JESUITSMARYLAND PROVINCE • USA NORTHEAST PROVINCE

SUMMER 2016

A SPIRITUALITY OF Accompaniment NOR SA TH SOCIETY U E A D S

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S Very Rev. Robert Hussey, SJ Very Rev. John Cecero, SJ M Provincial, Maryland Province Provincial, USA Northeast Province 7

FROM OUR PROVINCIALS

Dear Friends, There are countless faith-based ministries and organizations that provide support for a myriad of humanitarian needs. It is good to see so many programs reaching out to those longing for physical and spiritual help. But what is it that stands out about Jesuit ministries among these many good efforts? What is it that makes our Jesuit schools, parishes and ministries so renowned for caring for those living on the margins? The answer can be explained in just one word—accompaniment. Jesuits and our lay Nowadays, the colleagues go far beyond providing educational, pastoral and charitable aid to people on the peripheries. We make it our mission to accompany them on their journey, to world does literally meet them where they are, offering compassion, respect and companionship not need words, that transcend physical or spiritual needs. In his book entitled The Name of God Is Mercy, Francis writes, “Every time I go but lives which through the gates into a prison to celebrate Mass or for a visit, I always think: why them and not me? I should be here. I deserve to be here. Their fall could have been mine. I do cannot be not feel superior to the people who stand before me. And so I repeat and pray: why him and not me? It might seem shocking, but I derive consolation from Peter: he betrayed explained Jesus, and even so he was chosen.” This is what accompaniment is all about—meeting our brothers and sisters wherever except through they are in their chaotic lives and giving them the hope and support that Christ calls us to share. The poor, the sick, the forgotten, the imprisoned; our spirituality speaks to faith and love anyone who longs for not only a helping hand but a compassionate shoulder as well. In this summer issue of JESUITS magazine, we have compiled several stories devoted for Christ’s poor. to ways in which the Maryland and USA Northeast Province Jesuits accompany those

– Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ facing difficult struggles within our communities. As our greatest example, Jesus never hesitated to stop and spend time with society’s outcasts. He ate with them. He traveled with them. He healed them. He entered into the chaos of their lives—and of our lives— even unto death.

Sincerely in Christ,

Very Rev. Robert M. Hussey, SJ Very Rev. John J. Cecero, SJ Provincial, Maryland Province Provincial, USA Northeast Province SOCIETY ABOUT OUR COVER A Georgetown Prep student paints a on OF JESUS the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, one of the poorest communities in the United States.

Editors Michael Benigno Michael Gabriele

Contributors Rev. James Keenan, SJ Wendell Laurent Sherri Weil

Advancement Directors Sherri Weil (Maryland Province) Joseph Naylor (USA Northeast Province) Please address all correspondence to JESUITS magazine: [email protected] Maryland Province Jesuits 8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 620 Towson, MD 21286-2014 443-921-1310 USA Northeast Province 39 East 83rd Street New York, NY 10028-0810 212-774-5500

JESUITS is published three times a year by the Maryland and USA Northeast Provinces of the . The opinions expressed are Summer those of the individual writers and do not necessarily constitute the official policy of the Society of Jesus. Features

©2016 All rights reserved. Ordination: Society Welcomes New Jesuit Priests ...... 4 Printed in the USA. Jesuits Gather for Province Days ...... 6 Printed on recycled paper. A Spirituality of Accompaniment: Introduction ...... 7 When Words Fail...Grace Abounds ...... 8 Walking with Nativity Students ...... 10 Immersing in the Gritty Reality of the World ...... 16 Releasing Hearts from Behind Bars ...... 18 Perseverance Pays Off ...... 21 Look for this symbol to find More ...... on the web more information online. Excitement Builds for GC-36 22 Very Rev. John J. Cecero, SJ 2016 : A Reflection ...... 24 Provincial, USA Northeast Province Visit Our Websites: Advancing Our Mission ...... 27 MARYLAND: www.mdsj.org USA NORTHEAST: www.JesuitsEast.org

1 In the News news FROM OUR PROVINCES New Appointments and Leadership...

FR. KEVIN O’BRIEN, SJ, is the new dean of the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, a leading institution in Catholic theological studies and ministry, providing seven graduate-level degrees to over 170 students, ordained and lay, representing more than 40 coun- tries. In his former role as George- town University’s Vice President of FR. DENNIS BAKER, SJ, was creative and performing arts instruc- named director of Xavier High tional program. Mr. Reap also served School in Chuuk, Micronesia. as principal at Germantown Elemen- A graduate of Canisius High tary School in Annapolis, where he School and , facilitated the implementation of the Fr. Baker entered the Jesuits in International Baccalaureate Primary 2004 and as a novice spent six Years Program, the Kid’s at Hope months in Micronesia teaching Training for School Community, freshman religion at Xavier. He and construction of a new school holds a Master of Science degree building. He also established an arts in criminal justice administration integration partnership with Collegio from Niagara University, and Mission and Ministry, Fr. O’Brien San Carlo, a pre-K to 12th grade school received a Master of Arts in Phi- was responsible for promoting the in Milan, Italy. losophy from Fordham University university’s Catholic and Jesuit before being missioned to New educational and spiritual tradition York’s Xavier High School, where through seminars, retreats, immer- he taught religion and coached sions, and ministerial outreach, as basketball. Father Baker also well as through his leadership of the received a M.Div. from Boston largest campus ministry program in College’s School of Theology and the country. He was ordained in 2006. Ministry and a master’s degree in education from Columbia Univer- sity. He was ordained in 2015. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore has appointed WALTER REAP, SR., as its new principal. An award-winning and experienced FR. ROBERT VEREECKE, SJ, was leader, Reap comes to Cristo Rey named pastor of St. Jesuit from Edward M. Felegy Parish in New York City. Fr. VerEecke Elementary School in Hyattsville, attended Regis High School in Md., where he served as principal. Manhattan, and entered the Society He has overseen the construction of after graduation. He began working a multi-million-dollar campus and as a campus minister at Boston 2 facilitated the implementation of a College after his ordination in 1978. THE FR. DANIEL J. BERRIGAN, SJ, Jesuit Peacemaking Fund

In 1989, he was appointed pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Mass., adjacent to the campus, where he served as pastor for 27 years. He has created many dance works for stage and sanctuary including For the Greater Glory of God, a theatrical dance piece inspired by the Spiritual Exercises.

FR. DENNIS YESALONIA, SJ, was named pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Fr. Daniel Berrigan, SJ, Parish in New York City. Father ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• following an arrest, circa 1968 Yesalonia entered the Society of Jesus in Boston, Mass., in 1976 On April 30, 2016, Fr. Daniel J. Berrigan, SJ, passed away at Murray- and was ordained a priest in 1985. Weigel Hall in the Bronx at the age of 94. To honor Fr. Berrigan’s work He is a graduate of Xavier High and continue his quest for peace, the Maryland and USA Northeast School and holds a bachelor’s Provinces established the Fr. Daniel J. Berrigan, SJ, Jesuit Peacemaking degree from the College of the Holy Cross. After entering the Society Fund. The Fund supports Jesuits and colleagues in the eastern U.S. working of Jesus, Father Yesalonia earned a to bring peace to their communities, to encourage dialogue on contentious master’s degree in philosophy from social issues and to help with organizing research, training, and in-person Fordham University, a bachelor of advocacy for issues related to peace. sacred theology degree from Regis “As a teacher, poet, spiritual director, mentor and peace activist, College in Toronto, and a M.Div. Fr. Berrigan constantly asked himself and others: ‘What does the Gospel from the University of Toronto. demand of us?’” said Fr. James Keenan, SJ, director of donor relations Father Yesalonia received a Juris for the USA Northeast Province. The Fund has had a number of donors Doctor degree from Notre Dame Law contribute gifts ranging from $15 to $1,000 to remember Dan and to help School. In 2002, Father Yesalonia our works to promote peace.” was named treasurer of the New More than $4,000 has been distributed to the Benincasa Community, England Province of the Society of supporting peace and justice programs, Brooklyn Jesuit Prep (the middle school Jesus. After 11 years, he served as near the site of the former Brooklyn Prep, which is where Dan had taught), the chief operating officer of the Health Sciences Division of Loyola Univer- Jesuit Volunteer Corps, the Saint Peter’s University Center for Undocumented sity Chicago and later served on the Students, and Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life. provincial staff of the New England Further gifts made at www.JesuitsEast.org/supportus will continue to Province until the summer of 2015. support peacemaking efforts at the above organizations and elsewhere. 3 ORDINATION Society Welcomes New Jesuit Priests

In June, the Society of Jesus celebrated the ordination of 20 new priests in the United States, Canada and Haiti, including two Jesuits, Christopher Ryan and Kevin Spinale, who are members of the USA Northeast Province. The diverse group of Jesuits hails from the U.S., Canada, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Colombia and Costa Rica. Among them are a doctor, a nurse, a Navy serviceman and several teachers. The ordination Mass for Frs. Ryan and Spinale took place Saturday, June 11, at the Fordham University Church and was streamed live online. The Mass was presided by The Most Rev. Terrence Pren- dergast, SJ, Archbishop of Ottawa. “This is a joyful time of year because we are celebrating the ordinations of so many fine men to Jesuit priesthood,” said Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. “During the ordination ceremony, the bishop says, ‘May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to completion.’ There’s something special about seeing our newly ordained Jesuits as they begin their priestly work for the people of God.”

More than 100 Jesuits processed into the Fordham University Church to celebrate the ordination of Fr. Christopher J. Ryan, SJ, and Fr. Kevin C. Spinale, SJ, on June 11.

4 CHRISTOPHER RYAN, SJ, 33, is from Haddon Township, Chris Ryan, SJ Society Welcomes New Jesuit Priests N.J. He first met the Jesuits at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in and had a Jesuit spiritual director while at Dartmouth College. Ryan began discerning his vocation while spending his sophomore spring semester studying in Prague; he joined the Jesuits immediately after earning his bachelor’s degree in geography in 2004. He served in Brazil and also accompanied migrants along the Central American migration corridor as part of his . In 2013, he was missioned to studies at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Over the course of earning his Master of Divinity degree and finishing his Licentiate in Sacred Theology, he has taken on a number of leadership roles, serving Jesuit Connection and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Boston. After serving at St. Raphael the Archangel in Raleigh, N.C., this summer, he will complete his S.T.L. degree at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.

May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to completion.

Kevin Spinale, SJ KEVIN SPINALE, SJ, 37, is from Arlington, Mass. At the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., he played rugby. While there, he had a class with former Holy Cross president Fr. John Brooks, SJ, and Brooks became a major influence on Spinale’s decision to join the Society. After graduating in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in classics, he joined the Peace Corps and served for two years in Romania. After receiving a master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 2005, he joined the Jesuits. During the course of Jesuit studies, he returned to Boston, teaching at B.C. High and coaching rugby. After receiving a Master of Divinity degree from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, he served parishes in South Boston as a deacon. He currently is on the associate trustee board of Nativity School of Worcester and serves at America magazine as moderator of the Catholic book club and as a writer. Fr. Spinale will work at his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, while completing his master’s degree in English from Boston College.

View video profiles of Frs. Ryan and Spinale More and video highlights from this year’s ordination on the web at www.JesuitsEast.org/2016ordinands. 5 Very Rev. Robert M. Hussey, SJ, provincial of the Maryland Very Rev. John J. Cecero, SJ, provincial of the USA Province, celebrated the Province Day Mass, which was Northeast Province, outlined the collaborative mission of held at the Fordham University Church on June 10. the region’s Jesuits at this year’s Province Day gatherings.

esuits Jesuit priests, brothers and scho- During college, Scorsese realized his lastics from the Maryland and USA interest in the intersection of film JGather for Northeast Provinces gathered at and religion. Fordham Prep in the Bronx on June “I found, for me, that the thing that Province Day 9–10 for formation gatherings and to kept driving me was what I experienced celebrate Province Day. The events growing up, which was the balance Celebrations served as an opportunity for Jesuits to between what people have to do and reflect on their ministries, gather for what they should do,” Scorsese said. workshops, celebrate the Eucharist “Good people, sometimes—a lot of and attend presentations. the time—­do bad things. You can’t This year’s keynote speaker was help it.” Academy Award-winning director Following Scorsese’s interview, Martin Scorsese, who was Fr. Robert Hussey, SJ, provincial of interviewed by Fr. Jim the Maryland Province joined Fr. Martin, SJ, editor-at-large John Cecero, SJ, provincial of the of America magazine. USA Northeast Province, in a session Scorsese is nearing comple- that discussed this fall’s 36th General tion of the film adaptation Congregation in Rome and outlined of Shusako Endo’s novel a paradigm of Jesuit communities to Silence, which takes place foster increased integration in in 1640s Japan. The film neighborhoods. The new view of depicts the harrowing jour- Jesuit communities as “apostolic ney of two Jesuits sent to centers” will inspire discernment by investigate reports that an- the local community in collaboration other Jesuit had renounced with the Church, with given works the Church amidst the in conjunction with lay and religious persecution of Christians. colleagues. Mr. Scorsese spoke about “This paradigm emphasizes Jesuit the long process of creating communities not just as convenient Academy Award-winning director Martin the film, his childhood and his religious locales for apostolates but as places Scorsese was interviewed by Fr. Jim Martin, background—growing up in Little Italy where we discern how we want to serve SJ, during Province Day. Scorsese spoke in a given area, with whom, and for about his upcoming film, Silence, which in the shadows of Old St. Patrick’s depicts the harrowing story of Jesuits being Cathedral and, at one point, entering whom, as we continue our important persecuted in 1640s Japan. New York’s Cathedral Seminary. work throughout our region and abroad,” Fr. Cecero said.

6 A SPIRITUALITY OF Accompaniment

Introduction by Fr. James F. Keenan, SJ DIRECTOR OF THE JESUIT INSTITUTE AT BOSTON COLLEGE

Jesuits are missioned throughout the world, including being missioned to go to those most in need—to accompany the most vulnerable.

One of the founders of the Society of Jesus, , wrote that Jesuit ministry does not expand from the Jesuit community; rather, community occurs where Jesuit ministry is: “Wherever there is need or greater utility for our ministries, there is our house.” Jesuits serve wherever those in need are. Nadal continues, “The principal and most characteristic dwelling for Jesuits is not in … houses but in journeyings ...” Thus, from formation to active ministry and even through the last stages of a Jesuit’s life, accompaniment is a quintes- sential aspect of our worldview—we form communities and relationships in the heart of our mission; we live and walk beside those whom we serve.

Whether walking with middle school students, ministering to the sick and dying, counseling those in prison or helping a university community under- stand the experience of the poor, in as much as we go out to the whole world, today’s Jesuits remain called toward those who struggle to find a dwelling place in this world. Our perspective does not look at the world as solely the place where we live; rather it calls us to be more attentive to where and how others live, as we work to bring about God’s Kingdom, in the vision of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, who founded Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in reaction to the perilous journeys of the Vietnamese boat people in exile. The founding of JRS marked a milestone for Ignatian 7 accompaniment, in service of those living on the margins. IGNATIAN ACCOMPANIMENT Brendan Coffey, nSJ, (left) and Jake Braithwaite, nSJ, (center) with members of the nursing staff at Hospital during the “hos- pital experiment” portion of Coffey and Braithwaite’s Jesuit formation. « When Words Fail...Grace Abounds By Jake Braithwaite, nSJ

In my 10 months as a Jesuit novice, I looked forward to working at Calvary I’ve been across the country in settings Hospital in the Bronx, as part of the I’d never dreamed of. Last fall, I worked “hospital experiment” portion of my as a chaplain intern at Upstate Univer- Jesuit formation, expecting to draw sity Hospital in Syracuse. I spent the on my rudimentary chaplaincy skills, beginning of 2016 making the Spiritual though I knew, from listening to some Exercises at the retreat house in Guelph, intense stories from older Jesuits, that Ontario, and then studying Spanish in it would be a challenge. Our job would San Antonio, Texas. After a few months be to physically minister to patients, but on the road, I was excited to return to I hoped that I’d also find the time to New York City, where I had lived for care for them spiritually. The physical eight years, and to a hospital setting, labor felt somewhat less critical com- an environment where I had found so pared to the fruits of wisdom I thought much consolation in the fall. we’d discover in conversation. Calvary’s Jake Braithwaite 8 self-identification as “the vestibule of moments: Brendan’s care while washing, heaven” heightened this expectation a gentle smile from a freshly bathed web even more. patient, the joy of a family member over EXCLUSIVE Early on, this presumption proved a frustrating problem solved. I asked correct. While mornings were filled Christ to walk with me as I watched with physical tasks, afternoons tend- some of them grow weaker each day. I ed to be free enough to visit patients. had expected to mourn for patients I’d So, I started developing friendships. grown friendly with. But I didn’t predict Many patients were lonely; others were the anguish I felt when patients I had naturally anxious about being at Calvary, simply spoon-fed died, too. I relished knowing that they likely faced the end the opportunity to meet patients where of their life. Some seemed to need con- they were. Some just appreciated a stant attention, which manifested itself running banter while we cleaned. by regular use of the call button. I didn’t Others wanted photos. No serious have very many medical skills, but I had conversations about the end of life; for lots of energy and a listening ear. For some, just selfies. the understandably frightened patients, The sacred nature of this contact became apparent during our third week. It was a particularly messy week Christopher Smith, nSJ, writes on the floor, and Bren- about the bonds he made with a dan and I were asked to assist with cleaning. In Spanish-speaking Calvary resident general, I wasn’t a huge approaching the end of her life. fan of the smells of the www.JesuitsEast.org/Calvary. hospital itself, but it was easy to rush in to clean up after the patients I I blessed their journeys. loved. I took to prayer, Other patients looked ahead to discussing with God what lengthy stays at Calvary. My friend- might have given me ships had formed under unusual this superhuman ability circumstances, and God was deeply Christian Verghese, nSJ, (left) and Melvin Rayappa, nSJ, (right) with Sr. Mini to turn off my olfactory Varghese, of the Daughters of Mary, who serves on the Calvary Hospital staff. present in the bonds. For patients fast glands. Then I remem- approaching their final days, my words bered that Brendan and failed, and I knew now that I lacked I prayed with them. I had literally washed these people’s any wisdom to guide them through In my own prayer, I thanked God feet. Christ tells us to do this, I remem- the looming tedium and apathy. But I for giving me the opportunity to meet bered! In prayer, Christ showed me that trusted in the power of the hug more. the patients’ emotional needs. I felt it wasn’t only a metaphor. By washing As our time at Calvary came to a comfortable falling into a role I had the disciples’ feet, Christ illustrated the close, a new appreciation for Jesus’ treasured in Syracuse last fall, but, to bond that can be created through physical ministry grew in me. Jesus spent time my great surprise, physical interactions acts of love. Such great love, I saw, could in contemplation, prayed with others, with patients (often lacking any conver- mask even dirty diapers. and taught them in groups and individ- sation at all) also played a rich role in At the beginning of my time at Calvary, ually. But Jesus also had very physical my contemplation. I sought tearful conversations with encounters with the sick, the lonely, Some patients chose not to talk at all. patients. By the third week, I knew I and the outcast. God became human Some slept. Others had lost the ability to was most valuable if I brought them ice precisely so that He might live with us, speak. Though this was a new challenge cream. So I brought them ice cream. be with us, and minister to the physical for me, I found myself falling in love As we passed the halfway point, I bodies that we are. with them, too. My fellow novice Bren- asked Christ to accompany me even After six weeks at Calvary, I know dan Coffey and I ran up the stairs from with patients who had been extremely just how necessary that touch is. breakfast every morning, eager to care standoffish. Unusual for Calvary, some for them. of the patients were discharged back Jake Braithwaite, nSJ, is a second-year Soon, physical encounters dominated home. I took ’ example Jesuit novice in formation at St. Andrew my prayer. I held up the most meaningful to heart and kissed them on the head. Hall in Syracuse, N.Y. 9 IGNATIAN ACCOMPANIMENT

Walking with Nativity Students By Mike Benigno

Washington Jesuit Academy teachers and staff looking on in admiration during this year’s eighth grade graduation.

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Photo courtesy of Bridget Nalls Conley ativity middle schools begin students to interscholastic competition application and financial aid coun- with the end in mind. From during this formative time. After-school seling, college transition workshops, the outset, when students programs also expose students to scholarship advisement, and even and their families are extracurricular activities that may spark internship and job networking. immersed in what might lifelong passions or inspire careers. “From the time they arrive as fourth Nbe their first experience of Jesuit educa- The school community worships graders, we teach our students to grad- tion, their eyes are fixed on the next steps, together with daily morning prayer and uate—from middle school, from high and what it takes to achieve goals. celebrates religious feasts and holidays school, from college, and beyond,” This sense of momentum is palpable at together, striving to practice Gospel said Fr. John Wronski, SJ, president of each of the 17 Nativity schools in the U.S. values together in the everyday life of Nativity Prep. “Through our extended and Canada that operate within the Jesuit the school. All of this combines to form family model, Nativity Prep teaches Schools Network, providing a faith-based a nurturing environment for young these first-generation college students education to students from economically people—one that prepares them for suc- the skills and spirit they need to persist poor families. In the Maryland and USA cess in high school, college and beyond, and succeed in college and in their Northeast Provinces, Graduate Support and changes trajectories—geared toward careers.” Programs that are integrated into six closing the achievement gap. The walls of Nativity Prep are dec- Nativity schools are providing a trans- orated with lists of student goals and formative experience that begins with ACCOMPANIMENT BEYOND award certificates earned throughout enrollment and extends over the arc of GRADUATION the year. Inside the Graduate Support a student’s life—long after he or she has The process of applying to selective Office, a bulletin board displays alumni moved onto high school and beyond. high schools and choosing the right one portraits taken by Fr. Wronski, an avid photographer. EDUCATING THE WHOLE PERSON This June, Nativity schools are serving students a video from who face tough odds. John Ciccone, a morning president of St. Ignatius Loyola Academy assembly shared in Baltimore, noted recently in The on the Facebook Baltimore Sun that the rate for males channel of from low-income families in Baltimore Nativity School City enrolling in college within a year of Worcester, Walking with after high school is just 42 percent. near the College Nationally, just one in ten students from of the Holy low-income families manages to earn a Cross, showed bachelor’s degree by age 25. one way that Lack of academic preparedness, diffi- goals are Kevin Marshall, an ’08 alumnus of St. Ignatius Loyola Academy in Baltimore, mentors Kai Nativity Students culty navigating complex college systems, embedded in who just graduated. and financial constraints can all derail a Nativity culture. By Mike Benigno student’s dream of earning a degree. takes considerable preparation and judg- In the video, first-year students leave Jesuit Nativity schools like St. Ignatius ment, and graduate support programs their everyday morning seats and fill Loyola Academy are setting new standards headed by designated staff members in the empty chairs of the students in pre-secondary education, with school provide students with the benefit of both. ahead of them, who had just advanced days that can sometimes last 12 hours, Launched in 1995, the Graduate a grade. Faculty, staff and fellow class- an 11-month school calendar, and a faculty Support Office at Boston’s Nativity mates flood the room with applause, of dedicated teachers. Preparatory School has served as a and the message is clear: you’re While enrolled, students also benefit critical resource for graduates who are moving up in the world and making from a dedicated corps of tutors and frequently the first in their families to progress. Today, you made a great teaching fellows that help develop attend college. Today, its Start-to-Finish first step—many more will follow. test-taking and study skills, and provide Graduate Support Initiative encompasses Students at Washington Jesuit personal mentoring that goes beyond a comprehensive suite of services that Academy in Washington, D.C., are the classroom. Sports teach teamwork, include high school guidance, college introduced to the high school persistence, grit and grace, introducing tours, test-prep assistance, college selection process by the end of 11 grade six. By seventh and eighth grade, access symposium hosted by the school they are fully immersed in school place- brought in representatives from 36 colleges ment. “If we are successful in accurately and was even opened to the surrounding placing our students, we limit the number neighborhood. of transitions they make,” said Howard Blue, who has served as graduate support director THE FULL PICTURE OF SUCCESS since 2004. In the weeks prior to gradu- Staff from many Nativity graduate support ation, parents sign a school release form programs begin working with alumni on the college selection and admission process when students are in the second half of high school. The graduate support directors help alumni find an institution where they are likely to thrive, and what follows is ongoing guidance about how to pay for college, choose the right major, stick with it, and graduate with a degree. For generations, Catholic schools have committed themselves to offering educa- tional opportunities and pathways to success to underserved students, but today’s Nativity faculty, staff and admin- istrators are part of a school model that actually accompanies students through important life transitions and helps them achieve their goals. Photo courtesy of Bridget Nalls Conley At Jesuit Nativity schools on the East Troy Peterson, salutatorian of Washington Jesuit that gives Jesuit Academy staff permission Coast, more than 93% of students are Academy’s Class of 2016, speaking at this year’s to maintain communication with graduates currently eligible for free or reduced commencement ceremony. in their new schools. lunch. Still, 97% of the Jesuit Nativity This is especially important during ninth graduates who started high school four grade, Blue said. “Ninth graders face going years ago graduated in 2016, with nearly from an environment where they were the all enrolling in either two- or four-year racial majority to, sometimes, being the colleges or universities. These rates out- minority. They are coming from the neigh- shine those of middle-class and affluent borhoods they came from and attending families in the United States and truly some of the most affluent schools in the will help bridge the achievement gap region. The caring teachers here won’t be and transform lives. readily available to them in high school, “We consider our effort to support our and their time is no longer as structured students all the way to a college commence- as it was in the past.” ment day very much in the tradition of Once they enter high school, many Catholic and Jesuit education,” said Fr. Nativity students return to their middle Wronski. “Our graduate support programs

Photo courtesy of Bridget Nalls Conley schools to serve as volunteers, tutors and aren’t simply setting more low-income mentors; others return simply to find a students on the path to college; they’re Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) alumni returning to greet teachers during the 2016 peaceful, familiar place. Steady contact bettering the odds of them getting through commencement ceremony. WJA’s Graduate Support and an ongoing calendar of events, such college with a high-value degree. By striving Program provides guidance to students for many as college bus tours, invite graduates to for high college completion rates, our years after their middle school graduation. remain connected to Washington Jesuit schools are truly transforming the quality through academic and personal transitions, of young people’s lives and the quality of even beyond high school. A recent college their opportunities.” 12 Melissa Gomez BROOKLYN JESUIT PREP • CLASS OF 2011

Melissa Gomez graduated from Making the decision to go to the things that were important to me Dominican Academy was a tough and to narrow down the list. At the Brooklyn Jesuit Prep in 2011, going one. I would be the first and only end of the process, I was interested in on to attend Dominican Academy in student from Brooklyn Jesuit Prep to about eight schools. After receiving attend the high school that year. I was my acceptance letters, BJP helped the Upper East Side of Manhattan. a very shy student and I worried what me assess my financial aid packages She is currently studying mechan- my social life would be like in high and made sure I picked the one that ical engineering at the University school. The tuition would be too high worked for me and my family. for my family to afford all of it, but it As a counselor at BJP’s summer of Rochester, and spends summers was a great opportunity for me and I camp at Fairfield University, I’ve had working at BJP’s summer camp, was eager to attend. Thankfully, BJP the chance to serve as a role model committed to paying part of my tui- and a confidant to current students. held annually at Fairfield University. tion, and to ease some of my doubts, This has been a great first job for I remember the principal of BJP at me, and I’ve been able to encourage the time, Mr. Russo, pulling me aside the students, mostly the older ones, and talking to me to act as leaders and not followers. one-on-one to reas- Great bonds have been formed sure me. I listened among campers in our groups. I am to him and ended happy to go back this year and work up attending and with them again. succeeding. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized In the beginning the importance of guidance and the of my senior year value of mentors who have kept me there, I had almost on the right path. I think the services no clue of what to provided by BJP—specifically the do when it came graduate support services—are to college. I wasn’t helpful because so many students familiar with the come from low-income families, college process and with parents who are busy working hadn’t visited many so hard to provide a better future, schools. Ms. Marie, and who do not necessarily under- the head of the stand the college process. BJP grad support I hope that one day I am successful program, helped enough to give back to BJP for the me make a list of many things the school has done for different colleges me, whether it be by donating money that I might be or continuing to be a mentor for interested in. She current students. then told me to list

13 IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

Blanca Daviau NATIVITY SCHOOL OF WORCESTER • PARENT, CLASS OF 2012

Blanca Daviau is the mother of I brought my son Chris to Nativity back to the community, preparing School of Worcester with the hope meals for shelters, visiting the Christopher Daviau, a member that he would receive a great educa- veterans, and volunteering at local of Nativity School of Worcester’s tion in a safe environment, which charities, which opened his eyes to Campion Class of 2012. Christopher would open doors for his future. the less fortunate, a world outside While Nativity provided Chris with a of video games and sports. is a recent graduate of Bancroft great foundation for his educational His first year here, Chris begged School who is set to attend the career, what I didn’t realize is that it to transfer out, but I made him see wasn’t just an education inside a the year through. And by eighth grade, College of the Holy Cross this fall. classroom— it went beyond that. the little boy who did not want new Chris was accepted into the Campion friends and was too quiet in the graduating class of 2012 and became classroom had grown into a young a part of a family and community. man who developed lifelong relation- This school became home; teachers ships and gained so much confidence. became mentors, protectors and With the guidance of everyone role models—some at Nativity, Chris was accepted to even second mothers. several great schools—among them, The students weren’t Bancroft, which he had his heart just classmates or set on and worked very hard for. In friends; they became addition, Christopher received the his brothers, practi- City Scholars Award. cally living with us. All that he learned while he was a Nativity moms even Nativity student is still within him. became each other’s This is not just one story but the support system. story of so many young boys who Outside of the have walked through those school classroom, Chris doors with their families. learned how to give They say it takes a village to raise a child. Our village is called Nativity!

14 Luis Paez ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOL, BRONX, N.Y. • CLASS OF 2005

How do I, in this small window of St. Ignatius is not an experiment but Luis Paez, a 2005 graduate opportunity, encapsulate the impact an academic institution capable of from St. Ignatius School in St. Ignatius had on my life? It goes transforming the neighborhood’s without saying St. Ignatius is located brightest residents into critical thinkers, Harlem, spoke at the school’s 20th in a rough section of the South Bronx, dedicated scholars and men and women Anniversary Scholarship Benefit notorious for its alarming rates of for others. poverty and crime. Hunts Point is an Upon graduating from St. Ignatius, I in May 2016, sharing the impact unstable community devoid of much went on to complete four years at Xavier of his St. Ignatius education. educational opportunity. Though these High School, but never did I lose the facts are hard to swallow, they should support of my family at St. Ignatius. not dampen the mood. Rather, they Through the graduate support program, should serve as reminders to just I was able to enroll in SAT courses, attend how important St. Ignatius is to its college visits, but, most importantly, students and the Hunts Point com- I continued to strive for more. munity as a whole. In 2009, I graduated from Xavier and Like all of my fellow brothers in the received the Posse class of 2005, I was raised in Hunts Foundation’s award Point, and like all my fellow graduates, of a four-year, full I was fascinated by St. Ignatius’ embra- tuition scholarship to cive, inviting and warm atmosphere. attend DePauw Uni- The teachers and administration versity in Greencastle, didn’t just know your name—they Indiana. At DePauw, knew your mother’s name, they knew a liberal arts college each of your siblings’ names, and with a population might even show up to your front door, of 2,300 students, I as they also knew your address. In my thrived in the small eyes, these were individuals who intro- classroom setting and duced us to the world outside of Hunts remained steadfast in Point. I felt special knowing there existed my commitment to a group of people committed to my graduate, which I did, future, adults I barely knew, working in May 2013. to create more opportunities in my life. In seeing how invested others were in Luis joined the staff at my life, the door opened for academic St. Ignatius School this success. August. Coming full circle from student, to active Since 1996, St. Ignatius has fostered alum, to staff member, Luis an affinity for learning and annually will work with the Gradu- produces students equipped to succeed ate Support Program and at the high school and college levels. Advancement Office.

15 Photo courtesy of Joann Cancro IGNATIAN ACCOMPANIMENT

Immersing in the GRITTY REALITY of the World By Mike Gabriele

The Immersion Programs at Georgetown Prep now include outreach work in Nicaragua.

Former Superior General of Many may think that at a pres- Georgetown Prep is going where tigious day and boarding school the needs are greatest—helping the Society of Jesus, Peter near Washington, D.C., immers- transform communities and Hans Kolvenbach, SJ, once ing into the “gritty reality of the becoming transformed themselves. world” might not be high on a list “I’ve seen students moved said, “Students, in the course of student priorities. At George- to tears on these trips,” said of their formation, must let town Prep, however, nothing could Fr. Scott Pilarz, SJ, president of be further from the truth. Over the the gritty reality of this Georgetown Prep. “It’s a sign last ten years, more than 700 high that their hearts are being opened world into their lives, so school seniors and faculty have to a new reality, and with a lot of they can learn to feel it, participated in service immersion reflection, which is key to this programs, addressing the needs experience; they really do begin think about it critically, of some of the poorest, most to make meaning out of what respond to its suffering and disadvantaged people across the they did. They recognize that country. From an Indian reser- this is a tremendously important, engage it constructively.” vation where nearly 50% of the vital part of their Prep experience.” population lives below the poverty Kurt Kaufmann, the Christian level, to a homeless shelter in Service Director at Georgetown D.C., to rebuilding efforts in New Prep, who is instrumental in Orleans, to a summer camp for coordinating the immersion children with muscular dystrophy, programs, explained their impor- 16 tance: “Our students need to see life one of many American towns strug- to improve the livelihoods of fam- beyond their community. If we did gling with hard times after much of ilies living in that impoverished not have these immersion trips, they its mining industry dried up. nation. “They did everything from would lose the ability to experience “I had no idea the impact this digging latrines to helping build a life in some of the most marginalized would have on me,” admitted Kevin new library,” said Fr. Pilarz. “But communities in the country.” A lot of Cullen, who helped with landscap- again, the real takeaway is the bond the work is labor-intensive—building ing and painting at the Pine Ridge these young men make with the houses, fixing and painting churches, Indian Reservation in South Dakota. locals—interacting with them, going landscaping and excavation projects. “Although the grass will grow back to Mass with them. It’s an experi- But much of their assignment is sim- and the paint will chip, the relation- ence that will stay with them forever ply to interact and form bonds with ships we formed will never leave us and shape who they are.” those they meet, to show them that or the people there.” Perhaps Sean Clark summed there are people out there who know Fellow student, Zach Hartranft, it up best when he spoke of his they exist and care about them. who teamed with Habitat for Human- experience at the McKenna Center The transformation goes both ity building houses, agreed: “It bonds serving the poor and homeless ways. These teenagers, who offer us with our Prep brothers and is a in Washington, D.C. “To truly working hands and a kind heart for great way to put into action the teach- understand an issue, you need to so many of the forgotten, are funda- ing that Prep taught us.” put yourself in the person’s shoes. mentally changed themselves by the These Immersion Programs at And that’s exactly what we did at the gratitude, love and hope they encoun- Georgetown Prep continue to expand. Fr. McKenna Center. We put our- ter amid such daily hardship. “You In the last five years they have grown selves in the shoes of the homeless.” actually move beyond your comfort from serving three distressed commu- Fr. Pilarz hopes Georgetown Prep zone, and that’s where you learn so nities to eight, and are now extending will soon include an immersion much more about yourself and about their reach outside the U.S. Just this program planting trees in Senegal, the community,” said Alex Kovalev, summer, Fr. Pilarz took a group of Africa, responding to Pope Francis’ a student who worked in the Appala- students to Nicaragua to partner call to care for the environment. chian mountain town of Ivanhoe, Va., with Fabretto, a foundation working

Students partner with Habitat for Humanity to build and rebuild houses on the eastern shore of Virginia and in New Orleans.

17 IGNATIAN ACCOMPANIMENT

ReleasingHEARTS from Behind Bars

By Mike Gabriele

They committed crimes—and they are them, and why we, as brothers and paying the price. More than two million sisters for others, should be compassion- Americans, mostly men, and dispro- ate and present to them on their journey portionately men of color, are serving toward rehabilitation. The Jesuits of the time behind bars—many for decades. Maryland and USA Northeast Provinces Regardless of their offenses, these are have a long history of providing spiritual people whom God does not want to lose. direction and educational services to the But, unfortunately, as they sit idle in their imprisoned. Many Jesuits begin as early cells, their minds tend to focus on their as their formation, while studying at the confinement, their transgressions, their Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara hopelessness, and the awful sense that University in Berkeley, Calif., serving at God and society couldn’t possibly forgive one of the biggest, most infamous prisons them or want them back. in the country—San Quentin. This is where the devil wishes to keep Fr. George Williams, SJ, has been

Fr. George Williams, SJ, chaplain at San Quentin, believes that prison ministry is a ministry of compassion and presence.

18 chaplain at San Quentin for nearly six Berkeley, taking U.C. Berkeley students years and is working on his Doctorate up to San Quentin to play basket- in Criminal Justice from Northeastern ball with inmates. Now he fights the University. He teaches a prison ministry Washington, D.C., traffic on Tuesday course at the Jesuit School of Theology afternoons to meet with inmates at “THIS YEAR OF MERCY in Berkeley. “As Jesuits, we are called to Dorsey Run (part of Jessup Penitentiary), go where the Church is not being served. celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, RESONATES VERY DEEPLY And since a majority of those in prison or walking them through the Examen or WITH THESE MEN ... SINCE were in poverty before their incarceration, other catechetical teachings relevant to serving this population is also a real way the day. “This Year of Mercy resonates THE INMATES ARE UNABLE TO of serving the poor.” very deeply with these men, as you can MAKE THE PILGRIMAGE TO THE There are approximately 4,000 inmates imagine,” said Fr. Rogers. He goes on at San Quentin, with 750 on death row. to say that since the inmates are unable LOCAL HOLY DOOR OF MERCY Most are uneducated, many were phys- to make the pilgrimage to the local TO GAIN THE JUBILEE PLENARY ically or mentally abused, and few had Holy Door of Mercy to gain the Jubilee any real privileges in life before falling Plenary Indulgence, they asked to have INDULGENCE, THEY ASKED into crime. “These men are hungry for the door to their meeting room blessed TO HAVE THE DOOR TO THEIR change,” Fr. Williams said. “And believe (as is prescribed by the Pope). “It is not it or not, they take to Ignatian Spiritu- uncommon to now see an inmate or MEETING ROOM BLESSED (AS ality like fish to water. Many of them volunteer kiss their hand and touch the IS PRESCRIBED BY THE POPE). are still affected by the crimes they have door before entering.” committed, and it takes a lot of one- “The corporal work of mercy tells us IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO on-one interaction to get them to see to visit the imprisoned,” pointed out and understand that nobody is beyond Fr. Timothy Brown, SJ, who leads the NOW SEE AN INMATE OR God’s forgiveness.” office of mission integration at Loyola VOLUNTEER KISS THEIR HAND Fr. Patrick Rogers, SJ, who spent many University Maryland and who also does years as director of campus ministry for work at Jessup. “I am part of the Prison AND TOUCH THE DOOR the main campus of Georgetown Univer- Scholars Program, offering non-credit BEFORE ENTERING.” sity and is now working on his doctoral college-level instruction to inmates. It’s thesis, also provides chaplain support very rewarding. Aside from a sabbatical for a prison ministry program at Dorsey I took while serving as provincial for the Run Correctional Facility in Maryland. Maryland Province, I’ve been teaching His brother and sister-in-law began the at Jessup since 1995.” ministry from their parish in Millers- The New York metropolitan area has ville, Md. Fr. Rogers gained an interest six prisons, including Rikers Island, in prison ministry while a scholastic at that benefit from a program called

Rikers Island off Manhattan is one of six New York area prisons where scholastic Zach Presutti, SJ, has implemented his THRIVE program for inmates, former inmates and their families.

19 THRIVE, founded by Jesuit scholastic Zach has also sparked interest in his elebrating our Zach Presutti, SJ, who is assistant exec- prison ministry at Regis High School, just Cpriests and brothers marking a utive director of Centro Altagracia de Fe over the East River from Rikers. Students y Justice, a Jesuit social apostolate in the there wanted to participate in the program MILESTONE YEAR in the Society of Jesus Washington Heights section of Manhat- somehow, so they collected clothes to MARYLAND AND USA NORTHEAST PROVINCES tan. THRIVE is a bridge of collaborations donate to the juvenile detention center between several Jesuit parishes in the New inmates. Zach actually chaperoned some York City area, comprised of two main of them to deliver the donations and to 80 Years in the Society components—contemplation and action. meet a few of the inmates. The students Louis L. Grenier, SJ The contemplation program is much like first arrived on Rikers with quite a bit of 75 Years in the Society any retreat setting, teaching participants apprehension, fully aware that Catholic William J. Richardson, SJ Ignatian reflection based on the Examen. school teens donning khakis and collared “The inmates enjoy acting out the parables shirts might not present as the most 70 Years in the Society of Jesus,” said Zach. “In fact, one guy who relatable group to their prisoner counter- Vincent de P. Alagia, SJ parts. After being greeted James L. Connor, SJ John F. Curran, SJ with smiling faces and William A. Dawson, SJ warm handshakes, however, James N. Gelson, SJ jitters were set at ease and Frank R. Haig, SJ meaningful conversations William D. Ibach, SJ William C. McFadden, SJ ensued. Zach was very Gerard L. McLaughlin, SJ impressed with how the James W. Moore, SJ students interacted with the Daniel J. O’Brien, SJ boys serving time. “These John W. O’Malley, SJ (CDT) Paul V. Osterle, SJ young inmates got to see Lawrence J. O’Toole, SJ and experience other teens Patrick J. Ryan, SJ who are not involved in Ronald W. Sams, SJ gangs and drugs, and who Edwin J. Sanders, SJ Francis Schemel, SJ actually want to be educat- George B. Wilson, SJ ed. You can see it rubbing off. They want to change 60 Years in the Society and do the same.” Anthony J. Azzarto, SJ Richard A. Blake, SJ Whether juveniles David J. Casey, SJ serving a few months, or Herbert J. Cleary, SJ ? adults serving several years Edward T. Dowling, SJ to life, Zach hopes all these Peter E. Fink, SJ inmates open their hearts to Vincent J. Genovesi, SJ An image from the 1609 Illustrated Biography of St. Ignatius Loyola depicts David H. Gill, SJ the message that God loves the founder of the Jesuits visiting the imprisoned. Joseph J. Godfrey, SJ them for who they are, not Charles G. Gonzalez, SJ had been on Rikers for 12 years, wrote a for what they have done. “It takes some Francis X. Hezel, SJ one-act play that is now being performed time,” he said, “but many of them soon John J. Karwin, SJ ? James F. Keenan, SJ off-Broadway.” realize that even though they are in jail, Brian O. McDermott, SJ The action part of THRIVE provides they are not abandoned. They are not G. Ronald Murphy, SJ life-skills for both incarcerated and stuck. They can change.” Francis J. Nash, SJ formerly incarcerated individuals. A new Fr. Williams at San Quentin admits Kevin G. O’Connell, SJ ? David A. Skelskey, SJ computer lab will give inmates hands-on that the feeling he gets seeing an inmate training, further helping them in their find hope in Christ and begin the process 50 Years in the Society rehabilitation. The program also provides of forgiving himself is unlike any other. David G. Allen, SJ assistance and guidance for the families “When I receive a note from an inmate Richard D. Bertrand, SJ Paul W. Brant, SJ of those in jail, such as helping mothers saying that I have helped him find James J. Conn, SJ and wives with transportation to visit himself and make peace with God, it’s Terrence W. Curry, SJ their sons and husbands and providing more rewarding than any other honors John T. Dzieglewicz, SJ the family with spiritual counseling. or accolades I can imagine.” Richard K. Gross, SJ Vincent W. Hevern, SJ Thomas R. Marciniak, SJ 20 William J. Rakowicz, SJ elebrating our priests and brothers marking a MILESTONE YEAR in the Society of Jesus

MARYLAND AND USA NORTHEAST PROVINCES

Kirk R. Reynolds, SJ Joseph M. Ritzman, SJ Michael J. Sala, SJ Joseph A. Sobierajski, SJ Robert F. VerEecke, SJ 25 Years in the Society Dinesh Braganza, SJ (GUJ) Sacred Heart Pastor, Fr. Shay Auerbach, SJ, and Mary Wickham, executive director of the Sacred Heart Center, John T. Butler, SJ have led the charge to help this Latino community save their homes. Christopher J. Devron, SJ Philip A. Florio, SJ John F. Gavin, SJ Daniel R.J. Joyce, SJ PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF John C. Monahan, SJ 60 Years in the Priesthood an update from Richmond Joseph F. Brennan, SJ ? John M. Buckley, SJ John J. Coll, SJ Paul A. Donovan, SJ In last summer’s issue of JESUITS magazine, we covered a story of hope Paul J. Dugan, SJ and perseverance that didn’t seem to have much of a light at the end of its Richard J. Hoar, SJ tunnel. The article, “Fighting for their Homes,” chronicled an immigrant Bernard R. McIlhenny, SJ Anthony P. Roberts, SJ community in Richmond, Va., struggling to save their trailer park homes Francis J. Ryan, SJ and the guidance and support they received from Sacred Heart Church, their 50 Years in the Priesthood Jesuit parish. At the time, neither the city nor the park’s ownership were Joseph A. Appleyard, SJ willing to budge, and many, if not most, of the trailers were marked to be James J. Bowes, SJ condemned by the fall of last year. The fear of mass evictions loomed. Richard J. Clifford, SJ Putting the situation in God’s hands, however, and staying focused on Denis R. Como, SJ James M. English, SJ every opportunity available, the tide has actually begun to turn. The charge Gerard H. Ettlinger, SJ has been collaborative as always, with members of the Sacred Heart Center Daniel J. Fitzpatrick, SJ and parish committee coordinating efforts. Parishioner Jay Brown, a Kenneth J. Hezel, SJ Alfred J. Hicks, SJ member of the Sacred Heart Center Board of Directors who works with the John J. Higgins, SJ ? housing division of Commonwealth Catholic Charities, was able to secure Edward F. Howard, SJ funding through Catholic Charities to help eleven of the residents, whose Kenneth J. Hughes, SJ Thomas P. Martin, SJ trailers were in the worst shape, relocate adequately. The Legal Aid Justice John T. McCaslin, SJ Center then filed a lawsuit against the city of Richmond and a Fair Housing Leo J. O’Donovan, SJ Complaint with HUD. It worked. The city has agreed to earmark funds to Robert V. Paskey, SJ William M. Sullivan, SJ upgrade the trailers and is now providing regular communications with the Neil L. Ver’Schneider, SJ residents in Spanish. A new owner of the trailer park is also cooperating with some much-needed repairs. 25 Years in the Priesthood Dean P. Bechard, SJ The mobile home park coalition, initially organized by Sacred Heart Timothy J. Cadigan, SJ Center executive director, Mary Wickham, will continue helping this strug- Martin L. Chase, SJ (CDT) gling community through the gauntlet of decisions that need to be made James H. Dahlinger, SJ John J. Hanwell, SJ regarding affordability and cost of repairs. Sacred Heart Church will be Kenneth G. Loftus, SJ there as well, the trusted parish these Latinos have relied on for spiritual and Keith F. Pecklers, SJ emotional guidance through this long, arduous ordeal. “These good people John D. Savard, SJ Joseph J. Schad, SJ are not completely out of the woods yet,” said Fr. Shay Auerbach, SJ, pastor Edward J. Vodoklys, SJ at Sacred Heart, “but things are looking much better for them. There does Thomas W. Worcester, SJ seem to be a future there.” 21 ? Deceased Excitement builds for GC-36

THE 36TH * ROME, ITALY

The first General Congregation for apostolic priorities, governance in the the Society of Jesus took place in 1558, Society and the renewal of Jesuit life when Fr. Diego Laynez was elected and mission. GC-36 is the first congre- Superior General following the death gation where delegates will have had of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the the opportunity to review the topics up Society. This coming October, the 36th for discussion before actually attending General Congregation will take place the congregation. This has enabled in Rome (GC-36). Jesuit delegates from them to begin a lot of preliminary all over the world will again gather to groundwork and discernment, but choose a new successor to St. Ignati- has also kept them very busy over us, as Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, SJ, who has the past year. served as Father General since 2008, We wish the very best for all of our is set to retire. Maryland and USA Northeast Province Above and beyond the important delegates heading to Rome in October task of electing a new Father General and pray that Christ’s wisdom and for the order, there are many timely guidance is with them. Look for full postulates and calls that the congrega- coverage of GC-36 in our Fall/Winter tion must address, relating mostly to issue of JESUITS, due out in December.

22 Maryland and USA Northeast Province DelegateGC-3s 6

obtained his bachelor’s and master’s treatments at Yale University’s Depart- as director of vocations in the New THE 36TH GENERAL CONGREGATION * ROME, ITALY MARYLAND PROVINCE DELEGATES degrees in science from the Massa- ment of Psychiatry, Fr. Cecero spent York and Maryland Provinces and as chusetts Institute of Technology and 15 years as a professor of psychology executive director of the St. Ignatius Fr. Robert M. his Ph.D. in planetary science from at Fordham University in New York Retreat House in New York. He earned Hussey, SJ, is the University of Arizona in 1978. He (1998–2013). From 2007 to 2013, he a master’s degree in philosophy from provincial of the entered the Jesuits in 1989 and took was also rector of the Spellman Hall Fordham University in New York and a Maryland Province vows as a Jesuit brother in 1991. He Jesuit Community on Fordham’s Rose Master of Divinity degree from Weston Jesuits. Prior to studied philosophy and theology at Hill campus. Jesuit School of Theology (now the his position as Loyola University Chicago and physics Boston College School of Theology provincial, he served for six years as at the University of Chicago before his Fr. David S. and Ministry). pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel assignment to the Vatican Observatory Ciancimino, SJ, Church, a diverse parish in Raleigh, in 1993. He has coauthored a number serves as the Fr. Michael C. N.C. Fr. Hussey, who entered the Jesuits of books, including Turn Left at Orion president of McFarland, in 1989 and was ordained a priest in and Would You Baptize an Extraterres- Canisius High SJ, is treasurer 2000, has a Ph.D. in economics from trial? He is also curator of the Vatican School in Buffalo, for the North- Duke University in Durham, N.C., and meteorite collection. N.Y. Prior to this role, he served as the east Province. is fluent in Spanish. He served on the provincial of the New York Province Previously, he faculty of ILADES/ Fr. Herbert B. Jesuits from 2008 to 2014. He is a was president of the College of the Holy Graduate Program in Economics in San- Keller, SJ, served graduate of Fordham University in Cross in Worcester, Mass., from 2000 tiago, Chile, and was on the economics as president of the Bronx, New York, and the Weston to 2012. Prior to that he served as the faculty at Georgetown University in Scranton Prep- School of Theology (now the Boston dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Washington, D.C. While at Georgetown, aratory School College School of Theology and Ministry), at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wa., Fr. Hussey was also involved in pastoral in Pennsylvania with master’s degrees in theology and where he was also a professor of work on campus and Hispanic ministry from 1997 to 2015, making him the divinity. He also holds a New York State computer science. He earned a bachelor’s at a local jail. school’s longest-serving president. certification in secondary education degree in physics at Cornell University He also served as principal of Scranton administration from Canisius College. in Ithaca, N.Y., and a master’s degree Fr. David J. Prep and of Saint Joseph’s Preparatory He taught religion, Spanish and French and Ph.D. in electrical engineering Collins, SJ, School in Philadelphia. He holds a at Canisius High School from 1989 to at Carnegie Mellon University in is an associate bachelor’s degree in English and 1995, served as director of admissions Pittsburgh, Pa. professor philosophy from Fordham University from 1989 to 1992, and was principal of history at in New York and a Master of Divinity from 1992 to 1997. Fr. Ciancimino then Fr. Joseph M. Georgetown degree from Weston School of Theology served as headmaster of Xavier High O’Keefe, SJ, was University in Washington, D.C., and a in Cambridge, Mass. (now the Boston School in New York City from 1997 to recently named vocation promoter for the province. A College School of Theology and Ministry). 2004. He was appointed assistant to rector of Ciszek native of Washington, D.C., Fr. Collins’ the New York Jesuit provincial from Hall in the Bronx. Jesuit training and doctoral studies 2004 to 2008 before being named He previously took him to Philadelphia, Boston, Mu- USA NORTHEAST PROVINCE DELEGATES provincial. served as the director of the Center of nich and Chicago, among other places. Ignatian Spirituality and a professor at He received a Ph.D. in History from Fr. John J. Fr. Joseph Boston College. He holds a doctoral Northwestern University. He returned in Cecero, SJ, is S. Costantino, degree in administration, planning 2004 to join the history department at provincial of the SJ, serves as and social policy from the Harvard Georgetown University. USA Northeast pastor of St. University Graduate School of Education Province Jesuits. Ignatius Church in Cambridge, Mass. Fr. O’Keefe earned Br. Guy J. Con- He received in Chestnut his bachelor’s degree in philosophy solmagno, SJ, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Hill, Mass. He served as president of from the College of the Holy Cross in is an astronomer George Washington University in Canisius High School in Buffalo, N.Y., Worcester, Mass., a master’s degree in at the Vatican Washington, D.C., in 1996. Following from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, he French literature from Fordham Univer- Observatory and an internship at the Boston Veterans served as pastor of the Church of sity in the Bronx, N.Y., and a Master of president of the Affairs Hospital and a two-year post- St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan from Divinity from the Boston College School Vatican Observatory Foundation. He doctoral fellowship in substance abuse 2006 to 2013. He has also served of Theology and Ministry. 23 THE PILGRIMAGE By Edrie Royals

From May 17–28, the USA Northeast Province led a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with 15 Jesuits and friends of the Society. The trip was coordinated by Joe Naylor, assistant for advancement and communications at the USA Northeast Province, and included Provincial, Fr. John Cecero, SJ, Fr. David Marcotte, SJ, and Dan Corrou, SJ, a Jesuit scholastic, who guided participants through reflections and provided Ignatian insights along the journey. The trip spanned Petra, Bethlehem, , Jericho and Nazareth, and also included a visit to the Jesuit Center in Amman, Jordan, a work of the USA Northeast Province that serves refugees.

Come join the USA Northeast Province on an 11-day Ignatian Pilgrimage in Oct. 2017 to visit the birthplaces of Loyola and Xavier, and the historic sites in Manresa, Montserrat and Barcelona, Spain, with an additional You’re 7 two days in Lourdes. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will be under the spiritual supervision of Fr. George Witt, SJ, assistant for spirituality ministries for Invited! the Maryland and USA Northeast Provinces. For more information, please contact Joe Naylor at [email protected] or 212-774-5529. 24 Trip participant Edrie Royals shares a spiritual reflection:

am a recent Catholic in the linear We travelled from Amman, Jordan, to scheme of life. In 2011, I embraced Jerusalem with stops all along the way. the Mother Church at in my We even had time to spend a day at Petra twilight years, a decision that has and go for a float in the Dead Sea. Our given new meaning to my life and singular focus, however, was ever pres- a new understanding of commit- ent: we were there to experience Jesus. ment and obedience. We walked the streets and dusty paths, IThe Holy Land is a long way, geographi- related to the people, ate the food; and I cally and culturally, from the Deep South, often wondered if Jesus’s genetic heritage the land of my birth and where I have in his humanness from his mother’s spent my life. During the pilgrimage, side still flowed through any of those I kept wondering, “How could I, an I saw. We went to Mount Nebo, where outsider with two degrees from the God allowed Moses to view the Promised University of Mississippi and one from Land, and visited a baptismal site on the the University of Colorado, be so blessed Jordan River, where John the Baptist may to travel with Jesuit scholars, learn from have preached and baptized Jesus. them, eat and drink with them, and We went to Nazareth and visited three partake of the Holy Eucharist with them churches dedicated to times and events at every holy site? And to do so in the in the lives of the Holy Family. At Cana, company of fellow pilgrims who showed we remembered Christ’s first miracle me the love of Jesus?” at the wedding feast, and our married The answer would become clear with couples renewed their wedding vows. the passage of time. In Capernaum, we relived the three-year

25 ministry of Jesus that spanned a mere It also matters not that the experiences She merely could not understand. seven to eight miles on and near the occurred in a fast-moving, multi-tasking Jesus said yes to the cross with full Sea of Galilee. We sailed on that sea environment. It will take time and knowledge and understanding of what and envisioned the disciples with nets reflection to process the people we met his answer meant: the suffering he full of fish. From nearby Mount Tabor, and places we experienced as well as would endure to bear our sins. In his we went to a church dedicated to the those we studied in Biblical and historical humanity, he asked that the cup be transfiguration. From atop that mount, context. The essence will sift through removed if it be the Father’s will; but, we looked down on the Valley of Arma- the haze, and the memorable lessons above all, he wanted his Father’s will geddon, and I thought of the face of will surface. and not his own. God looking down on the valley of evil. Before the journey began, I had hoped In these three lives, it seems there Our last days were in Jerusalem. God would reveal to me His purpose was a developmental evolution of “yes,” We experienced Shepherd’s Field, for the fourth quarter, the final chapter from a reluctant obedience to a selfless Church of the Nativity, Mount of of my life. I have not heard a profound embrace of God’s will. The lesson for Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Kidron answer, but I have felt a quiet confirma- me is to try to do God’s will with the Valley, Mount Zion, the Upper Room tion. More significantly, perhaps, are “yes” of Jesus. commemorating the Last Supper, and my thoughts that keep returning to I do not doubt that more lessons will the courtyard that could have been the obedience. We walked in the footsteps surface. Until then, I will treasure every place where the high priest interro- of three people who said “yes” to God. blessing I received from this pilgrimage gated Jesus, and another where the Moses said yes, but ever so reluctantly. and bask in the memories of the people Roman governor Pilate agreed to his He asked God questions and expressed and places. crucifixion. All of the places led to the doubts that he was the right person to By the end of the trip, the answer to my Way of the Cross and Calvary. lead the people of Israel into the Prom- question, “How could I be so blessed?” It matters not that the exact locations, ised Land. He was looking at the situa- was evident. It was part of God’s provi- for most of the sites are not known pre- tion with human eyes and not the eyes dential plan. Because he allowed me to cisely. Legend and oral history, often of faith. Nevertheless, he obeyed God. go, I will never experience my faith as supported by archeological findings, Mary said yes, but asked how it could before. The words of the Bible, the sites, give credibility to the general locale of be that she was with child. She, with and the lives of those depicted in sacred the places visited and, in many instances, childlike faith, wanted to please her scripture have taken form and become the evidence is so compelling that it Heavenly Father; and, with her faith as real. They are now a deep and meaning- serves to deepen and strengthen faith. her guidepost, she gave no resistance. ful part of who I am.

26 ADVANCING OUR MISSION

Jesuit GALA Honors Gloria and Chuck Clough

It was an evening that celebrated lay Cecero, SJ, provincial of the USA Northeast collaboration and the Ignatian spirit of Province. —alive at every Jesuit work and in Three highlight speakers shared reflections the lives of the 900 people gathered at the on their lives as Jesuits living in service of 2016 Jesuit GALA. others. Jesuit Fathers Bill Russell, SJ, and This year’s GALA took place on April 28, Joseph O’Keefe, SJ, along with Pat Nolan, raising more than $1.2 million to provide SJ, spoke about three stages of Jesuit life. vital support for Jesuit ministries and the Nolan reflected on his call to the Society work of the USA Northeast Province. The and shared wonderful details about his two evening provided a special opportunity to years serving at Yap Catholic High School highlight magis—choosing the greater good in Micronesia; Fr. Russell offered a vignette in all we do—and to recognize Gloria and about the pride he felt when his father finally Chuck Clough, who were presented with viewed him as a fully formed priest; and Fr. the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Award. O’Keefe spoke about his ongoing journey as Gloria and Chuck have devoted decades of a Jesuit, including teaching for nearly three their lives to serving others. As an ordained decades at Boston College. deacon at Holy Family Parish in Concord, Additional highlights included remarks Images for this special section were photographed by Mass., Chuck was inspired by the Jesuits by GALA chairs Cathy and Sean O’Neil, and pilgrimage participant Bob Garver. Images on p. 24 include, top: Fr. John Cecero, SJ, (left) and Dan Corrou, he encountered at Boston College and has Darlene Jordan, and recognition of Fr. Louis SJ, a Jesuit scholastic, with Dan’s parents, John and served as a trustee of the college since 1993. Grenier, SJ, who, this year, marked 80 years Jane; inset: a stained glass cross in the chapel of the Gloria, a graduate of Weston Jesuit School of service as a Jesuit. Jesuit Center in Amman, Jordan. Images on p. 25 of Theology, started her career as a pediatric “If Ignatius could see how the small include, bottom: the desert view during the trip between the Dead Sea and Jerusalem; left to right: nurse and went on to establish the first company he founded nearly 500 years ago— Fr. Cecero during Mass in the Shepherds’ Field Cave, chaplaincy program at Emerson Hospital. this minima compania—and its efforts to east of Bethlehem; lunch in Madaba; a view of Mt. “Gloria and Chuck embody the core Jesuit respond to the call of Christ would flourish Tabor; Betty Ann Garver during a stop at the Sea of value of magis—which means, greater— through the work of so many Jesuits and Galilee. Images on p. 26 include, top left: the pilgrim- striving always to give greater service, greater lay partners, he would very likely be over- age leadership team, Joe Naylor, Fr. David Marcotte, SJ, Fr. John Cecero, SJ, and Dan Corrou, SJ; middle: thanks and greater love,” said Fr. John J. whelmed with gratitude,” said Fr. Cecero. the view from the altar of Dominus Flevit Church in Jerusalem; right: a group photo of the pilgrimage participants taken from atop Mt. Nebo. Image on p. 27: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, More To view this year’s GALA video, which explains the concept of magis at the site of the enclosure of the tomb of Jesus. on the web and honors the Cloughs, visit www.JesuitsEast.org/Gala2016. 27 Leaning in at the Loyola Club By Sherri Weil

Dr. Linda LeMura, president of Le Moyne College and the first Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, president of the Jesuit Conference in Washington, D.C., engages an woman lay president of a Jesuit institution of higher education. audience of Jesuit alumni, colleagues and business leaders at the Loyola Club Luncheon.

“THE TIMES MAY BE A-CHANGING, BUT THE MISSION OF JESUIT EDUCATION STAYS THE SAME. FOR WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE ‘HIGHER’ IN HIGHER EDUCATION, PROVIDING OUR STUDENTS WITH AN IGNATIAN GPS.”

These thoughtful remarks from Dr. Linda LeMura, Featured Speakers of the Loyola Club Luncheon Series president of Le Moyne College, were presented at the Loyola have included: Club Luncheon last year in Washington, D.C. Jesuit-educat- ed alums and friends came to hear from the first woman lay president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in CHRIS LOWNEY, Writer, public speaker and leadership consultant the world. They were treated to a first-rate talk and the WILLIAM WHITAKER, Founding President of Washington Jesuit Academy opportunity for lively discussion with others who share a FR. PAT CONROY, SJ, Chaplain to the US House of Representatives common bond of Jesuit education and Ignatian spirituality. For the past three years, the Loyola Club of Washington, DR. JOHN BORELLI, Professor, Georgetown University D.C., has been bringing together the professional community RICHARD KELLY, JR., Chairman of the Board, Jesuit Refugee Service of Jesuit colleagues and alumni for food, fellowship and FR. TIMOTHY KESICKI, SJ, President, Jesuit Conference inspiration drawn from St. Ignatius. Speakers include FR. JOSEPH LINGAN, SJ, Rector, Georgetown University Jesuits from a variety of ministries as well as lay leaders. While there are Loyola Clubs in cities across the United FR. STEVEN PLANNING, SJ, President, Gonzaga College High School States, it was Jeff Paravano, a graduate of John Carroll DR. LINDA LEMURA, President, LeMoyne College University in Cleveland, who jump-started the D.C. Club FR. KEVIN O’BRIEN, SJ, Former VP of Campus Ministry, Georgetown University when he moved to our nation’s capital. As managing FR. SCOTT PILARZ, SJ, President, Georgetown Prep partner of Baker Hostetler, he has utilized his network to make each luncheon a full house and a sure success. FR. ROBERT M. HUSSEY, SJ, Provincial, Maryland Province Jesuits (Jan. 2017) Led by a committee of volunteers, and now chaired by Tracey Primrose of the Jesuit Conference, the gatherings are held three times a year. Each lunch offers ways for Unsurprisingly, Washington, D.C., is home to graduates attendees to apply Jesuit Spirituality in their everyday from each of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the lives and to use it as a means to strengthen communities. United States and many of the 70 Jesuit high schools and Recent topics have included: Ignatian Leadership in the middle schools. Modern World, How Will You Measure Your Life? and The For more information about attending a luncheon, visit Pope Francis Effect on Jesuit Education. www.LoyolaDC.org

28 Please Join Us! Tuesday, September 27, 2016

QUAKER RIDGE GOLF CLUB

Will you Consider a gift to the Jesuits? THE SEVENTH ANNUAL

To make a gift that supports the Jesuits and their work, please contact:

Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus

8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 620 Towson, MD 21286-2014

Sherri Weil | [email protected] 443-921-1331 www.mdsj.org

7 To benefit the apostolic works of the Jesuits 7 To support the care of senior and infirm Jesuits USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus

QUAKER RIDGE GOLF CLUB 39 East 83rd Street 146 GRIFFEN AVENUE • SCARSDALE, N.Y. New York, NY 10028-0810 Joe Naylor | [email protected] TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 212-774-5500 www.JesuitsEast.org TO REGISTER, VISIT WWW.JESUITSEAST.ORG/GOLF2016

For information, contact Debra Ryan at [email protected] 212-774-5544 or Liz Cunningham at [email protected] 617-607-2893 29 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Brockton, MA 39 East 83rd Street | New York, NY 10028 Permit No. 243

Ite, inflammate omnia. “Go, set the world on fire.”

St. Ignatius often ended his letters to Jesuits going to the missions with this phrase. Come join us and be a part of Our Mission!

Fr. Thomas McMurray, SJ, distributes communion at a student Mass at the Nativity School of Worcester. BeAJesuit.org