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We in the Congregation look forward to Saturdays, a half day of work, followed by free time in Rome. This last Saturday, despite the threat of rain, 15 of us went to the Gesù, the site of our opening Mass and of the Mass of thanksgiving for the election of the new General. We went for a more ‘touristy’ aim, but I, for one, was not left just as a tourist. A fine Italian … [Read more...]
Imagine you wanted to come to a decision about a matter of great importance for you and those close to you, something that would shape your future. How would you go about it? Usually we try to lay out the options, maximize possible goods and minimize harms, etc. As someone who worked in university ministry for many years, I know that path only too well. It can in fact work … [Read more...]
Well, the ‘Francis effect’ continues in the Aula as elsewhere. So many people speak of the Holy Father’s address as something we will mine for years, long after this Congregation ends. In one conversation after another, people have spoken of how his words and his presence moved them to prayer. I certainly know that too. Yet, now back to business, dealing with a variety of … [Read more...]
No doubt you’ve all seen pictures of the Aula, the hall in which we meet daily. Those responsible for remodeling the space did a wonderful job; it is a great place to meet. As we pray in the morning, that ‘choir style’, facing each other encourages the prayer. Wonderful as it is, however, someone brought a simple fact to our attention today, a simple point with a much more … [Read more...]
Election day – finally! The overcast weather did not lessen the our enthusiasm. Mass was scheduled for 7:30 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, across the street from our Curia. By the time I arrived at 7:10, however, many Jesuits had already taken their places, quietly praying about the events ahead. No one took this lightly. The Mass of the Holy Spirit, like the opening … [Read more...]
After a thunderous liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica Friday, Congregation has moved into a different mode. The novelty of being together is wearing off; the Aula and the rhythm of meetings are familiar. We are getting to know one another. That is true at one level, but there is something deeper too. We are moving from discussions about the state of the Society and the … [Read more...]
The adjective ‘solemn’ finds itself attached to so many events, usually inappropriately, but occasionally a moment arises when only that word applies. This morning definitely presented one such situation, the acceptance of the resignation of Father Adolfo Nicolás, our Superior General. For me, the moment eclipsed even the moving and beautiful opening liturgy last evening, led … [Read more...]
