks at an event at Colegio San Ignacio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he has served as president since July 2018.

By Fr. Tim Howe, SJ

s I’ve gotten to know so many a high school, the province needed a my experience in secondary education. So Awonderful people in Puerto Rico pastor for St. Procopius Parish serving my goal now is to continue that process: over the past few months, usually the Mexican community in Chicago. The to take all that I learned at St. Xavier and somewhere in the conversation comes the good people of St. Procopius taught me a knit it together with what I am learning question, “So how did you get here?” If— lot all at once: how to be a priest, how to and have yet to learn about the warm after the Eucharist—the central prayer be a pastor, and how to live and thrive in Puerto Rican culture and how it is lived of Jesuits is the Examen, then each time the rich Mexican culture. out in Colegio San Ignacio. The students, I’m asked that question is another graced families, faculty, staff and alumni all know JESUITS LIVE OUR LIVES “WITH ONE opportunity for me to look back and that this is a special place. FOOT RAISED,” ALWAYS READY TO examine what God has been up to in and After Hurricanes Irma and María and TAKE THE NEXT STEP FORWARD IN through my life over the years. with the current economic crisis on the THE JOURNEY. As a Jesuit novice, I first began to feel island, that work is more important than a desire to serve the Latino community in Ten years later, I was sent back to ever. Though I was still in Cincinnati the U.S. and abroad. A long experiment St. Xavier High School as president. I when the hurricanes hit, I was so working in Holy Name Parish in Camden, remember telling myself that my goal impressed by the resilience of the San NJ—serving mostly Puerto Ricans and was to just not screw it up! Working Ignacio community. Father Flavio Bravo, Dominicans—plus a summer with my alongside an outstanding faculty and staff SJ, the superior in Puerto Rico, and his classmates studying Spanish in the for nine happy years, I hope I can say team restarted classes—even if they had Dominican Republic just confirmed that we accomplished that goal. Jesuits live to meet in hallways or common rooms in desire. So when the formation director our lives “with one foot raised,” always the Jesuit residence—a mere two weeks asked me to go to Loyola University ready to take the next step forward in later. And 97 percent of the students Chicago and get a master’s degree in the journey. So here I am, excited to be returned! So many people have reached something, I said, “How about Spanish?” starting a new job as president of Colegio out to help us over the past year and a And he agreed. San Ignacio in San Juan, Puerto Rico. half; I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. We For my regency, I taught Spanish at In a way, it’s utterly surprising and are rebuilding, but rebuilding on the solid St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati not surprising at all that I’m here. It’s a foundation of decades of good work by and led students on mission trips to the new school and a new province and a so many—Jesuits and lay—so I’m very Dominican Republic each summer. Then new culture. While people speak Spanish confident about our future. May God who I did my theology studies in Granada, in Spain and Mexico and Puerto Rico, has begun the good work in us bring it to Spain. As I was coming to the end of the cultures of these places are all quite completion! (Phil 1.6) @ my time in Spain, I asked the formation different. At the same time, being here director what the Society had in mind represents a kind of convergence of all for me in the future. At the top of the list of the other things I’ve done in my Jesuit Fr. Tim Howe, SJ, has served as president of Colegio San Ignacio was secondary education, so I obtained life, during formation and after. As I look in Puerto Rico since 2018. He was a master’s in educational administration back, I see the fabric of my Jesuit life as previously president of St. Xavier while finishing up my licentiate in knit from two main threads: my privileged High School in Cincinnati. Scripture. Expecting to be assigned to immersion in various Latino cultures and

Page 16 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 SOCIAL AND INTERNATIONAL

A Light Shines in the

Matthew Spotts, SJ, outside of San Quentin State Darkness Prison in San Quentin, California, where he has served for the past two years. He has taught RCIA, served as a deacon, and performed cell-front ministry at the prison.

By Matthew Spotts, SJ

he day before Passion Sunday in place was just…” A lot was left unsaid reaching.” However, as has so often been T2018, I was in charge of the Catholic there, which is probably for the better. He the case in my life as a Jesuit, when I communion service on California’s and Jesus had shared something together arrived at those “hard to reach” places at “condemned row.” I strapped on a in a way that I probably could not have San Quentin, I found God already present security vest, picked up our large Mass even understood even if the man had and at work. and communion service kit, and followed been inclined to discuss it further. We In that sense, the chaplaincy at San my escort to East Block, which houses waited, and when the time was right, we Quentin has been the perfect school of the the largest segment of California’s prayed the Our Father and he received heart for me and for many other young prisoners who have been sentenced to communion through a small hole in Jesuits over the years. For my part, San death. I walked back to death row’s the steel wall that separated us. God’s Quentin has been a perfect place to be “chapel.” For services, I stand in one cage gifts for God’s people. A light shines in formed as I approach ordination to the and the prisoners in an adjoining cage, the darkness, and the darkness has not priesthood. The prisoners with whom I separated by a sturdy steel barrier. overcome it. work often carry tremendous pain and On that particular day I was joined by I have spent more than two years in brokenness, both from their lives before only one other prisoner. The prisoners the Catholic chaplaincy at San Quentin, prison as well as from the traumas take turns coming to services, and alongside the Catholic chaplain, Fr. experienced in the prison system. They ordinarily this group would have many George Williams, SJ. During that time, also carry a deep hunger for Good News more attendees at service. However, my tasks have varied widely. I have that can speak to that pain and have often security concerns and other variables done a lot of work with the “mainline” had profound experiences of God in the make it difficult to predict attendance at prisoners, who are usually prisoners midst of brokenness that have given them religious services, both on death row as serving long sentences for a variety of great spiritual resources. My “professors well as with “mainline” prisoners. So, offenses. I have taught RCIA, served as in blue” have allowed me onto the holy I and my congregation of one prayed deacon at the lively Sunday Masses, and ground of their lives and experiences and together and then, ahead of the beginning done cell-front ministry. In the midst in turn have taught me what it means to of Holy Week the next day, we read the of all these ministries, time and again I be a minister, a servant of God who can Passion together. The significance was have rediscovered the truth that was on bring light and healing in the midst of the not lost on me. Here, surrounded by display at the beginning of Holy Week greatest brokenness. @ people made in God’s image who were on death row: God is already at work in imprisoned and awaiting execution, we extraordinary ways with the prisoners. read the story of God who became human My work usually is nothing more (but and was also arrested, imprisoned, and also nothing less) than cooperating with taken to be executed. what God is already doing. We Jesuits As we concluded, the man was visibly often talk, rightly, about going to the Matthew Spotts, SJ, is a Jesuit moved, wiping tears from his eyes. “I’m margins, of serving those places, as Pope in formation studying theology in Berkeley, California. He will be sorry,” he said. “It’s just…there’s no Benedict put it, “particularly to reach ordained a priest in June 2019. place in my life I get to be like this. And those physical and spiritual places which hearing the story of Jesus in the same others do not reach or have difficulty in

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 17 Assignments In Memoriam We give thanks for the following Jesuits who have gone home to God.

Fr. Timothy J. Shepard, SJ Fr. Eugene F. Merz, SJ Fr. Thomas H. Radloff, SJ January 27, 1946 to April 19, 1931 to February 11, 1930 to January 25, 2019 January 16, 2019 December 15, 2018 “Tim’s wry sense of “Gene’s ministry touched the “Tom was a wonderful high humor—often accompanied minds, hearts, and spirits school teacher who loved by a slight smile—caught of priests, religious, and lay engaging students both many people off guard, thus women and men throughout inside and outside of the allowing his wise sayings the world with Ignatian classroom. He preferred and thoughts to be more spirituality through retreats talking with the students and easily accepted. He was a and his writings.” allowing them to come to dedicated priest with innate Theology teacher at Campion their own conclusions rather pastoral sensibilities and Jesuit High School in Prairie than giving the “correct” tendencies.” du Chien, Wisconsin; director answer. He also was an Fr. Michael Class, SJ, is Fr. John J. Foley, SJ, will English and social studies of pastoral renewal for the excellent and well-sought the new chaplain for the pray for the Church and teacher and spiritual director Archdiocese of Des Moines; student counselor, marriage Grand Traverse-area Catholic Society at a senior Jesuit for parents and alumni at director of the Emmaus counselor, and spiritual schools in Michigan. He was healthcare community. He Walsh Jesuit High School; Center Jesuit Community; director.” previously at the Bellarmine was previously serving as a librarian at Loyola University associate director of the Latin, religion, and English Jesuit Retreat House pastoral minister at Loyola New Orleans; rector of Marquette University Center teacher, student counselor, Community in Indianapolis. University Chicago. the Saint Ignatius High for Ignatian Spirituality; campus minister, and School Jesuit Community in director of pastoral, retreat, president at University of Cleveland; pastoral assistant, and Native American Detroit Jesuit High School; formation director, and ministries for the former retreat director at Jesuit socius for the former Detroit Wisconsin Province. Retreat Center in Cleveland; Province. director of spiritual formation Fr. John R. Crocker, SJ at the North American Fr. Francis A. Prokes, SJ College in Rome; superior April 3, 1930 to of the St. John’s Jesuit High February 3, 1923 to January 8, 2019 School Jesuit Community. January 22, 2019 “Jack’s gracious way of “Frank was a gifted Jesuit, engaging people allowed him Fr. John E. Dister, SJ a leader in his field. He is to reconcile differences and perhaps less well-known develop a working solution to March 18, 1931 to to many Jesuits because most problems with a school December 12, 2018 he worked for so many or department in a most “Some may say that Jack years with other religious skillful manner and even in a was irascible and gruff. Au congregations. He will, foreign language.” contraire mon fraire! He had Pierce Gibson, SJ, has Fr. Eric Sundrup, SJ, has however, be remembered by History and speech teacher a heart of gold and loved to begun his regency at Saint been appointed pastor of St. the many, many people he at Saint Ignatius High School engage others in friendly, Ignatius College Prep in Robert Bellarmine Chapel in helped over the years.” in Cleveland; assistant though committed, debate. Chicago. He was previously Cincinnati. He was previously Teacher at Red Cloud professor of medicine, He had a deep pastoral in first studies at Fordham an associate editor and Indian School on the Pine associate professor of sense, strong commitment to social justice, and a special University in New York. director of audience Ridge Reservation in psychology, and director of love for the poor.” development at America South Dakota; minister the Speech Pathology Center at Creighton University in at the Loyola University Latin and speech teacher Media in New York. Omaha; associate pastor Chicago Medical Center; at St. Xavier High School at the Church of the Gesu consultant for international in Cincinnati; professor of in Milwaukee; professor of education at the Association philosophy and assistant to architecture at the University of Jesuit Colleges and the president for university of Detroit (Mercy). Universities. mission at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio; religious studies teacher at Case Western Reserve; professor of philosophy at University of Detroit (Mercy).

Page 18 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 To read the full obituaries of Jesuits who have gone home to God, visit us at www.JesuitsMidwest.org/Memoriam

We give thanks for the following Jesuits who have gone home to God.

Fr. Robert K. McIntosh, SJ Fr. John H. Kleinhenz, SJ July 11, 1940 to July 16, 1921 to Fr. Victor-Luke Odhiambo, SJ November 24, 2018 November 22, 2018 1956-2018 “Bob was a true “Jack was an excellent math missionary—always willing teacher and, after finishing The Midwest Jesuits mourn the loss of Kenyan Jesuit to go where needed and do his formal teaching career, Fr. Victor-Luke Odhiambo, 62, who was murdered on what was necessary to help continued tutoring students. Nov. 15, 2018, when unknown assailants attacked the bring about the Kingdom of He seemed to know Daniel Comboni Jesuit Residence in Cueibet, South God! He was a very highly everyone in his hometown of esteemed member of the Cleveland.” Sudan. Korean Province and will be Latin, math, and theology sincerely mourned by his teacher at University of Father Odhiambo was known as a talented teacher province.” Detroit High School; math and administrator and a dedicated Jesuit priest. At the Campus minister and teacher and assistant time of his death, Fr. Odhiambo was the principal of Mazzolari Teachers College in Cueibet. professor of general principal at Saint Ignatius He had worked in South Sudan for approximately 10 years. education English at Sogang High School in Cleveland; University in Seoul, South math teacher at Brebeuf “Father Victor-Luke Odhiambo leaves a name, not only in South Sudan as the first Jesuit to Korea; director of formation Jesuit Preparatory School in die at the service of its people, but in the whole of Eastern Africa as a teacher of thousands for the Korea Region; socius Indianapolis. to the regional superior/ of students in the Starehe Boys Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, and in Loyola High School in Dar provincial; superior of Arrupe Fr. Philip C. Rule, SJ Es Salaam, Tanzania,” said Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Apostolic Jesuit Community “He was a very courageous man, intelligent, caring, creative administrator, and, above all, in Seoul; province archivist February 4, 1931 to November 14, 2018 a believer in the value of education. He was not afraid of venturing into the unknown, even and tertian instructor. into the most dangerous of places once he was convinced it was the Lord’s mission.” “Phil was an excellent Fr. Matthew E. Creighton, scholar, fine teacher, and Father Odhiambo was born on January 20, 1956, entered the Society of Jesus on July 4, SJ a good community man. He loved teaching at the 1978, and was ordained a priest on August 22, 1987. He pronounced his final vows in the February 8, 1927 to University of Detroit (where Society on May 30, 1993. He was a friend to many Jesuits in the Midwest Province through November 23, 2018 he taught young Jesuits) and the relationship between the Midwest Jesuits and the Eastern Africa Province. May he rest “Matt was always a gracious later at Holy Cross.” in peace. man with a smile on his face. English and Greek teacher He had a deep love of Christ at St. Xavier High School in and was very serious about Cincinnati; literary editor of Fr. George W. Traub, SJ Fr. Robert E. Brodzeller, SJ his faith. He loved movies America magazine; English and shared his love and professor at the University January 30, 1936 to June 6, 1930 to knowledge of movies with of Detroit; English professor October 27, 2018 October 24, 2018 others.” and professor emeritus at “George was a faithful “Bob was a pastor in any Greek and Latin teacher at College of the Holy Cross in and caring friend, a setting in which he found Saint Ignatius College Prep Worcester, Massachusetts. compassionate listener. He himself. He ministered well in Chicago; Greek and Latin cared passionately for his to people in need in both teacher, associate dean ministries, especially his hospitals and parishes. He of the graduate school, work in mission and identity also ministered well to the assistant vice president for at Xavier University.” Jesuits with whom he lived.” development, and executive Latin, Greek, and English Ministry at Red Cloud Indian assistant chancellor at teacher at Loyola Academy School on the Pine Ridge Loyola University Chicago; in Wilmette, Illinois; English Indian Reservation in South president of Creighton and theology teacher, Dakota; French teacher at University. coordinator, director, Campion High School in and executive director Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; of Ignatian Programs at retreat director at Emmaus Xavier University; provincial in Des Moines; hospital assistant for formation chaplain and parish priest. and continuing education programs for the former Chicago Province.

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 19 SPIRITUALITY

What Do You Want Me to Do, Rita Carfagna (left) learned about Ignatian spirituality through her husband Peter’s (right), and Lord? their sons’ alma mater, Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland. She now spends time introducing the Spiritual Exercises to others.

By Rita Carfagna or several years now, Ignatian life. I learned the tools of discernment in a way they hadn’t before. Their hearts Fspirituality has formed the framework and noticed how God does indeed guide are set on fire and they are often most within which I have lived out my me, even when I am making the smallest eager to spread that flame by serving vocation as wife, mother, grandmother, of decisions. I came to know myself as others, either in their home parishes or and spiritual director. being continually created and loved by in other service opportunities. I’ve seen My first encounter with the Jesuits, God who wants nothing more than my these simple retreats change lives, as in and the Spiritual Exercises in particular, love in return. And finally, it left me with many cases their Catholic faith comes was through my husband’s and sons’ a great desire to share my experience alive. Liturgies mean more as they listen alma mater, Saint Ignatius High School with others. to the Scripture readings differently now in Cleveland. It was while our sons were and as they can imagine Jesus walking there that I first made an eight-week TO ME, THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES among them. And even in these earliest adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises ARE ONE OF THE GREAT GIFTS THE experiences of the Exercises, they begin through their spirituality program for SOCIETY OF JESUS HAS TO OFFER to practice discernment as they ask, adults. In this program, parents are THE WORLD. “What do you want me to do, Lord?” given a general introduction to Ignatian To me, the Spiritual Exercises are one spirituality, including the retreat I went on to receive training and of the great gifts the Society of Jesus has experience. This was a real spiritual spiritual direction through the Ignatian to offer the world. I feel so blessed to awakening for me. I began to make Spirituality Institute at John Carroll have been given this gift and to share it praying with Scripture a part of my University. At the completion of this two- with others. I am also grateful that Saint daily routine. I noticed how journaling year certification program, during the Ignatius High School, the Jesuit Retreat my reflections on that prayer, and then closing liturgy, each of the participants Center, and the Ignatian Spirituality sharing them with others in the group, is asked to share a desire they have as Institute will continue to be life-giving deepened the experience for me. All this they look ahead. When it was my turn to resources for me and my family along the left me wanting more. speak, I found myself saying something journey. And that I am blessed to travel So, I proceeded to make the 19th that really surprised me: I wanted to with so many inspiring lay colleagues Annotation (a version of the Spiritual evangelize. I wanted to help others come also energized to the witness the presence Exercises designed for people who to know the Good News of Jesus Christ of God in their lives. My prayer is that, cannot be away for 30 days to do through the good news of the Spiritual together, we can continue to share this the Exercises as they were practiced Exercises. encounter with Christ with all that we originally) and the fruits of that year- Since that time, I’ve had the great meet. @ long retreat were abundant. Probably for privilege of introducing many others to the first time in my life—even though I the Spiritual Exercises through programs am a lifelong Catholic—I entered into offered at Saint Ignatius and the Jesuit Rita Carfagna shares the a personal friendship with Jesus Christ, Retreat Center in Cleveland. I have Spiritual Exercises with others in a friendship that continues to this day. witnessed individuals find real joy as the Cleveland area through the Praying the Examen once or twice a they learned to pray with Scripture— Ignatian Spirituality Collaborative and programs offered through day helped me to come to know God as some for the first time—as they come to Saint Ignatius High School. imminent and actively engaged in my experience God’s personal love for them

Page 20 | Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 ADVANCEMENT

Who are the Midwest Jesuits? USA MIDWEST PROVINCE Fr. Brian G. Paulson, SJ Founded by St. Ignatius in elementary, middle and high provinces around the world. PROVINCIAL 1540, the Jesuits are the schools, universities, the first Each of these ministries Kristine Mackey world’s largest religious Jesuit community college, a serves different people and order of priests and brothers. publishing house, parishes, different purposes. They VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS & PROVINCIAL ASSISTANT The more than 500 Midwest retreat centers, social justice are all united by the Jesuit Jesuits, led by our provincial, ministries, Native American mission of forming women Quentin Maguire Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, serve missions, a novitiate, two and men for others; finding DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS in the U.S. in more than 66 healthcare communities, God in all things; cura Ben Gartland ministries throughout 12 a first studies program for personalis, or care for the states, from the Great Lakes Jesuit brothers and Jesuits whole person; and directing COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST to the Great Plains. studying for the priesthood, all of our efforts toward the Kurt Metzler These ministries include and partnerships with Jesuit greater glory of God. DESIGNER

USA MIDWEST PROVINCE

The Midwest Jesuits are pleased to welcome 1010 N. Hooker St., Chicago, IL 60642 Kristine “Kris” Mackey, who serves as vice president for (800) 537-3736 advancement and communications & provincial assistant. Regional Advancement Directors Having served in numerous leadership roles, including vice president at Charles River Associates, COO of Chicago Al Bill (Minneapolis/Saint Paul) Partners, and associate dean of the University of Chicago [email protected] | (952) 715-0770 Booth School of Business, she brings to the role advanced experience in business development, management, and operations. Mackey is known for building organizational Dede Crowley (Omaha) cultures and achieving strategic growth goals through a collaborative and servant-leader [email protected] | (402) 298-2592 mindset in a variety of settings. With an avocational life committed to the education of young people in underserved Nora Dabrowski (Detroit/Cleveland) communities, “Kris is uniquely prepared to share the good news of our mission today and [email protected] | (773) 368-6399 help us to elicit the financial support which will allow us to thrive in the future,” said Fr. Dan O’Brien (Milwaukee) Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits. [email protected] | (773) 975-5755

SPECIAL THANKS

The Midwest Jesuits are pleased to announce Fr. Glen Chun, SJ; Nora Dabrowski; Diane “Dede” Crowley as the new regional advancement Ann Greene; Nancy Hrdlicka; Amy Korpi; director for the Omaha region. Dave McNulty; Br. John Moriconi, SJ; Dede has been involved with the Jesuits almost her entire Dan O’Brien; Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ; career, first for more than 25 years in various positions at John Sealey; Becky Sindelar Creighton University and most recently as principal gifts officer for Creighton Preparatory School. “I am excited to have the opportunity to further engage those in the Omaha area with the FOR MORE INFORMATION many great works of the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus and to broaden and deepen WWW.JESUITSMIDWEST.ORG the support for the Jesuits going forward,” she said.

Jesuits | A publication of the Midwest Jesuits | Spring 2019 | Page 21 Society of Jesus 1010 N. Hooker St. Chicago, IL 60642

MEET THE 2019 ORDINANDS

Bryan Norton, SJ Gregory Ostdiek, SJ James Sand, SJ Matthew Spotts, SJ Midwest Jesuits Ordination June 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. Church of the Gesu 1145 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53233

You are Invited to Visit the New Senior Jesuit Healthcare Community We invite you to join us for an open house at the St. Camillus senior Jesuit health care community as we say thank you to our generous friends and benefactors who have made phase one of the With Others. For Others. campaign possible. Naming opportunities are still available. Sunday, June 2, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. St. Camillus Jesuit Community 10201 W. Wisconsin Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 RSVP online at JesuitsMidwest.org/OpenHouse2019 or call 800-537-3736