In the Present Tense

The Australian Jesuits recently published a 2018 poem of Caleb Ryan. Mr. Ryan is a religious education teacher; he “was part of a Jesuit Leadership Pilgrimage that saw him and a group of his peers walk in the footsteps of Ignatius through France, Spain and Italy.”

“A Basque Man Who Came to Know God” describes St. Ignatius of Loyola conversion story. It also considers the life-pilgrimage of Jesus as well as contemporary people with the goal of becoming “suitably free.”

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Image of O.L. of Montserrat at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Bloomifield Hills, MI by PDP

Hand in Glove

Humans are embodied spirits. Age-old wisdom—which includes wisdom of holy people in all spiritual traditions—contains truth for future ages. Containers of the wisdom may need to be exchanged to receive the wisdom; or, moderns may have to reconsider old containers and not trash them with wisdom they contain.

Sue Do’s contribution to America Magazine reaffirms that old and new are not opposed and offers much encouragement.

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How Ignatian spirituality enhanced my cognitive behavioral therapyhttps://t.co/uOuGjo76CD

— America Magazine (@americamag) August 2, 2021

Needed Tonic

Catholic program director at Faith in Public Life John Gehring reminds himself: “I buck myself up with a reminder that Catholicism is much bigger than the latest scandal or headline.” 

His reminder to himself is a much needed tonic for Catholics when “media coverage of the Catholic Church can sometimes feel like a bad weather system that settles over my soul.”

“Renewing Faith, Hope and Love”

Francis’ earlier published “Message for Lent” is a good help to chart one’s way into the season. Lent has both a personal side and a communal one. Both can be acknowledged in the Sacrament of Baptism.

Lent is a time to prepare for baptism or to recall it and deepen it. Access this year’s “Message for Lent” here.

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Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

On Movements, Education & Poetry

The Presidential Inauguration let millions meet Amanda Gorman, the Young Poet Laureate. Vatican News posted a brief interview. Ms. Gorman’s poem may be found here.

Amanda Gorman, who captivated the US with her poem recited at President Biden's inauguration ceremony, shares her thoughts on the importance of education, the power of poetry, and the movements launched by the dedication of young women. @AGisotti https://t.co/PpRHRtz07d

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) February 13, 2021

Jesuit Perspective

The global Society of Jesus tweeted the statement, Jesuit College & University Presidents Call for End to Violence, regarding the tragic events that marred the Electoral College certification on 06 January in Washington, D.C. Several links to the individual colleges and universities are available at the statement. Related statements are at some of those sites.

"We call for a recommitment to the ideals of fairness, justice, racial equity, and inclusion to which our nation aspires today."https://t.co/jpmI0r83nx

— Society of Jesus (@JesuitsGlobal) January 8, 2021

To Navigate What 2021 Brings

"We’re entering another year, one that I hope is marked by less volatility, uncertainty and chaos. But if it’s not, we can navigate it soberly if we learn the way of St. Ignatius: Cultivate a bonded attachment with the Giver instead of the gifts.” The words close Seth Haines’ 01 January 21 article in America Magazine. That “bonded attachment” is not limited to a few. 

St. Ignatius helped me get sober as a Protestant—and stay sober in 2020 as a Catholic @sethhaines https://t.co/GqOCkszs9X

— America Magazine (@americamag) January 1, 2021