From its founding in 1852, 麻豆Porn has been shaped by its identity as a Catholic institution. The first higher education institution in the United States to bear the name of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Loyola is enriched and strengthened by its Catholic identity, which connects it to the universal Catholic Church throughout the world.
As a Jesuit university, Loyola holds Ignatian Spirituality at the core of our mission both university-wide and in Campus Ministry. is a spirituality for everyday life. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others.
Practicing the components of Ignatian Spirituality such as the Examen and Discernment encourage the Loyola community to reflect upon who they are and who they want to be in the surrounding world. Students are challenged to think deeper and explore different facets of this spirituality within the different academic schools and programs.
St. Ignatius and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
St. Ignatius of Loyola, born in 1491 in the Basque region of Spain, is a pivotal figure in the history of the Catholic Church and the founding inspiration of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). His journey from a young courtier to a profound spiritual leader exemplifies the transformative power of faith and education.鈥�
St Ignatius of Loyola
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
The Examen
The Ignatian Examen is one element of the long Ignatian spiritual tradition that remains a relevant touchstone for many administrators, faculty, staff and students at Loyola University Maryland today. Often called the quintessential Ignatian prayer, the Examen is a priceless tool of self-awareness and a crucial aid to discernment. Ignatius was convinced that even a few minutes of prayerful reflection on the events of one's day could open our eyes to the action of God in our daily lives and open our hearts to respond in humility and gratitude. By engaging in regular reflection rooted in gratitude, our administrators grow into more reflective persons working to innovate and serve, inspired to offer an ever more loving response to the world.
Campus Ministry offers our campus community the following resources and programs to support the incorporation of The Examen in Loyola programs and in individual's daily reflection practices.
The Examen
We offer you now an opportunity today to pause, reflect and recommit to your work through a guided Examen in the Ignatian tradition. You may listen to this or you may read through the prayer below.
Center Yourself
Take a moment to become aware of God, yourself and your surroundings. Breathe deeply and ask for clarity and understanding.
Gratitude
What are you especially thankful for in conference experience? What new relationships or insights have you gained? Notice the day's joys and delights, paying attention to the small things, the people and the gifts of the day.
Review
Reflect on the feelings you鈥檝e experienced during this conference. What has challenged you? What interactions with others have been significant for you? St. Ignatius taught that our emotions are windows into the movements of God.
Turn to God
Choose a moment of this conference to focus your prayer. What could you have done or said differently? What areas of growth do you see for yourself? Show yourself compassion as you seek forgiveness; resolve to forgive others; give thanks for the grace you have been shown by others.
Look Forward
In what spirit do you want to enter tomorrow? What goals has this conference and reflection inspired in you? Where do you want to focus your attention and energy tomorrow?
Walking Sustainability Examen
Adapted from the (from the Jesuits USA and Ignatian Solidarity Network)
Stop 1: The Chapel & the 9/11 Memorial Garden & Fountain
Ask God for guidance and an open mind as you begin your walking examen. Feel grounded
in your feet and take a moment to reflect on your surroundings: weather, nature, people.
Sit by the 9/11 Fountain next to the Chapel. If you feel comfortable, close your eyes
and tune into the sound of the water. Take another moment to breathe in, hold, and
release your breath a few times. With each breath, think about how the trees on the
Quad produce oxygen for us.
This Ecological Examen is a tool for prayer, reflection and action as individuals in their home, school, university or community deepen our call to care for creation and the most vulnerable. Please join the Ignatian Family in seeking a conversion of heart to embrace ecological justice and Pope Francis鈥� call to care for our common home.
Loyola is an accredited arboretum. As you walk to your next stop, feel free to use this link to identify some of the trees along the quad.
Stop 2: Statue of St. Ignatius
Start your journey through the quad, towards the St. Ignatius statue. Ask yourself the following:
- What am I grateful for within my surrounding environment? Where in nature do I see or feel most connected to God?
- Looking at the Quad, what gifts do I receive from this green space?
- Take a moment to look up at the tops of the trees. Listen carefully: what do you hear? Leaves moving in the breeze? Birds chirping? Reflect on the shade the trees provide- how much cooler it is than directly in the sun. What do people in urban heat islands (areas without green space and heat-absorbing pavement) do to remain cool in our ever-increasing temperatures?
- How do my actions impact my environment at Loyola and in my Baltimore community?
- What am I doing to advocate for those who are facing environmental injustices in Baltimore?
Ignatian spirituality encourages us to be aware of our surroundings in our day to day lives. We are called to be more than mere stewards of the Earth 鈥� rather than living as acquaintances with God鈥檚 creation, we are called to live in union with it and have a deep commitment to caring for it. We are called to advocate for the protection of all creation.
Reflect on this quote from Pope Francis: 鈥淐limate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation. When it comes to the care of our 鈥榗ommon home鈥�, we are living at a critical moment of history.鈥�
We now welcome you to make your way from the statue of St. Ignatius to the Living Plant Wall, located in the Fernandez Center.
Stop 3: Living Plant Wall in the Fernandez Center
Sitting by the living wall, reflect on this quote: 鈥淚n his historic encyclical on ecology, Laudato Si鈥�, Pope Francis calls on all people to care for creation and our common home. Pope Francis makes clear that our care for one another and our care for the earth are intimately connected, noting that humanity is not faced 鈥榳ith two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.鈥欌�� Pope Francis calls this integral ecology.
In 2021, 麻豆Porn joined the first cohort of universities, committing to responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor through:
- fostering ecological economics
- adopting sustainable lifestyles
- fostering ecological education
- fostering ecological spirituality
- building community resilience & empowerment
Reflect on the following:
- The living plant wall improves air quality and reduces noise inside the building. What is the importance of having accessible green spaces on campus? How does being exposed to green spaces benefit our wellbeing?
- In what ways do I see care for creation being connected to my understanding of my own faith? Are they connected? Why or why not?
- What actions can I take to create more green spaces in my surrounding Baltimore community? Some ideas include supporting the , volunteer with CCSJ for a York Road Community Day.
We welcome you now to make your way to the Humanities Porch.
Stop 4: The Humanities Porch
Once you arrive at Humanities, take in the beautiful aesthetic and architecture of the building. Observe the quad. These are the images that represent Loyola; a beautiful, green campus. How should we be acknowledging our privilege of living on a campus like Loyola- where there is clean air, an abundance of greenery, and a safe environment?
Reflect on the ancestral grounds of our campus and this passage from Loyola's Land and Life Acknowledgment:
"麻豆Porn's campuses are located on stolen ancestral grounds originally cared for and inhabited by Indigenous communities for thousands of years. The racist violence of settler colonialism past and present led to the traumatization and destruction of millions of Indigenous bodies, communities, cultures, and resources. We must acknowledge that we live on and benefit from this land that was taken by force. As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, we are called by our values to engage in active discernment about the role that our institution and the Catholic Church have played in the oppression, exclusion, and erasure of Indigenous nations. 麻豆Porn commits to calling out continued systemic injustice, repairing institutional harms, and renewing our commitment to working in solidarity to heal this land."
Additionally, think about where our quad is situated on our campus, with York Road Corridor sits on one side of our campus, while the Roland Park neighborhood sits on the other. Reflect on the following:
- How does my faith call me to advocate for communities that are facing environmental injustice? OR How are communities facing environmental injustice and my faith鈥檚 teachings connected? Am I responsible to act and be responsible to my community?
- How might these two communities of Roland Park and the York Road Corridor face environmental differences: varying amounts of trees and greenery? Cleaner air vs more polluted air? How are these communities distinctly situated near different environmental hazards?
- Baltimore has a history of redlining, which is a discriminatory practice designed by white people in power to keep white spaces white and black spaces black through exclusionary lending, denial of financial services, etc. The York Road corridor is a historical redline boundary between the Roland Park and Govans neighborhoods. How do you see the redlining of the two neighborhoods and environmental racism as correlating?
- Do you feel like you are connected to either community? Or does Loyola remain in a 鈥渂ubble鈥� that sits between both areas? What are ways you can participate in integral ecology, care for your community, and advocate for environmental justice?
Now, make your way to the Loyola/Notre Dame Bridge and Peace Meadow.
Stop 5: LNDL Library Bridge & Peace Meadow
Take a moment to follow the link to learn about the Peace Meadow.
Close your eyes and reflect on the peaceful sounds of the Stony Run stream, Peace Meadow, and Native Tree Grove around you. Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted. How blessed are we to live on a campus with regular access to clean drinking water? Use the sounds of the Stony Run stream to think about how our pollution runoff impacts the larger surrounding waterways.
- How might we be more mindful of our usage of such a precious resource?
- What actions we can take to advocate for the conservation of our water sources?
Water can also provide a visual of the very real-life effects of climate change. From hurricanes to tsunamis to floods, natural disasters are only becoming more extreme, and they tend to most seriously affect those who are most vulnerable.
Take a moment to reflect on the fact that those who have the largest carbon footprints are those who are least impacted by the effects of climate change, and those who have the smallest carbon footprints are those who are most impacted by its effects.
Finally, walk back to the 4th floor of Sellinger Hall to end your Examen.
Ending Your Examen: 4th Floor Sellinger Hall
As you arrive to your last stop, look out the window over West Campus and reflect
on your walking Examen. What did you notice about your answers? Is there something
you noticed on campus you haven't noticed before? Think about how you might put your
thoughts into action to move towards creating a more sustainable environment for our
Earth.
- What are 1-2 concrete steps you can take as an individual to become a more conscious steward of the resources available to you?
The Examen is an ongoing experience that can be carried out throughout your day. We invite you to continue walking and reflecting if you feel compelled to. Mindfulness throughout our everyday interactions (I.e., walking through the quad) can be a way for us to open ourselves up to the gifts God shares with us each day.
What can you do right now to advocate for our environment?
Take a look at Loyola University's Office of Sustainability website to learn more about steps you can take, as well as the steps Loyola is taking
to combat climate change and develop a sustainable campus.
If you are unable to make a visit to your Senator鈥檚 or Representative鈥檚 office, we encourage you to pick up the phone and give them a call. This is also a valuable way to express to your legislator the importance of environmental justice within your community.
- .
- .
- from the Ignatian Solidarity Network
Pop-In Examens
Campus Ministry staff and student interns are prepared and available to facilitate Examen practices for your office, group or class. An Examen may be tailored to your group or theme or can be general. We can also provide materials to support your staff in leading your own Examen.
As a virtual outreach of the office of Campus Ministry, we will be actively supporting offices, faculty and clubs across campus by facilitating Examens for the start of your meetings or classes or as longer personal and spiritual development activities.
Campus Ministry (campusministry@loyola.edu) to schedule your Pop-In Examen session, or to request materials.
Pocket Examen
Our Pocket Examens are colorful, illustrated cards with a quick overview of the 5 steps of the examen, small enough to fit next to your Loyola ID. Come pick a printed card up anytime in Campus Ministry in Cohn Hall, or download a copy.
Loyola Community members can also request copies for your group or office by emailing Yulianna Otero Asmar, yoteroasmar@loyola.edu.
Examen Resources
We recommend the following resources to learn more about the Ignatian Examen.
This app created by the Loyola Press is based on Thibodeaux鈥檚 book, Reimagining the
Ignatian Examen, which offers 34 adaptable versions of the Examen. With soothing music
and step-by-step guidance, users can choose from one of the themed Examens鈥攑icking
the reflection that best fits their current state of being鈥攐r select the Examen of
the day.
Information on and experiences of Ignatian spirituality from Jesuit and Ignatian sources
around the world, hosted by Loyola Press. Read an .
Resources in Jesuit Education & Ignatian Spirituality, hosted by Xavier University.
Spiritual Direction at Loyola
Spiritual Direction is a relationship in which we invite someone to accompany us on our faith journey. This person, often called a Spiritual Director or Spiritual Guide, meets with us on a regular basis, provides a listening ear and offers suggestions and resources for our spiritual life.
Graduate & Undergraduate Students
The professional staff of Campus Ministry is available to assist undergraduate and
graduate students who are seeking Spiritual Direction. To learn more, please contact
Campus Ministry at campusministry@loyola.edu.
Loyola Faculty, Administrators & Staff
The Office of Mission Integration is available to assist Loyola Faculty, Administrators
and Staff who are seeking Spiritual Direction. To learn more, please contact Fr.
Stephen Spahn, SJ, at sspahn@loyola.edu. In addition, a Catalog of Spiritual Directors and additional resources are available
through the Office of Ignatian Spirituality, an office of the Maryland and USA Northeast
Provinces of the Society of Jesus committed to partnering with people and ministries
to promote Ignatian spirituality for mission.
Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm
The Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) is a Jesuit approach to education that invites students to learn through context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation, forming not only their intellect but their whole person. It encourages students to connect learning with their lived experiences, reflect on its meaning, and use their knowledge in service of others and the pursuit of justice.
To teach well, teachers need to understand the learner鈥檚 environment, background, and potential. Jesuit education focuses on caring for each individual and requires teachers to understand the learner's life experiences. Teachers should know about the learner鈥檚 family, friends, peers, and society, as these factors influence their learning.
To engage learners fully, teachers should help them connect what they already know with new material. Learners should be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, feelings, and values. Teachers guide them to expand their knowledge in a meaningful way.
Teachers help learners reflect deeply on what they鈥檝e learned by using their memory, understanding, and feelings. This helps them see the broader meaning and connections of what they are studying and understand its relevance to the search for truth.
Teachers encourage students to turn knowledge into action. They create opportunities for students to use what they've learned to make decisions and take action. While this may not immediately change the world, it should lead to new experiences and reflections.
Traditional tests assess academic knowledge, but Jesuit teaching looks at the whole person. Teachers observe how learners grow in character, generosity, and understanding, not just their mastery of the subject. This includes how they respond to others' needs and their development as compassionate individuals.
Adapted from: Korth, S. J. (2008). Precis of Ignatian pedagogy: A practical approach. In G. W. Traub (Ed.), A Jesuit education reader. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press.
Prayers & Resources
Green & Grey Prayer Book
Prayer and reflection are vital aspects of the Loyola Experience and regardless of your faith perspective, we at Campus Ministry encourage you to give some time for prayer and reflection in your busy lives. The Green & Grey Prayer Book is filled with prayers and reflections used in various programs and retreats. Many are used in spiritual and faith-inspired programs and we have invited members of our community to share their own special or personal prayers with you.
Ignatian Year Podcast (500th Anniversary)
The Ignatian Year was celebrated by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) from May 20, 2021, through July 31, 2022.
It marked the 500th anniversary of the day in 1521 when St. Ignatius of Loyola was struck by a cannonball at the Battle of Pamplona. This life-altering "cannonball moment" forced a long period of convalescence and began his spiritual transformation from a soldier into a pilgrim and the founder of the Jesuits.
During this Ignatian Year, Loyola's Se谩n Bray, former Assistant Vice President for Mission and Dr. Paola Pascual-Ferr谩, Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at 麻豆Porn hosted a series of meaningful conversations and reflections surrounding St. Ignatius' life, Ignatian spirituality, and justice.
Episode 1: Welcome to this Ignatian Year
In our first episode (Aug. 24, 2021) we talk about what this Ignatian Year means, the healing power of spiritual conversations, and ways in which the life of Saint Ignatius has helped us navigate 鈥榗annonball moments鈥� in our own lives.
You can listen to our first episode on or watch it on (English captioning available).
Reflect
- What was the fruit of this conversation for you?
- What consoles you from this conversation?
- Was there something in this conversation that was difficult?
- What do you need to move forward with hope?
- Where is it that God is speaking to you today?
Dig Deeper
Links to references mentioned in this episode:
- (A film by Chamika Nipun, SJ)
- (AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast)
- - Keynote by Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ and respondents
- by Parker Palmer
- (University of Toronto Press)
In closing, we offer a short prayer adapted from the film "A Limping Pilgrim," by Chamika Nipun, S.J.
Lord, through your mercy, set me free from my illusions
and purify my attachments so that I may experience
true freedom to live.
Amen
Episode 2: Walking Together in Prayer
In this episode (Oct. 6, 2021) we are joined by Fr. Tim Brown, S.J., an Associate Professor of Law and Social Responsibility and Director of the Office of Mission Integration at 麻豆Porn. We asked him several important questions about the role of prayer: Is prayer the place we should enter into our Ignatian Year journey? In the midst of so much suffering going on in the world, what is the role of prayer? How do prayers influence actions? How is prayer tied to friendship, faithfulness, and fidelity?
You can listen to our second episode on or watch it on (English captioning available).
Reflect
- What does it mean to come into this Ignatian Year with a sense of faithfulness? With a sense of hope?
- How do we come into this year with appreciation, care, and empathy for each other?
- Have you considered saying 鈥淭hank You鈥� as the simplest form of prayer?
- Was there something in this conversation that was difficult?
- What do you need to move forward with hope?
- Where is it that God is speaking to you today?
In closing this episode, Fr. Brown offered us the following blessing:
Go forth in peace.
Have courage.
Hold on to what is good.
Return to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help the suffering.
Honor all men and women.
Rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit;
And may almighty God bless us,
in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Thank you.
Amen
Episode 3: Cultivating a Hope-Filled Future
In this episode (Nov. 17, 2021) we are joined by Dr. June Ellis, Professor of English and Chair of 麻豆Porn's Commitment to Justice Committee. She has spent over two decades working and advocating for justice in Jesuit higher education. She is a source of inspiration to many of her colleagues and students and embodies qualities of joy and hope, so necessary in this work. We had the chance to ask her several questions about hope, including, "What does hope mean when we are in the midst of all these very monumental things going on in the world- climate change, mass incarceration, poverty, racism?" and "How do we hold on to and promote hope in our work for justice?" We hope you enjoy this episode!
You can listen to our third episode via or watch it on YouTube (English captioning available).
Reflect
- What does hope mean to you in your own life and spiritual practice?
- Have there been times when you lost your grip on hope?
- How does attachment hinder our ability to hope?
- How do we nurture hope amid brokenness?
- How can we hold on to and promote hope in our work for justice in the face of increasing demands and taxing circumstances?
Dig Deeper
- , Civil Society Representative from the Marshall Islands at the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit 2014
- (Essay) by Epeli Hau驶ofa
- , one of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences (2019-2029), Society of Jesus
At the end of our conversation, Se谩n offered the following prayer by Sister Ita Ford:
I hope that you come to find that which gives life a deep meaning for you.
Something worth living for - may be even worth dying for 鈥�
something that energizes you, enthuses you, enables you to keep moving ahead.
I can鈥檛 tell you what that might be 鈥� that鈥檚 for you to find, to choose, to love.
I can just encourage you to start looking and support you in the search.
Amen.
Episode 4: Faith and Imagination (Christmas Episode)
In this episode (Dec. 10, 2021) we are joined by Dr. Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Acting Provost and Senior Vice President at 麻豆Porn. She has served at Loyola as program director, department chair, and then associate dean of the School of Education, as associate vice president for graduate academic affairs and diversity, and as the first chief equity and inclusion officer (CEIO). Dr. Moore-Thomas worked in public education as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and district level administrator before coming into higher education. She is a woman of deep faith who has had to reimagine herself continuously in the many different roles she has been called to serve in and, through those roles, inspire others to imagine all the possibilities as well. We had the chance to ask her several questions, including, "What role have faith and imagination played in your life and in your work in education?" and "How have these helped you reimagine the work of racial justice, equity and inclusion at Loyola as its inaugural CEIO?" This episode is dedicated to the memory of Fr. Gregory Lucey, S.J. who passed away on September 30, 2021 and who taught us that God is in relationship, and that we are loved into being. We hope you enjoy this episode!
You can listen to our fifth episode via or watch it on below (English captioning available).
Reflect
- What came up for you as you were listening to this conversation?
- In your life, how are faith and imagination related?
- What are the things that hold you back from having the freedom to dream the dream that God has for you?
- Who are the people that are partnering with you to imagine your most authentic self
- Similarly, who are you partnering with to help them imagine their most authentic selves?
Dig Deeper
- by David L. Fleming, S.J. (Ignatian Spirituality)
- - We invite you to read Luke 1:39-44 and to imagine yourself in that scene. This resource uses the work of artists from around the world as they鈥檝e imagined it. Consider different forms of imaginative prayer.
- (Additional resources from The Ignatian Journey)
Episode 5: Let Us Break Bread Together (Interfaith Action in the Beloved Community)
In this episode (Jan. 21, 2022) we are joined by Rev. Scott Adams, Assistant Director for Interfaith and Ecumenical Ministries at 麻豆Porn. He leads the university鈥檚 interfaith initiatives towards cultivating safe and empowering spaces of faith, educating the community around religious diversity, and acts as liaison between the university and faith communities in greater Baltimore. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of Heritage United Church of Christ, where he is committed to the mission of love, justice, liberation, and peace. Rev. Scott works every day with and for others to help bring about Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community. We had the chance to ask him several questions, including, "Why is it important for Jesuit, Catholic higher education institutions to engage in interfaith work?," "What is the role of curiosity?," and "Is justice even possible if it's not interfaith?" We hope you enjoy this episode!
You can watch our fifth episode on (English captioning available).
Reflect
- What came up for you as you were listening to this conversation?
- In your life, how has faith shaped your worldview?
- By the same token, how have the values and beliefs from others鈥� faith traditions shaped how you relate with others and your own spiritual growth?
- Are there things that hold you back from engaging with others from different faith traditions in a loving and respectful way?
- How are you working in your own life to help create Dr. King鈥檚 Beloved Community?
Dig Deeper
- by William Reiser, S.J.
- by Michael Barnes, S.J.
- Join Loyola鈥檚 annual Hope and Renewal Interfaith Prayer Service (HARPS)
Episode 6: Leading With Trust and Love
In this episode (Mar. 13, 2022) we are joined by Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., Loyola University Maryland's 25th president and first layperson to serve in that capacity. He has been a leader at Loyola for 23 years, assuming increasingly significant responsibilities and advancing strategic priorities that have helped support the growth of the institution. He led the University鈥檚 response to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the planning and successful reopening and operations of Loyola鈥檚 campuses. Given his many years of experience and new responsibilities as president, we had several questions for him including, "How has Ignatian Spirituality informed or shaped your leadership style?" and "What is your hope for the Loyola community during this time?" We hope you enjoy this episode!
You can watch our sixth episode on (English captioning available).
After listening to our conversation, we invite you to reflect on the following questions:
- What came up for you as you were listening to this conversation?
- How does the life of St. Ignatius inspire you to lead in your own life?
- How do you engage with the Jesuit mission in your own work?
- What are your hopes for Loyola (or your own community) at this time?
If you want to dig deeper, here are some resources relevant to our conversation:
- by Jaime Gonz谩lez Magana, SJ.
- by Sarah Broscombe
- ) by Ronald Dufresne, Karin Botto, and E. Springs Steele
- If you want to explore and engage more with our Jesuit Mission, join us for 麻豆Porn's annual Mission Week!
Episode 7: Exploring the Magis
We are excited to share our latest episode of This Ignatian Year, in which we explore the 'Magis' with Dr. Kaye Whitehead, Founding Executive Director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice and Professor of Communication and African & African American Studies at 麻豆Porn. Rev. Bryan Massingale has said of the term 'Magis': "it's probably the most subversive concept in the Jesuit lexicon because you can never fully put your arms around it because it鈥檚 always going to take you to someplace new." In this conversation, Kaye shows how she lives the Magis in her work and throughout her journey in Catholic, Jesuit higher education. She also shares the impact that Ignatian spirituality has had in her life and work. We hope you enjoy this episode!
You can listen to our seventh episode via or watch it on .
Reflect
- How do you live the Magis in your own life?
- How is anti-racism work a part of your spiritual life?
- What do you feel called to do in the work for racial justice? Where (in what parts of your life) could you do more/better?
Dig Deeper
- by Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J.
- by Patrick Saint-Jean, S.J.
- by Rev. Bryan N. Massingale
- by Dr. Kaye Whitehead.
- The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice
Episode 8: Humanities, at the center of a Jesuit Education
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Martin Camper, Director of the Center for the Humanities and Associate Professor of Writing at 麻豆Porn. Dr. Camper is the author of Arguing Over Texts: The Rhetoric of Interpretation and the recipient of the American Forensic Association's 2020 Daniel Rohrer Memorial Outstanding Research Award for the essay "Enthymematic Free Space: The Efficacy of Anti-Stop-and-Frisk Arguments in the Face of Racial Prejudice," which he co-wrote with a former student Zach Fechter. Dr. Camper is a beloved professor and colleague who keep the intellectual life at Loyola vibrant. In this conversation, we asked Dr. Camper why he chose to teach at a Jesuit university, what is the relationship between the Humanities and the spiritual life, and what are some of the challenges for the Humanities in today's higher education landscape. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Learn more about Dr. Camper and the work of the Center for the Humanities at 麻豆Porn.
You can listen to this episode via or watch it via .
Episode 9: Ignatius' Legacy and the Mission of Jesuit Higher Education
In our last episode (Jul. 27, 2022), we enter into conversation with Dr. Afra Hersi, Dean of the School of Education and a Professor in Literacy Teacher Education at 麻豆Porn. Dr. Hersi has 30 years of experience in education and was recently named one of 20 Impact Academy fellows through the Deans for Impact organization.
As we close the Ignatian Year, we wanted to dedicate this episode to one of Ignatius' most important legacies: education as a way to serve God and others. Some of our questions to Dr. Hersi included "What is the role of Jesuit education in healing and recovery from the challenges that people and society at large continue to face?" and "How are Jesuit higher education institutions being called to live out our mission moving forward?"
This Ignatian Year has been a great journey for us, and we are so grateful for all the graces that we have received and to everyone who has given us of their time and generosity to make this podcast possible. Specifically, we would like to thank our guest speakers, Fr. Timothy Brown, S.J., Dr. June Ellis, Dr. Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Rev. Scott Adams, President Terrence Sawyer, Dr. Kaye Whitehead, Dr. Martin Camper, Dr. Afra Hersi, our friends in Campus Ministry and MarComm for their constant support, and everyone who has taken the time to listen.
You can listen to our episode with Dr. Hersi via or via
More Resources
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)
The AJCU provides resources and facilitates relationships and sharing across the 28
Jesuit Universities in the United States. is the online magazine of the AJCU. You can also read regular from the AJCU.
Information on and experiences of Ignatian spirituality from Jesuit and Ignatian sources
around the world, hosted by Loyola Press.
Ignatian Citizenship
Explore this page organized by Father Brown, Special Assistant for Mission Integration,
that revolves around Ignatian Citizenship at Loyola.
Resources in Jesuit Education & Ignatian Spirituality, hosted by Xavier University.
Blogs, videos, prayers and news related to the Jesuits and Ignatian Spirituality,
hosted by Jesuits in Ireland.
Online retreats, daily prayers, stations of the cross, reflections and more, hosted
by Creighton University.
Catholic Women Preach is an innovative project designed to address some of the most
pressing challenges facing the Church today by responding to Pope Francis鈥� call for
broader and more active engagement of the baptized in the preaching mission of the
Church. This project is a deeply faithful, hopeful and joyful initiative intended
to build up the Church.
Daily readings from the New American Bible.
Pray As You Go is a daily prayer session, designed to go with you wherever you go,
to help you pray whenever you find time, but particularly whilst traveling to and
from work, study, etc. A new prayer session is produced every day of the working week
and one session for the weekend. It is not a 'Thought for the Day', a sermon or a
bible-study, but rather a framework for your own prayer. Lasting between ten and thirteen
minutes, it combines music, scripture and some questions for reflection.
Prayers During Uncertain Times
Prayer for These Uncertain Times
Let us pray for all those impacted by the virus and this disruption. Let us be most
generous towards those most vulnerable around us. Let us pray for healthcare workers
and first responders in their service to us all.
-Se谩n Bray, Director of Campus Ministry
Prayer for Our Students
In these unprecedented times, may God bless us.
Bless us with smooth and easy travels.
Bless us with the trust that God is working in this moment.
Bless us with the freedom to offer God any of our frustration and our anxieties.
Bless us with the courage to reach out when in need to family, friends, faculty, and
administrators.
Bless us with hope and faith to be our steady companions.
Bless us with gratitude to be ever present in our hearts and minds.
And may God's grace be apparent to us each step of the way.
May our prayers and actions be with and for the most vulnerable among us.
May we pray and be grateful for the leaders who make difficult decisions in these
unprecedented times.
And may we prayer for the health workers and first responders caring for the sick.
May our loving and generous responses continue to be a light in this world.
And may we continuously be reminded that we are loved by God, our families, our friends,
and our Loyola family.
Ignatius of Loyola once said, "whoever carries God in their heart bares heaven with
them wherever they go".
And I know you do.
And I prayer that you bare Loyola in your heart, as we here at Loyola hold you in
ours hearts and our prayers.
God Bless.
- Se谩n Bray, Director of Campus Ministry
God of infinite mercy, hear our prayer!
In this time of bewilderment and fear, we ask you to give us the courage to take care of one another as Jesus did. For those who are ill, especially those who are frightened and alone, for those who cannot access healthcare, for those who are homeless and lost, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our sadness and grief, we ask you to give us words to comfort one another. For those who are dying, and for those who have already died from this virus, for those who tend them and for those with no one to tend them, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our own anxiety we ask you to give us the courage to support one another as you would. For those who are unexpectedly unemployed, for employers who share what they can, for our government and financial institutions and those who lead them, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our struggle to ensure a healthy future for all who live on this planet, we ask you to give us the hope that surpasses our current understanding. For healthcare workers, spiritual leaders and our faith communities, for artists and poets, for prophets and teachers, hear our prayer!
In the midst of our growing awareness that all life on Earth is connected, we ask
for the heart to respect and cherish all life. That all peoples recognize that we
are all your children, hear our prayer!
We trust in you and your power working in us. Please hear and answer our prayers.
Amen!
Amen!
-Sister Cynthia Serja, Sisters of Mercy
Creator God,
thank you for providing us
with the gift to share our talents.
Provide our community, our nation, our world
the fortitude to provide work for all
which is decent and fair.
Make us faithful stewards
of your creation
to enhance the human dignity
of our global family.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit
now and forever.
Amen
(From Being Neighbor: The Catechism and Social Justice, USCCB, April 1998)