Provincial V. Rev. Myles N. Sheehan, SJ
Province Consultors Dear Friends: The Peace of Christ! Rev. John J. Higgins, SJ Rev. Paul D. Holland, SJ As I conclude my first year as Provincial, I want to thank you for Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, SJ Rev. William E. Stempsey, SJ your support and to express my gratitude for your prayers. In the years ahead, I hope to continue to move the Province forward to meet the Associate Consultants needs of the Church in ways for which the Jesuits are so well known. Rev. William R. Campbell, SJ Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, SJ You will read in this issue about the exciting trip I took in May to Amman and Baghdad, Provincial Assistants seeking to reaffirm the ties that the New England Province has had with that region since Rev. John J. Higgins, SJ we began a school in Baghdad in 1932. The faith, courage and hope of the men and women Socius/Executive Assistant I met in Baghdad was an inspiration.
Rev. John T. Butler, SJ Director of Vocations Our work in Amman provides a striking example of the good that a small number of Jesuits can do: Rev. Robert J. Daly, SJ • we provide ministry for the English-speaking community in Jordan, many of them Assistant for Higher Education domestic workers from the Philippines; Rev. Richard A. Deshaies, SJ • the staff of our pastoral center reaches out to the Christians with classes in prayer, Assistant for Formation Scripture, and Ignatian spirituality; • the Jesuit Refugee Service works out of our pastoral center and provides assistance to a Margaret T. Florentine large Iraqi refugee community. Assistant for Secondary Education A wonderful part of my visit to the area was meeting with our Iraqi novice, Stev Metika, Rev. Michael D. Linden, SJ who is doing his novitiate in Cairo. Assistant for International, Pastoral and Social Ministries You will also read in this issue of the 2010 GALA fundraiser in April. Not only are we grateful for your generous contributions, but the presence of 1,250 guests brought with Catherine R. Morency, RN Province Health Care it a heartwarming spirit of affection for the Jesuits. I am happy to announce that the Coordinator 2011 GALA will honor the past presidents of our institutions of higher education: Fr. John E. Brooks, SJ, of the College of the Holy Cross, Fr. Aloysius P. Kelley, SJ, of Fairfield Alice Poltorick University, and Fr. J. Donald Monan, SJ, of Boston College. Director of Communications
Grace Cotter Regan I hope that you enjoy this issue of JESUITS magazine and have a great summer! Executive Director of Advancement Sincerely,
Sr. Clare Walsh, MHSH Assistant for New England Ignatian Spirituality in The Jesuit Collaborative Very Reverend Myles N. Sheehan, SJ Provincial, New England Province of Jesuits Rev. Dennis J. Yesalonia, SJ Treasurer
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE John F. Power John H. McCarthy AUDIT COMMITTEE Elizabeth Bourque Deborah P. Reed Mary Coffey Moran Michael J. Lochhead Patricia A. Casey John J. Shaughnessy, Jr. William Supple John H. McCarthy Ann Marie Connolly William J. Teuber, Jr. Rev. Richard A. McGowan, SJ Jack M. Connors, Jr. INVESTMENT COMMITTEE John J. Griffin, Jr., Esq. FINANCE COMMITTEE Richard F. Connolly INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Francis C. Mahoney Francis B. Campanella William R. Durgin COMMITTEE John J. Mahoney, Jr. Joseph P. Fallon Paul F. Healey Mary Corcoran John A. McNeice, Jr. Lawrence E. Kaplan, Esq. Peter C. McKenzie Ellen Keohane Joseph E. O’Leary, Esq. Michael J. Lochhead Robert J. Morrissey Robert J. Ostiguy Catherine L. O’Neil Judith A. Malone, Esq. Sean P. O’Neil 8 Features Spring/Summer 2010 Vol. 6, Issue 1
Publisher V. Rev. Myles N. Sheehan, SJ
Executive Editor Alice Poltorick
Associate Editor 14 Rev. Charles B. Connolly, SJ
Executive Director of Advancement Grace Cotter Regan
Contributing Writers/Editors Rev. Charles B. Connolly, SJ Suzanne Heffernan Alice Poltorick Grace Cotter Regan
Layout/Design Pat Mullaly, Circle Graphics 1 Jesuits in Formation ...... 4 Ordinations –Welcoming Our New Priests ...... 8 Annual Jesuit GALA...... 14 Inspiration at Eastern Point...... 16
Cover: Br. Donald J. Murray, SJ, and Fr. Charles B. Connolly, SJ, Jesuit Theologian and Artist ...... 18 assist the New England Province in advancing the mission of the Society of Jesus. Read their story Men Behind the Mail...... 22 on pages 22–23. Photo by John Gillooly. Chaplain Fr. James Shaughnessy, SJ...... 26
JESUITS is published twice per year by the New England Province and is available online: 26 www.sjnen.org.
Please address all correspondence to: Alice Poltorick New England Province of Jesuits, P.O. Box 9199, Watertown, MA 02471-9199 Phone: 617-607-2895 Email: [email protected]
© 2010, New England Province in every issue of Jesuits. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Provincial Letter. .Inside Front Cover C Printed on recycled paper. 18 Province News...... 2 Advancement...... 22 In Memoriam ...... 28 Words to Live By. . Inside Back Cover Province News
New Assignments Fr. Joseph A. Appleyard, SJ, has been Fr. John P. Murray, SJ, has been appointed appointed socius of the New England superior of Eastern Point Retreat House. Province. He has been vice-president for Fr. Murray served as internal consultant on mission and ministry at Boston College. Fr. Ignatian spirituality in human resources at John J. Higgins, SJ, who has served in the Boston College. position for the past six years, will be going on a well-deserved sabbatical.
Fr. John T. Butler, SJ, who has served as Fr. James P. Carr, SJ, has been appointed director of vocations for the New England director of novices for the Maryland, New Province and director for Manresa House York and New England Provinces and at BC, has been named vice-president for superior of St. Andrew Hall in Syracuse, 2 university mission and ministry. New York. Fr. Carr was director of Eastern Point Retreat House.
Boston College has also named Fr. Terrence Fr. Robert J. Levens, SJ, is the new superior P. Devino, SJ, to succeed Fr. Butler as of the Campion Jesuit Community. director of Manresa House and special Fr. Levens served as retreat director and assistant to the president. Fr. Devino served chaplain to alumni and faculty at Fairfield as vice-president for university ministries at College Preparatory School. the University of Scranton.
Fr. Mark S. Massa, SJ, is the new dean of the Fr. Paul D. Holland, SJ, who has served as School of Theology and Ministry (STM) at rector of the Campion Jesuit Community Boston College. He succeeds founding dean for the past five years, has been named Fr. Richard Clifford, SJ. rector of the Fairfield Jesuit Community. Read Fr. Holland’s reflection on page 13.
New Scholars Maine Jesuits in Maine Two Jesuits are welcomed into the “community of scholars.” For the first time in a long time, three Jesuits who are Fr. John D. Savard, SJ, was awarded an EdD native Mainers have been from the University of San Francisco. assigned to Maine at the same Fr. Savard is the rector of the Jesuit Com- time, and are living in the munity at the College of the Holy Cross. same community. Fr. John R. d’Anjou, SJ, was born Fr. Joseph R.M. Palmisano, in Biddeford and moved to SJ, was granted a PhD in Portland when he was one year old; Fr. Richard D. Bertrand, theology from Trinity College SJ, was born and lived in Biddeford; Fr. John T. Crabb, SJ, in Dublin. Fr. Palmisano begins tertianship was born in Bangor and moved to South Portland at the age in September and will serve in campus of twelve. ministry at Fairfield University. Jesuits in the Middle East
esuits from the New England Province minister throughout New JEngland and around the world. Recently, Fr. Provincial Myles Sheehan, SJ, and Fr. Michael Linden, SJ, provincial assistant for international, pastoral and social ministries, traveled to the Middle East to visit New England Jesuits ministering in Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. From Jordan, they traveled to Iraq to meet with the Latin Rite Archbishop of Baghdad. Fr. Michael Linden’s first stop was Beirut, Lebanon, where he visited with Fr. Martin J. McDermott, SJ, and Fr. John J. Donohue, SJ. From 3 there, he traveled to Egypt and spent time with novice Mr. Stev Metika, SJ, and Fr. John A. Carty, SJ. From there, Fr. Linden traveled to Amman. Fr. Sheehan, after spending two weeks in Rome meeting with Fr. Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, Abp. Francis Assisi Chullikatt, Nuncio to General and other provincials at the Jesuit Curia, traveled to Jordan. Jordan and Iraq, and Fr. Michael Linden, SJ, met in Amman, Jordan. With Fr. Linden he visited Fr. Alfred J. Hicks, SJ, Fr. Clarence J. Burby, SJ and lay colleagues at the Jesuit Centre and visited Sacred Heart Church, where Fr. Kevin G. O’Connell, SJ, is pastor. After meeting with Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikatt, Nuncio to Jordan and Iraq, they proceeded to Iraq. In Baghdad they met with the Latin Rite Archbishop of Baghdad, Jean Sleiman, Mr. Wathiq Hindo, alumnus of Baghdad College and his wife, Nidhal.
Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, with Fr. Al Hicks, SJ, at the memorial to the Jesuits who died while serving in Baghdad.
Fr. Al Hicks, SJ, Superior of the Jesuits in Jordan and Iraq, with Nidhal and Wathiq Hindo.
Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, concelebrates Mass with Abp. Jean Sleiman at Fr. Martin McDermott, SJ, with refugees from Fr. John Carty, SJ, ministers in Alexandria, Egypt. St. Joseph Cathedral. the Philippines and Africa in Beirut, Lebanon. Formation
The First and Most Important Novitiate Experiment: The Spiritual Exercises
by Fr. Joseph E. Lingan, SJ
4 his past January, the six novices of the Maryland, New England and TNew York Provinces made the Spiritual Exercises at Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. They were joined by the 12 Jesuit novices from the Chicago, Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces. Fr. Joseph E. Lingan, SJ
As novice director, directing the Exercises is the At the novitiate, we regularly remember and pray for highlight of my year! While directing the Exercises, our benefactors and their intentions. We are keenly one comes to know the novice well, and is privileged to aware that our mission at the novitiate is made possible witness up close his relationship with God. An authentic through the generous prayerful and material support of experience of the Exercises is both personal and intense. our benefactors. I pray they know how grateful we are for Through the experience of directing novices, my own their support of this important mission, and that God will relationship with and affection for God has deepened, my continue to bless them with a generous spirit. appreciation and affection for St. Ignatius has deepened, and my appreciation and affection for each of our novices Fr. Joseph E. Lingan, SJ, is the master of novices for the has deepened. I have certainly come to better know and Maryland, New England and New York Provinces of the appreciate the Spiritual Exercises, and I pray that I have Society of Jesus. become a better Jesuit in the process.
Jesuit novices James Ferus, Marco Rodriguez, Chris Grodecki, Andrew Otto, Gil Stockson, and Adam Rosinski on retreat at Eastern Point Retreat House. 5
New England Province novice Stev Metika, nSJ, on the left, made the “Long Retreat” this spring in Alexandria, Egypt. The photo was taken at Sainte-Famille in Cairo. Novitiate For many religious orders the first stage of formation is Most important among these experiments is the Spiritual called the novitiate. For the Society of Jesus, the novitiate Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. The Exercises are a thirty- is a two-year period of time during which the vocation day series of prayer experiences or “exercises” that one of a novice is discerned and confirmed. The Society’s prays. To express it simply, the Exercises are an instrument guidelines state that “[a] vocation is to be tested by various by which a person is able to meet God and to discern experiments that, in St. Ignatius’ view, constitute the what might be God’s will for the individual. The Exercises specific characteristic of the novitiate; these must place the are an opportunity for one to begin to establish a deeper novices in circumstances wherein they can give evidence and more sincere relationship with God. The making of of what they really are and show how they have made their the Spiritual Exercises is the key experiment of the Jesuit own the spiritual attitudes proper to our vocation.” Today, novitiate, for it sets the tone or context for every other our novitiate program is guided by these norms originally novitiate experiment that follows. established by St. Ignatius and the early members of the Society of Jesus.
Early edition of the Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius Loyola. Formation
My First Day by Mr. Mario M. Powell, SJ
never really thought about my first day as a Iteacher. When I arrived at Cheverus High School, Portland, Maine, to begin my regency, I went to the obligatory faculty meetings. I had lesson plans, but none of them included first-time introductions. I had a syllabus, but I had no idea what I wanted for my 123 students. I went online 6 in a feeble attempt to see what other teachers do.
I was told not to laugh until Christmas, not to GaryPhoto: Dr. Neilsen be sarcastic and not to reveal too much of my personal life. None of it seemed practical, nor did it sound like too much fun. That was not the teacher that I wanted to be. The next morning when my were all honest and true to themselves. as important! At the same time, I homeroom class came through my They were confident, tough, fair and work to gain the attention and respect door, I decided that I would be me. I honest. They were silly and told awful of unruly, indifferent or typical met 17 very young, very short and very jokes. They were real. adolescents. I am a Jesuit scholastic, a timid freshmen and laughed out loud. My greatest teachers were the ones young teacher, a young man finding I broke rule number one. In response who had an unparalleled ability to God in my students and praying that to a question in my next class, I tell a great story, and they worked they can find God in me. responded sarcastically. I broke rule tirelessly to get their students to tell a number two. In my last class, I began great story as well. The story is me— Mario Powell, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic telling the students about myself. us. I have learned in my second year in his second year of regency, a time for There went rule number three. At the of regency that while teaching history Jesuits in formation to be fully involved end of the day I realized that I was and theology are important, getting in the apostolic work and community becoming the very Jesuits who taught my students to access their innermost life of their province. me at my Jesuit high school. They selves and to express that story is just
Teacher and Musician
Mr. Thomas M. Simisky, SJ, second-year regent and teacher of theology at Cheverus High School, plays the violin with the school’s string ensemble. “They will run and not grow weary” ~Isaiah 40:31 by Mr. Christopher J. Ryan, SJ
fter training for four months and over 500 miles, braving all the caprices of a ANew England winter, I met two friends in Boston on Marathon Monday for the bus ride to Hopkinton. 7 Thousands gathered there for the Digging deep physically as I ran through the deafening start of the annual event and traded roar of the crowd in Kenmore Square, I felt a new surge stories of training, past experiences of spiritual energy, and the words of St. Ignatius’ prayer of running Boston and their reasons “Take, Lord, and receive…” became my mantra through for toeing the line this year. the final blocks down Boylston Street. I’m ordinarily very serious about These vignettes of the 26.2-mile pilgrimage from my racing, and I have approached Hopkinton to Boston continue to gladden my heart. On a past marathons rather methodically. deeper level, I remember and appreciate the support and Yet the magic of Boston opened me to unprecedented joys, companionship of my Jesuit community, the numerous and it reminded me that ultimately I run to revel in the life runners I met over the weekend, and the presence of two it gives me. longtime friends. Coming through Hopkinton, Ashland and Framingham Amid my journey as a Jesuit in formation, training in the early miles, I lost count of how many high-fives I for and completing the Boston Marathon is a consoling shared with kids lining the course. After enthusiastic cheers reminder of my capacity to walk some longer roads, to in Natick from my school’s president—and the women of strive for deeper companionship and to maintain steadfast Wellesley College—I was elated and smiling, something I devotion. Whether the weariness I encounter along the way had never experienced at the halfway point of a marathon. is physical, mental or spiritual, I continually hear the words As I neared mile 17, anticipating the Newton hills, I was of Isaiah echoing with the footfalls of my stride: “They who lifted up by more than just the rising topography. For four hope in the Lord shall renew their strength… they will run tough miles, one long hill each, we were carried by the and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” cheers, screams, signs and enthusiasm of crowds four to six deep on both sides of Commonwealth Avenue. Just beyond the final summit, the spires of Boston College came into Congratulations to Chris Ryan, SJ, for view, followed by hundreds of the school’s students whose completing the Boston Marathon on April 19 in supportive cheers and infectious enthusiasm sped my under three hours. Chris is teaching at Nativity descent into the city itself. School of Worcester during his regency. The grueling miles along Beacon Street saw my focus narrow to the simple tasks of maintaining my pace and resisting temptations to yield to pain and fatigue —a microcosm of my struggles to maintain hope and confidence amid a difficult first year as a middle school teacher. Formation Ordination Celebrations
New England
8 Photos: Justin Knight
Provincial Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, Fr. George Collins, SJ, Bishop Boles, Fr. Charles Gallagher, SJ, and Provincial Assistant for Formation, Fr. Richard Deshaies, SJ.
n Saturday, June 12, 2010, the Most OReverend John P. Boles, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Boston, presided at the ordination to the priesthood of George E. Collins, SJ, and Charles R. Gallagher, SJ. Rev. Robert T. Kickham, Secretary to Cardinal O’Malley, served as master of ceremonies. Family and friends attended the ordination liturgy at the Church of St. Ignatius Bishop Boles presents Fr. Collins with bread and Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and wine used at Mass. celebrated at a luncheon reception held at Boston College. Fr. Collins will spend his first summer as a priest working at St. Ignatius Church. In the fall of 2010, he will return to the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley to complete his STL degree in Christian Fr. Gallagher blesses Bishop Boles. spirituality. Fr. Gallagher will teach in the Department of History at Boston College. “Carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own concerns but to those of Jesus Christ.” ~ Rite of Ordination.
Jamaica n December 30, 2009, Michael OF. Davidson, SJ, and Rohan Tulloch, SJ, were ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Kingston, Jamaica 9 by the Most Reverend Lawrence A. Burke, SJ, Archbishop Emeritus of Kingston, Jamaica. Also presiding was the present Archbishop of Kingston, Donald J. Reece. Family, friends and brother Jesuits from near and far attended the ceremony. Fr. Davidson is studying for a master Photos: M. Wayne Chin of education degree at Boston College. Fr. Tulloch is studying theology at Regis College, Toronto, Canada. Editor’s note: Archbishop Burke died on January 24. May he rest in peace.
Archbishop Reece presents Fr. Davidson and Fr. Tulloch to the congregration.
Archbishop Burke invokes the Holy Spirit on Fr. Davidson.
Fr. Tulloch promises obedience and respect to Archbishop Burke. Education
10 Nativity Boston Celebrates 20 Years his spring, friends, family, staff, students, alumni and “Nativity gave the structure and taught what Tbenefactors gathered at Boston College High School to celebrate Nativity Prep’s 20 years of providing a tuition- we should do. Nativity provided some gentle free Jesuit education to middle school boys from Boston’s supports, massaging us into doing the right thing toughest inner-city neighborhoods. repeatedly. Hard work, being accountable, fulfilling The evening inspired lively discussions of Nativity Prep’s responsibilities when people are counting on you— past, present and future. Guests recalled that in 1990, the it’s what being a Nativity man is all about.” red door at 30 Raynor Circle opened to welcome Nativity Prep’s first class of students. There to greet them was the ~ Claudio deBarros, Nativity class of 1998, returned as a school’s founder, Barry Hynes, his staff of bright-eyed volunteer teacher after graduating from Roxbury Latin and Duke volunteer teachers and Jesuits like Fr. Bill Cullen, SJ, University. He is currently a student at UMass Medical School. and Fr. Perard Monestime, SJ. Nativity Prep’s first Board Chair, John McNeice, and a host of generous benefactors and volunteers contributed their time, talent and treasure “As a student, you are very aware of the to nurture the fledgling school. Nativity’s rigorous commitment and dedication of the faculty and it curriculum, small classes, family involvement, graduate support program, extended day and extended year, kept the serves as an example of the Jesuit motto, ‘Men for boys away from the violence of the streets and helped them Others.’ Nativity provided the tools that have opened gain entrance into the region’s finest private high schools a lot of doors for me, and I wanted to encourage and colleges. Guests recalled Nativity Prep’s young men like myself to fulfill their potential and move to its permanent home in Jamaica Plain after a to become positive members of their communities. successful capital campaign under the leadership of What I didn’t anticipate was how my relationships Executive Director Fr. Bill Campbell, SJ, and Principal Fr. Al Hicks, SJ. with the students and other faculty would enrich my As Nativity Prep celebrates its 20th year, under the life; the flow of education went both directions in my leadership of Executive Director Fr. John Wronski, SJ, experience. I will always cherish the time that I spent Principal Bisi Oyedele and Board Chair Beth Segers, there’s as a volunteer teacher at Nativity.” no telling how many new, exciting ways it will continue to grow and flourish. Nativity Prep is a place that evolves ~ Hudson Evei, Nativity class of 1996, returned as a volunteer with each new year, each new staff of teachers and each new teacher after graduating from Georgetown University. He serves class of students. Nativity Prep is well on its way to another on Nativity’s Board of Trustees, and will attend Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business in the fall. 20 years of inspiring boys from Boston to become men for others. Milestones
11 First College Acceptances at Nativity Worcester
n a recent issue of JESUITS Imagazine, Melissa Zangari, director of advancement, wrote about Nativity School of Worcester’s move into its new facility at 67 Lincoln Street. Since then the school has had much to celebrate. On January 2, Nativity celebrated another landmark moment: the school’s first college acceptances! Jake Kelley, Daniel Dompreh and Gunlee Segrain (members of Nativity’s first class of graduates, the Ignatius Class of 2006) opened up large white envelopes from Providence College and found acceptances waiting for them. Better Ignatius Class of 2006 still, Jake, Daniel and Gunlee were the recipients of four-year, full application process, from writing Morehouse College, Newbury College, scholarships through Providence college essays to filling out financial Quinsigamond Community College, College’s Martin Luther King Jr. aid forms. Nativity graduates were Regis College and Suffolk University. Scholarship Program. A “middle also accepted at Anna Maria College, Melisssa says, “We could not be more school for life,” Nativity School Assumption College, Becker College, proud of our high school seniors who of Worcester’s Graduate Support College of the Holy Cross, Curry all will be matriculating at prestigious Program shepherded its graduates College, Drew University, Emmanuel institutions this fall.” through every part of the college College, Merrimack College,
Nativity schools are tuition-free, Jesuit middle schools for boys living in vulnerable neighborhoods. In i a structured learning environment—including an 11-hour school day, individual attention and small ▼ classes—students develop the character, skills and disciplines to become men for others.
Visit: www.nativityworcester.org or www.nativityboston.org for more information. Ministries
Parishes – Working in the vineyard
any people know the Jesuits from Meducational experiences at middle schools, high schools, colleges and Pastoring in New England universities; others have met Jesuits on retreat at one of the many retreat houses and Jordan throughout the country. Still others experience the Jesuits Jesuit Fathers Robert VerEecke, J. Allan Loftus, and in parishes as inspirational celebrants and homilists or at Kenneth Loftus serve at St. Ignatius Church, Chestnut 12 days of prayer or parish missions. Hill, Massachusetts. In the New England Province, Jesuits serve as full- time pastors and assistants at a number of parishes in the Fr. Gerald Finnegan, SJ, is the pastor at St. Charles Archdiocese of Boston, the Dioceses of Manchester, New Borromeo, Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Hampshire, Fall River, Massachusetts, Providence, Rhode Island, and Portland, Maine (see sidebar). Fr. Joseph Bruce, SJ, is the coordinator for the Other Jesuits who have “day jobs” as teachers, Apostolate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing who administrators or pastoral ministers also celebrate Mass on celebrates Mass in several churches weekly in the weekends at parishes, convents, nursing homes, hospitals Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. and even on Catholic TV. Here at the provincial offices, Jesuits serve Monday to In Maine, Jesuit Fathers James Lafontaine, John Friday as assistants to the provincial in administration, d’Anjou and Robert Regan minister at St. Pius X and finance and advancement, but on weekends they can be St. Patrick parishes in Portland, Maine; Fr. Richard found in parishes assisting with Masses: Bertrand, SJ, provides liturgical ministry at Sacred Fr. John Higgins, SJ, is the socius, assisting the provincial Heart/St. Dominic Church. as executive assistant. On weekends, you might meet him at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Jesuit Fathers John Michalowski, Thomas Fitzpatrick Fr. Higgins also offers spiritual direction during the week. and Arthur Paré serve at St. Joseph Parish and at Mary Fr. Dennis Yesalonia, SJ, is the treasurer of the New Queen of Peace in Salem, New Hampshire. England Province. He celebrates Mass at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Medfield, Massachusetts, nearly every Fr. John Keegan, SJ, is the pastor at St. Patrick Church weekend and has served in various parishes since his in Milford, New Hampshire. ordination to the priesthood 25 years ago. Fr. Michael Linden, SJ, is the provincial assistant for Fr. Lawrence Smith, SJ, is the Catholic pastor at pastoral, social and international ministries. Fr. Linden Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts. celebrates Mass for the students at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and at churches around the greater Fr. Kevin O’Connell, SJ, is the pastor of Sacred Heart Boston area. parish in Amman, Jordan. Fr. Charles Connolly, SJ, associate director of advancement, celebrates Mass at many convents, parishes and on Catholic Information about Jesuit parishes in New TV. (See article on page 22 for more about Fr. Connolly.) i England is available on www.sjnen.org/Pastoral ▼ Ministries Life as Rector at Campion Center
ver the summer, a transition will take place at OCampion Center, home to the retired and infirm Jesuits. Fr. Robert Levens, SJ, will become the new superior, and Fr. Paul Holland, SJ, who has been rector of the Campion Jesuit Community and administrator of Campion Health Center since January 2005, will become the rector of the Fairfield Jesuit Community. The Campion staff and residents honored Fr. Holland at a luncheon celebration on June 3. 13 His reflection is below.
I have many vivid memories of the last five years as rector of the Jesuit community at Campion. The Campion Jesuit community and staff thanked On my first day, a beloved Jesuit died; within a week two Fr. Holland for his service with a luncheon celebration more followed. My first month, I had to remove driving in June. Pictured above are Fr. Holland with the privileges from one man and end the public ministry of Campion staff. another because of health concerns. I leave here confident that the 83 My first summer, a man wandered off. When he was men I buried since January 1, 2005, found early the next morning, I anxiously met him in the are praying for us and rejoicing with hospital emergency room. Bewildered by all the fuss, the us. They have joined the ranks of man looked up from the stretcher and asked me, “How did Jesuit Saints and Blessed, especially the Red Sox do?” Edmund Campion, whose final prayer gives us all hope and On a more serious note, most of ministry is presence healing: “that Almighty God, the Searcher of hearts, will and accompaniment. I’ve spent thousands of hours at set us at accord...so that we may at last be friends in heaven the hospital and in doctors’ offices, sitting with the men, where all injuries shall be forgotten.” listening to their pain and their anxiety, their hope and faith, as they embraced their final mission of dying in the During Fr. Holland’s tenure, Campion Health Center was Lord. Being rector has also carried considerable challenges named to the US News & World Report’s Honor Roll for with it: the administrative burdens of managing two America’s Best nursing homes. corporations, a $9.5 million annual budget, 100 employees, 50 acres of land and a 221,000-square-foot building. The more important challenge has been to show cura personalis to some who would prefer autonomy, to offer welcome for Kudos and Honors some who desperately want to be anywhere else, to provide a safe place for those whose cognitive deficits prevent Fr. Robert F. Taft, SJ, has been named to them from making good judgments about their needs and the new advisory board of the Pontifical limitations. University (Athenaeum) Saint Anselmo in Most of all, being rector here has been an amazing grace. Rome. As I sat in chapel next to men who were close to death, I experienced that in some sense they had already passed Fr. Francis X. Clooney, SJ, over and were seated at the Supper of the Lamb, and leading scholar of com- through them I glimpsed it too. Each was for me a kind of parative theology, is the new icon, what Henri Nouwen called “a window looking out director of the Center for the Study of World upon eternity.” Religions at Harvard Divinity School. 2
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n talking about the 10th anniversary Jesuit GALA guests joined the celebration honoring the Jesuits Ion April 15, 2010, Tom Reilly of Hingham in and all that they do in their daily ministries and to typically wry fashion explained that “the evening just pay tribute to the Connollys for teaching us what it wasn’t long enough. It felt a bit like an episode of This means to live one’s life not for oneself but for others. AnnualIs Your Life. I saw all of these fantasticJesuit people I knew GALA With an extraordinarily dedicated 2010 committee and and really wanted to connect with across the room. outpouring of support led by John and Mary Power I was having so much fun, then suddenly the evening of Wellesley the New England Province was able to was over and I didn’t get to touch base with most of announce a record-breaking $1.3 million was raised at those folks.” Tom is referring to the magical GALA the Jesuit GALA for the Province. Proceeds from the evening where Fr. Myles N. Sheehan, SJ, provincial, event fund Jesuit education and formation, the care of had the distinct honor of bestowing Dick and Ann the elderly and infirm, the mission of Jesuit teachers Marie Connolly with the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam to educational institutions and the assignment of Award—for the greater glory of God. More than 1200 chaplains for special ministries.
Celebrating 10 Years 6
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1. Dick Connolly, Mary Power, Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, Ann Marie Connolly and John Power 2. Mr. Mario Powell, SJ and Fr. George Williams, SJ 3. John and Cindy Fish, Cathy and Joe O’Donnell 4. Town Cryer 5. Nancy Gibson, Bishop Boles and Craig Gibson 6. Eileen and Jack Connors 7. Peter Lynch and Dick Connolly 8. Kara Kennedy, Dean Mazzone, Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, Matt Brunell and Kathleen Celio 8 Photo 3 by Bill Brett; Photos 1, 2, 4–8 by Justin Knight Faith in Action
Inspiration at Eastern Point
by Alice Poltorick
etreatants at Eastern Point Retreat RHouse find opportunities for quiet time, reflection, prayer and encountering the wonders of God’s majesty in the physical world. Many also find the creativity to paint, write, photograph and compose while there. 16 Fr. Robert VerEecke, SJ, pastor at St. Ignatius Church, wrote the words to the song, You Will Know, while at Eastern Point Retreat House. Paul Melley, then pastoral musician and coordinator of youth ministry at St. Ignatius, set the words to music.
Q. I first heard the song You Will Know while I was on retreat at Eastern Point. It touched my heart and moved me to tears. I heard that you wrote the lyrics to the song while you were there. Fr. VerEecke: While on a parish retreat at Eastern Point Retreat House, Paul Melley and Fr. Bob reunited at St. Ignatius Parish for an Easter evening of prayer, story, music and dance. I began thinking about our parish played the song for me. I remember I’m glad I waited. Fr. Bob wanted the Lenten theme “On Holy Ground.” being very moved since it seemed as if piece ready by March 24, which turned Because of the reference in the story the music was what I had heard in my out to be within the week after my of Moses and the burning bush, “take mind when I was writing the words. daughter’s birth. I remember having off your shoes, this is holy ground,” I think the Holy Spirit was the major Erin asleep in the bassinette next to I began connecting this passage with collaborator on this work since it was me as I sat down at the piano. I came the Lenten theme. I simply sat down pretty effortless and heartfelt. up with the introduction within the and began writing. I was surprised at After the music was finished, I was very first minutes, and then came up how the words flowed so easily. I had able to choreograph the piece for the with the melody for the opening line, never done anything like this before. Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble “Take off your shoes. . .” After that, and it was performed at my 25th it all kind of tumbled out. I feel that Q. Paul Melley wrote the music. anniversary of ordination liturgy in God essentially handed me the whole What was the inspiration for that June 2003. piece, in its entirety as it now stands, collaboration? within an hour of first sitting down. I Fr. VerEecke: I asked Paul, who was Q. Paul, what was your inspiration for felt I just had to “listen” for the music. working as pastoral musician and the music? It came together very quickly. I think coordinator of youth ministry at St. Melley: I had held onto the words for it was aided by the sense of awe I felt Ignatius at the time, if he would be a while. My wife was pregnant with at having the grace of a brand-new life interested in seeing a text I had written our first child, so I had a lot on my entwined with my own. and possibly put it to music. About mind, and I believe that the piece (or a month or so later, he sat down and rather I) wasn’t ready to be “received.” Q. When did you first perform the which Paul composed for the Nativity song? Spirit Dinner in Boston last year. Melley: I first performed it for Fr. Melley: I certainly hope so! Fr. Bob Take off your shoes; Bob who told me that this was the is a person of great faith and has this is holy ground you melody he heard in his head when he the ability to articulate that faith was writing the lyrics. I then played in a meaningful way. He has been a walk on. Open your eyes; it for the Boston Liturgical Dance longtime dear friend and mentor. I this is holy fire you see. Ensemble. Then we used it for Holy think he has a lot more to say. It is Show me your face, Week Evening Prayer and again at exciting to think of what we could my daughter’s Baptism. When I was continue to do. a reflection of my glory, 17 working on compiling the songs for and you will know my CD, Humbled, You Will Know was Fr. Robert VerEecke, SJ, is the pastor at who I am … at the top of the list. St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts and artist-in-residence You Will Know. on Paul Melley’s Q. Are you collaborating on new at Boston College. Paul Melley is Humbled CD available at material? director of liturgical music and assistant www.giamusic.com VerEecke: Paul and I have collabor- chaplain at the College of the Holy ated on only one other piece. I wrote Cross. the lyrics for Who Is My Neighbor
To learn more about Eastern Point Retreat House in Gloucester, Massachusetts, visit www.easternpoint.org. For i more about retreat experiences, view the “What can happen on an Ignatian Retreat” videos on the Jesuits of New ▼ England channel on www.youtube.com Faith in Action
Jesuit Theologian and Artist
ou always have time for what you really want to do,” said 18 “YFr. Raymond Helmick, SJ, when we talked about his talent and artistry with mosaics. Fr. Helmick is a professor of theology at Boston College and served for several years as a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. He is also a multi-talented artist with a particular interest in mosaics. He was recently interviewed on This Is The Day on Catholic TV about his role in the renovations at St. Theresa of Avila Parish in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, where his younger brother, Msgr. William M. Helmick, Tabernacle Tower in St. Theresa’s Church. is pastor.
In the early 1990s, St. Theresa’s consecration. Over time, tabernacles miracle at Cana and the adoration Parish needed handicap access. As became more elaborate towers. “For of the mystical lamb, based on the part of the renovation and restoration many years, we were accustomed to painting by Van Eyck. With a smile, Fr. Ray Helmick designed and built a seeing the tabernacle on the altar but Fr. Helmick mentions incorporating new tabernacle and is creating mosaic since the restoration of the Eucharist, parishioners of St. Theresa’s into murals for the pavilion between the tabernacles tend to be placed some of his art. The statues mounted church and chapel. elsewhere. During the renovation on the tiers feature scenes of the In preparation, he studied the process I suggested the idea of a tower Annunciation and the Visitation, the history of tabernacles. Tabernacles, structure, which was the custom in three prefiguring sacrifices mentioned or “reservation places,” originated in pre-Reformation days. in the First Eucharistic Prayer — Abel, the Jewish tradition. They served as “My design for the new tabernacle Abraham and Melchizedek. The four movable sanctuaries symbolizing the as a hexagonal tower is based on two evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and residence of the Divine Presence and tabernacles in Louvain, Belgium, John, are sitting on the shoulders of the Holy of Holies and the Ark of the which were built 40 years apart prophets of the Old Testament. Covenant. For Christians, a tabernacle during the 15th century. I used wood In describing his interest in mosaics, is traditionally a sacred place, and marble from the communion Fr. Helmick said, “My inspiration decorated in a dignified, beautiful rail as a base. It is carved from comes from religious art from Europe, style, in which to keep consecrated mahogany with gold leaf applied,” the Middle East and around the world. elements of the Eucharist. Early said Fr. Helmick. The paintings on During my travels to Rome, Istanbul tabernacles were designed as doves 2 the tower feature the Passion, the and Venice, I learned about the history that hung from the ceiling and were Last Supper, the multiplication of the of mosaics and how they were made. lowered down to put hosts in after loaves, the supper at Emmaus, the “For the large (15’x15’) walls in Fr. Ray Helmick, SJ, and his brother, Msgr. William Helmick, pose in front of the Detail from mosaic. 19 70-page template Fr. Ray created to illustrate the mosaic that is now in place.
the new pavilion, the architect, Tony de Castro, suggested Fr. Helmick mentions that as a student at BC High, tapestries. I recommended mosaics,” Fr. Helmick said. architecture was one of his interests. During his 59 years “Since a wheelchair ramp ran along one of them, the as a Jesuit he has been involved in many academic and healing miracles of Christ were the inspiration.” It is theological endeavors. It is nice to see one of his early estimated that it will take another year to complete all of interests blossom into his artistic talent. the 15 panels. It is often said that Jesuits have many callings and i To read more about Fr. Helmick,
responsibilities. In his life as a Jesuit, recorded as part of ▼ visit: www.jesuitoralhistory.org the New England Province’s Jesuits Oral History project,
Artist Fr. Ray Helmick, SJ, working on a mosaic. Photos: Judith Sargeant Ignatian Spirituality
In the Media A new book by Fr. James Martin, SJ, The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life is available on Amazon. His book, My Life with the Saints, achieved the milestone of selling over 100,000 copies. Fr. Martin, culture editor at America magazine, is a frequent commentator in the media. e hope you will visit, explore and enjoy our online Wpresence at www.sjnen.org. We designed it for you Fr. Charles J. Healey, SJ, has written a new — to stay connected with and support the Jesuit mission, 20 book, The Ignatian Way, Key Aspects of provide networking, linking, programming and event Jesuit Spirituality, available from Paulist information. We look forward to hearing your suggestions. Press. Fr. Healey was the assistant novice Please contact Alice Poltorick, director of communications, director at the Jesuit notiviate in Syracuse, [email protected] New York. Prayers Jesuit Fathers William Barry, George Aschenbrenner, Walter Farrell, Reflect with seasonal prayers and resources for Howard Gray, Dominic Maruca, spirituality John O’Malley, John Padberg and In the News Joseph Tetlow are featured in a new DVD series The Spiritual Exercises Keep up-to-date with news about the province of St. Ignatius Loyola: Renewal and and Jesuits throughout the world Dynamics, produced by Georgetown Events University. The two-disk set is available from the Institute of Jesuit Sources, www.jesuitsources.com Click on Upcoming Events to view the province event calendar. Jesuits are favorite guests on Catholic TV. Provincial Fr. Myles Sheehan, SJ, appeared on Going My Way on January 11 and on This Is The Day on More Ways to Connect April 27. Fr. John Butler, SJ, director of vocations, was interviewed on This Is
The Day on January 8. Fr. Raymond Helmick, SJ, professor Follow @JesuitNE on Twitter of theology at Boston College, appeared on This Is The Day on February 16. Fr. Thomas Stegman, SJ, professor of New Testament in the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College, discussed his new book, Catholic Become a fan of Jesuits New England and the Commentary on Sacred Scripture: 2nd Corinthians, on April Jesuit Connection on Facebook 9. The shows can be viewed on www.catholictv.com
Visit the Jesuits of New England channel on YouTube Spiritual • Social • Service The Jesuit Connection is an organization of young adults who have either graduated from Jesuit institutions or have had other experiences in Jesuit teachings and values. 21 The group plans for liturgy, service, social networking programs and events for all those interested. Newcomers are always welcome! i For more information visit: www.sjnen.org/JesuitConnection ▼
Principle Centered Leadership Mission
To establish a program to support and nurture business leaders in their ongoing growth through Ignatian programming and opportunities for discourse and dialogue. Programming will focus on business, ethics, leadership, spirituality, a “faith that does justice,” altruism and philanthropy. To learn more about Principle Centered Leadership, please contact Grace Regan at [email protected] Advancement Men Behind the Mail
22 f you have made a donation Photos: John Gillooly Ito the New England Province of Jesuits in the past few years, you have certainly received a “thank you letter” signed with the Palmer-method penmanship of Fr. Charles B. Connolly, SJ. And if you are a regular contributor, you know that these letters change each month. Fr. Charles B. Connolly, SJ
Fr. Connolly is the author of these However, processing the mail entails are correct, and he merges all the “thank you letters,” and as each new more than writing letters. The route information into the monthly letter, month approaches, he knows that it that the mail takes—from your house which is then printed with your name, is time to compose another letter. He to our office and back to you—is a address, salutation and gift amount. struggles, sometimes for days, to come circuitous one, and Fr. Connolly works Fr. Connolly signs each letter up with a fresh idea, a novel approach, very closely with another Jesuit of our personally and individually, and he and he usually succeeds. Very often office staff, Br. Donald J. Murray, SJ. often adds a handwritten note. Br. he finds inspiration in the Scriptures; Each morning, mail is delivered Murray completes the process by at other times, there is a seasonal to the Treasurer’s Office, where it is stuffing the envelopes and, if you have theme or a particular snippet of Jesuit opened and the checks and cash are used a Mass card or enrollment, he tradition to include in the letter. copied and deposited. Depending on will include a replacement card for Judging from the comments we the season and the recent mailings we your future use. received, your favorite letter was the have sent out, there could be anywhere It is inspiring to see Fr. Connolly one that included this prayer: from 20 to 100 pieces of mail each day. and Br. Murray at work: This is “Dear God: So far today, I’ve done Once the mail reaches the their ministry, and they take it very alright. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t Advancement Office, Br. Murray seriously. They have great concern and lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, goes through each piece of mail to affection for our benefactors, and they grumpy, nasty, selfish or over- make sure that it is coded correctly want to make sure that you and your indulgent. I’m very thankful for that. (see sidebar): a Mass stipend, an intentions are remembered regularly But in a few minutes, I’m going to enrollment offering, a monthly or in the grateful prayers of their brother get out of bed, and from then on, I’m quarterly donor, an annual fund gift, Jesuits. When they say that the Jesuits going to need a lot more help. Amen!” etc. He sees that names and addresses are praying for you, they mean it!
Mass Cards and Enrollments
In today’s language, people seem to use the phrase “Mass card” for any religious remembrance that they send. It can be confusing at times, so the following is the common practice for cards at the New England Province of Jesuits: A Mass card, for the deceased or living, states that “the Eucharist will be celebrated” for a particular person or intention. It means that a Mass 23 will be said by one of the Jesuits for that person (or intention), for that Br. Donald J. Murray, SJ person alone, and for no one else. We Fr. Charles B. Connolly, SJ, entered the Jesuits in 1963 and send that name to one of the Jesuits each month, and he was ordained a priest in 1974. He has served primarily in will celebrate the Mass for that person. administrative positions in the community and at Cheverus An Enrollment (or Memorial), for the deceased or and Boston College High Schools, at the College of the living, states that “a gift has been made to the Jesuits” in Holy Cross, and at the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, the name of a particular person. That person, together California. with the names of all the others sent to us, will be remembered in the prayers of the New England Jesuits. Br. Donald J. Murray, SJ, began his Jesuit formation in 1956 Our cards no longer designate “one year, five years, ten and, after various community assignments, he spent 38 years years.” at Boston College High School. For 32 of those years, he served as registrar. He was also involved with the athletic programs Cards can be ordered online at: www.sjnen.org/ transporting the students all over Massachusetts. i Cards. If you have questions about this, you may ▼ contact Fr. Connolly by email: cconnolly@sjnen. org or by phone: 617-607-2897.
As we closed the fiscal year on June 30, the Annual Fund reached a new level with total giving of over $300,000, and for that we are very grateful to you, our loyal and generous friends. With your help, we are able to help with the support of the 300 members of the New England Province. Whether the Jesuits are in the early stages of their formation, the twilight years of their vocation, or the active lives as priests and brothers, we depend on your goodness for the ordinary expenses of everyday living. The Annual Fund is our bread and butter, our heat and lights, and for our part, we promise a daily remembrance in our Masses and prayers for you and for all of your special intentions. Thank you very much for allowing us to do God’s work! Advancement
Crista’s Journey
by Suzanne Heffernan
rista Carrick Mahoney is one busy lady. At any Cparticular point in the workweek, she is either coming 24 from a retreat, planning one, or on her way to a service trip with students as a campus minister. She would tell you that it is her mission to inspire people to give of their God-given talents.
Coming from a nurturing but independent-thinking and Crista found that loving home environment, Crista came to Catholicism on the Spiritual Exercises her own terms. She chose to attend Catholic school in her of St. Ignatius and early teens but said “no” to the sacrament of Confirmation the experiences at the time, feeling that she wasn’t ready. Introduced to of community, the concepts of justice and help early in life at both school spirituality, simplicity and social justice encountered both and home, Crista was drawn closer to Church in her high at the College of the Holy Cross and during her time in school and college years. She found meaning in the “family the Jesuit Volunteer Corp in Montana were transformative feel” and hospitable nature that the shared communal experiences. “My faith journey took a leap. I found that experience afforded. “Someone handed me a Bible in these the Jesuits worked to form people in body, mind and spirit, years and that is when I began to read nightly. I also felt something I am very drawn to!” It has been a natural fit for ready and was confirmed by Fr. Jim Hayes, SJ.” Crista to provide service outreach and to teach in both the Jesuit and Cristo Rey schools. Crista has become fully aware that her talents as a retreat leader enliven Scripture for contemporaries in their everyday lives. She has spent the last number of years honing this skill both through her master’s program and through her leadership involvement in the Province of New England’s Jesuit Connection. “I have found a forum to use the language of theology and make it accessible to others to use.” Crista Mahoney has been given a gift to share with others and we can only imagine, with gratitude, where her path will lead her from here.
A 2002 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, with a theology degree from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Crista, along with her husband, Michael Mahoney, and Kelly O’Neil, were the founding members of the Jesuit Connection. She is The Jesuit Connection Retreat. on the campus ministry staff at Emmanuel College. An Unexpected Legacy
n 1962, when J. Leo Dowd and his wife, Catherine, Imoved to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, the Jesuits were a vibrant presence in the area. “Shadowbrook,” our Jesuit novitiate and juniorate, was home to 140 Jesuits: 115 seminarians studying Ignatian spirituality and the classics over a four-year program, with 25 fathers and brothers serving on the faculty and house staff. Just a few miles away, located on the sprawling Cranwell Estate, was Cranwell Preparatory School, a Jesuit boarding school for over 200 boys and 20 Jesuit faculty members. Imagine 25 160 Jesuits in the 21 square miles of the town of Lenox, Massachusetts! Were the Dowds friendly with any of the Jesuits in Lenox? We don’t know, but Leo and Catherine certainly would have come across the Jesuits in town, perhaps in The Dowds were married in 1929, and in 1962 moved their parish where the Jesuits would help, or when the from Connecticut to Great Barrington, where Leo died scholastics took long walks in the area. in February 1985. The Dowmel Foundation was formed J. Leo Dowd was born in Utica, New York, in 1901. after Catherine’s death in 1995, and the foundation funded He was affiliated with the International Silver Co. of an annual lecture series as an expression of the Dowds’ Connecticut. Later, he became vice president of the gratitude for the years they enjoyed living in the Berkshires. Shanango China Corp. in Pennsylvania. In 1960 he became According to Catherine’s final wishes, the Dowmel owner-manager of the radio station WSBS-AM in Great Foundation was liquidated after 15 years and its assets Barrington, Massachusetts, retiring in 1972. divided, as provided by her will. In February 2010, the Catherine Mellon Dowd was born in Utica, and after Society of Jesus of New England was the grateful recipient graduating from Oneonta Normal School, she taught of a substantial gift from her estate, all due to the silent and elementary school in the Utica school system. unknown effect of the Jesuits on the Dowds.
Some of the ways you may consider supporting us include:
Bequests/Wills. Donors can honor and thank those Jesuits who have made a difference in their lives by remembering the Province in their wills.
Charitable Gift Annuities. A charitable gift annuity provides the donor with a dependable income for life, while also earmarking a future gift for the Jesuits.
Insurance. Donors can designate the New England Province as a beneficiary of life insurance policies, IRAs and other assets.
Charitable Remainder Trusts. A trust can be established to ensure the donor’s financial security while providing for the future needs of the Province. i For more information visit: www.sjnen.org/PlannedGiving ▼ Conversations
26 A Conversation with
Fr. Jim Shaughnessy, SJ by Grace Cotter Regan
r. James M. Shaughnessy, SJ, “With you always” is a Jesuit with colleague Patricia Aye, RN, BSN, Fserves as chaplain at Tufts Medical motto and he believes his work is on the Kenneth Schwartz Public Center and I had the opportunity to to journey with his companions: Dialogue, a multidisciplinary forum get a sense of his work and vocation. hospital administrators, physicians, where caregivers discuss difficult Fr. Shaughnessy is a Jesuit priest and nurses, interns, residents, patients and emotional and social issues. Over a chaplain, but his world is comprised their families, as well as the folks on 37,000 clinicians at 195 sites in 31 of concentric circles on many levels: the street who find their way to the states across the country participate He is an organizer, advisor, mentor, emergency room. As he describes it, and share their experiences and coach, ethicist, counselor and friend. “There is a dignity in all care—and feelings. It allows physicians to talk It’s 3:00 a.m. and the phone rings in justice is critical to the journey. I cry about why they were called to their his room at Loyola House, the Jesuit at my job daily and I don’t apologize medical vocation and the real work residence in downtown Boston. For about it.” they do. this chaplain, his night’s sleep is likely Fr. Jim Shaughnessy has spent over Province friend and infectious over as he heads for the hospital . . . to 25 years in this work. He consults on disease specialist Helen Boucher, MD, bring the strength of the sacraments medical ethics, facilitates monthly works as a colleague and partner with but also to bring his comfort, care and support groups and works the Ethics Commission and has shared concern to a family, a patient and the doctors and nurses. Falling in Love
Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, her work in Haiti as part of the conversation helping to understand Schwartz Grand Rounds. that it is time to let nature take its what seizes your imagination, Fr. Shaughnessy explains that the course with end of life. will affect everything. medical world has been challenged How does Fr. Shaughnessy feed his to a new accountability by the public. soul? Prison chaplaincy at Fort Devens It will decide what will get you out Physicians are not always able to tell has been a powerful experience for of bed in the morning, their story. . . there can be a sense him. Surrounded by smart, successful of public distrust or scrutiny and people who made bad choices, he calls what you do with your evenings, physicians are hesitant to talk about on Ignatian prayer and imagination, how you spend your weekends, 27 what they do. Fr. Shaughnessy’s charge helping prisoners to discover their is to restore people’s trust—to enable faith and to resolve their bad choices. what you read, whom you know, physicians to do what they do well. He loves the shore and the city, what breaks your heart, so biking to the hospital along the The role of the chaplain is to use and what amazes you with joy every means possible to bring to- Charles River helps him to be alone gether the patient, family members and focused. I asked Fr. Shaughnessy, and gratitude. and the medical team in the best at age 60, what is important? He Fall in Love, stay in love, interests of the patient and good stopped and reflected and quoted medicine. This often results in a Pedro Arrupe’s poem, Falling in Love. and it will decide everything.
Attributed to Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ (1907–1991)
Photos by John Gillooly
A graduate of Boston College High School addition to his work at Tufts Medical Center and the federal and the College of the Holy Cross, Fr. James prison at Fort Devens, he frequently celebrates weekday and M. Shaughnessy, SJ, entered the Jesuits in weekend Masses at St. Cecilia Parish, Boston. 1971 and was ordained a priest in 1979. In In Memoriam
“Love consists in sharing what one has and what one is with those one loves. In Gratitude Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words.” — Ignatius of Loyola We give thanks to God for the following Jesuits Fr. Stephen F. Dawber, SJ, born November 26, 1938, entered from the New England Province who have gone Society August 14, 1956, died on April 29, 2010. Fr. Dawber home to God in the last eight months. Each one taught at BC High and Cheverus High. led a life of selfless service and taught us how to Fr. William W. Meissner SJ, born February 13, 1931, entered live the words of St. Ignatius, “to give and not Society July 30, 1951, died on April 16, 2010. Fr. Meissner was a count the cost.” professor at Boston College.
Fr. Joseph F. X. Flanagan, SJ, born July 4, 1925, entered Society Fr. William C. McInnes, SJ, born January 20, 1923, entered August 14, 1948, died on May 14, 2010. Fr. Flanagan was a Society September 7, 1946, died on December 8, 2009. Fr. McInnes was a professor and alumni chaplain at Boston College. professor at Boston College.
Fr. Edward J. Small, SJ, born November 12, 1939, entered Society Fr. Charles G. Crowley, SJ, born February 12, 1920, entered July 30, 1957, died on January 18, 2010. Fr. Small was associate Society September 7, 1938, died on May 22, 2010. Fr. Crowley was 28 pastor at Holy Family Church in Fairfield, Connecticut. a missionary in Baghdad. Abp. Lawrence A. Burke, SJ, born October 27, 1932, entered Fr. William J. Cullen, SJ, born June 30, 1932, entered Society July Society August 14, 1951, died in Kingston on January 24, 2010. 30, 1954, died on May 25, 2010. Fr. Cullen was active in campus He served as the Archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica. ministry at both Fairfield Prep. and Fairfield University.
Fr. Martin F. McCarthy, SJ, born July 10, 1923, entered Society Fr. Dudley R.C. Adams, SJ, born October 25, 1939, entered September 7, 1940, died on February 5, 2010. Fr. McCarthy Society February 2, 1963, died on May 30, 2010. Fr. Adams served at the Vatican Observatory in Rome, Italy and Tucson, ministered in Jamaica. Arizona. Fr. William G. Devine, SJ, born June 23, 1927, entered Society Fr. Alfred R. Desautels, SJ, born March 23, 1917, entered Society August 28, 1944, died on June 20, 2010. Fr. Devine was a August 14, 1937, died on February 22, 2010. Fr. Desautels was a professor at Fairfield University. professor at the College of the Holy Cross. Please remember in your prayers these benefactors and special friends In Memoriam of the Society of Jesus who have gone to God. Ms. Margie Tangney, who was the receptionist and assistant in Mr. Leo Corcoran, who was a longtime benefactor of the Society the province Advancement Office, died on November 18, 2009. and brother of Joseph Corcoran, 2009 AMDG honoree, died on April 12, 2010. Mr. Donald Brown, who worked in the kitchen and laundry at Campion Center for 40 years, died on January 7, 2010. Mr. Edward Fish, father of John Fish, province benefactor, died on June 15, 2010. Mr. Richard E. Floor, who served the New England Province as a member of the Finance Committee, died on February 18, 2010.
Letters From Our Readers The nine years of Jesuit education, Baghdad rather than in technical problems. These I leave to the younger College (1953) and Al-Hikma University (1962), engineers. Many sincere thanks to the Jesuits. ~ Yuil Eprim that I received when I was a young man have marked my life in a fantastic way; the spirit Fr. Paul T. Lucey, SJ, has influenced my life a great deal. He gave of collaboration, the readiness to listen to the problems of less me my first directed retreat and also introduced me to Creighton fortunate people, the seriousness in exercising my duties and University and encouraged me to go for a master degree in confronting problems and difficulties that arise almost every day Christian Spirituality and now I am doing spiritual direction are the result of having been with the Jesuit fathers in Baghdad. and retreat work. ~ Sr. Gladys Marhefka Above all, I owe the Jesuits the strengthening of my belief in God. As the director of an engineering firm in Milan I( taly), If you have a story to share about a Jesuit who influenced I am sometimes called to help in resolving personal problems i your life, send along to: [email protected] or conflicts. I am glad that I succeed better in such situations ▼ words Words to Live By words
“The Jesuits teach that our purpose in life is to give back. That’s why I am part of the Jesuit Connection.”
y mother always says, for every nickel she gave BC High, she got a dime back. I graduated from MBoston College High School in 1999. After BC High, I went to a small liberal arts college. But this did not last for too long. I came home, as I like to say, to Boston College after a year away from the Jesuits and graduated from BC in 2003. I went on to Boston College Law School, where I earned my law degree in 2007. I am a proud “triple eagle” today, although one of my friends likes to kid me that I am not a true triple eagle because of that year away at the liberal arts college! I got involved in the Jesuit Connection after graduating from BC Law. The Jesuit Connection is a program for young adults—sponsored by the New England Province. We have social, spiritual and service events. One John and Fr. Bob Lindsay, SJ, enjoy a conversation at Campion. Connection activity that I have especially enjoyed has been the Campion Companions program. The Connection guess I just thought that the Jesuits’ respective schools periodically visits Campion Center on Sunday mornings, provided for them entirely. When I was lucky enough to where we celebrate Mass with the Jesuit community and consider it during my years at BC, I had always marveled visit with individual Jesuits. Over 100 Jesuits—some in at the ministry of the Jesuits. I could not believe that these active ministries, some retired and some infirm—call men had given themselves completely over to God and had Campion Center home. It is a vibrant and dynamic Jesuit established the secondary school system, as we know it. If community that also includes assisted living facilities it were not for the Jesuits, BC would never be. Flutie’s Hail and a health care center. Campion is a place where the Mary pass, the BC-Notre Dame rivalry, the Heights—they accomplishment and brilliance of the Jesuits stand all, in some way, go back to the Jesuits. out—where else can you find a world-class astronomer, a That is what makes being a part of the Connection a business scholar and an expert artist living under one roof! quite humbling experience—that I can give back to these Thinking about the Jesuits at Campion reminds me scholars, theologians, mathematicians, lawyers, social of why I got involved in the Connection. Being a part workers, doctors, priests—these men who have sacrificed of the Connection has been so fulfilling because I am enormously and dedicated themselves completely to contributing, I hope, to the Jesuits themselves, and not building the best Catholic colleges and universities in the just to those institutions where they minister. Before I United States—the Jesuits. AMDG. joined Jesuit Connection, I knew very little, if anything, about the New England Province of Jesuits. It had never John Mulcahy is a member of the Jesuit Connection leadership crossed my mind that the Jesuits had a whole professional council. He is a judicial law clerk for the US District Court. operation in place to support them and their work—I New England Province of Jesuits P.O. Box 9199 | Watertown, MA 02471-9199 Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Abington MA Permit No. 6
A Prayer for Vocations Father, in the name of Jesus, through the power of your Spirit, inspire men and women to labor for your Kingdom. We especially ask you through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, St. Ignatius, and all the saints, to help the Society of Jesus continue its service of your church. -Hearts on Fire, Praying with Jesuits
i Interested in learning more about Jesuit Vocations? Visit www.jesuitvocation.org or ▼ become a fan of Jesuit Vocations on Facebook.