TO BE GOD’S HEART ON EARTH: A FRESH INTERPRETATION OF DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART

The USD Center for Christian Spirituality presents “To Be God’s Heart on Earth: A Fresh Interpretation of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart” by Sr. Kathleen Hughes, RSCJ.

University of San Diego
Solomon Lecture Hall, Maher Hall
Thursday, September 25, 2008
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

$10 pre-registration
$15 at the door
half-price for USD faculty and staff
free for students with valid ID

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUALITY BREAKFAST SEMINARS

The USD Center for Christian Spirituality will offer Business Leadership and Spirituality Seminars again this Fall Semester. Gather with business leaders to explore the place of spirituality in the business world.

University of San Diego
Salomon Lecture Hall, Maher Hall
Tuesdays, beginning September 30, 2008, through November 18, 2008
7;15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

$395 per person (continental breakfast included)
$300 for each additional person from the same company

A PERSISTENT PEACE: ONE MAN’S STRUGGLE FOR A NONVIOLENT WORLD

The Center for Spiritual Development presents an evening with Fr. John Dear, SJ, a longtime practitioner and teacher of nonviolence, and author of 25 books on peace and justice. Fr. Dear will offer a reading from his soon to be released autobiography, A Persistent Peace, and will be available for questions and autographing copies of this book.

Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
St. Joseph Center, Mother Louis Room
Orange, CA
Friday, September 26, 2008
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Free will offering.

SOCIETY OF JESUS FIRST VOWS

On Saturday, August 16, 2008, 6 men will profess perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the Society of Jesus at Sacred Heart Chapel, Loyola Marymount University, at 10:00 a.m.

The six men are: Christopher A. Calderon, SJ; Sam Z. Conedra, SJ; E. Joseph O’Keefe, SJ; Elias Puentes, SJ; Andrew A. Rodriguez, SJ; Marc P. Valadao, SJ.

We pray in thanksgiving for the gift of these men to the Society of Jesus. We pray for their perseverence. And, let us continue to pray for vocations to the Society of Jesus.

One of the purposes of this blog is to provide on-going information and reflections on Ignatian Spirituality and Jesuit-Lay Partnership. In this spirit, I believe it is important to recognize and celebrate on this blog the accomplishments of Jesuits and our Partners in Ministry.

LMU SR. JUDITH ROYER, CSJ, OUTSTANDING TEACHER OF THEATRE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

LMU Theatre Professor, Sr. Judith Royer, CSJ, received the 2008 Outstanding Teacher of Theatre in Higher Education on July 3o by the Association of Theatre in Higher Education at their national conference in Denver. 

Sr. Judith is a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange and has been teaching theatre at Loyola Marymount University for 35 years.

For more information, visit Judith Royer, CSJ, To Receive National Theatre Teaching Award.   

MAKING CHOICES IN CHRIST: THE FOUNDATIONS OF IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY BY JOSEPH A. TETLOW, SJ

I just finished reading the book, Making Choices in Christ: The Foundations of Ignatian Spirituality, by Fr. Joseph Tetlow, SJ. In a very direct and hospitable voice, Fr. Tetlow leads the reader through 40 different meditations on Ignatian Spirituality.

I believe this would be a good resource for those who have made the Spiritual Exercises and are looking for a way to continue to reflect upon that experience and to gain understanding of Ignatian Spirituality.

FEAST OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

Today, July 31, is the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the gift of the life of St. Ignatius, his Spiritual Exercises, and the Society he founded.

May the Lord continue to bless the members of the Society of Jesus, its ministries, our ministry partners, and all men and women who share our Ignatian charism.

Happy Feast Day!

IGNATIAN SERVICE: GRATITUDE AND LOVE IN ACTION

Studies in The Spirituality of Jesuits has published an article by Wilkie Au, professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University, entitled ”Ignatian Service: Gratitude and Love in Action”. 

Directing this article to Jesuits and their Lay Partners, Wilkie Au articulates an understanding of Ignatian service that flows from gratitude and love and is experienced as work united with Christ as co-workers. While inspiring commitment, he also raises awareness of the need to foster balance in ministry.

The article is a important scholarly reflecton for Jesuts and Lay Parnters in our common desire and action to be men and women of service of our Lord.  

I do not often travel by car between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. And with the high price of gasoline these days, it hardly seems economical. Yet, this week I made such a trip to Santa Clara to attend a Colloquium for New Jesuit Superiors.

Interstate 5 is my usual pathway to Northern California, but this time I decided to take US Highway 101. While Interstate 5 is more direct that Highway 101, the latter is far more scenic especially during the hot summer months.

In making such a solitary ride, I often bring with me my CDs. Yes, I bring anything I can sing along with: Country, Broadway and Movie Tracks, Disco, and even some Liturgical Music. I sing with no external or internal critic.

This time, however, I decided to take with me an audio series produced by Now You Know Media. The selection was St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Remarkable History of the First Jesuits by Fr. John O’Malley, SJ. Fr. O’Malley is a Jesuit priest and Professor of Church History at Georgetown University.

This time I was not singing, but learning. Or better yet, I was relearning and deepening my appreciation for the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the founding of the Society of Jesus. 

I highly recommend this audio series. And for those involved in a Jesuit Ministry, this is certainly a excellent tool or resource for Jesuit Partnership and Ignatian Spirituality. 

“IN SPITE OF DARKNESS: A SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTER WITH AUSCHWITZ” AT O.L. LOURDES, TUJUNGA, CA

“In Spite of Darkness: A Spiritual Encounter with Auschwitz”, an award winning documentary will be screened at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tujunga. The film recently won three Silver Telly Awards. Fr. Ron Schmidt, SJ, producer, will be on hand to answer questons before and after the film.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Donation: $5.00

Screening with Questions and Answers begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 7344 Apperson Street, Tujunga, CA 91402.

JESUIT PRIESTHOOD ORDINATIONS

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., four Jesuits will be ordained to priesthood by Most Reverend Gabino Zavala, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Loyola Marymount University.

 These four men are: Richard Anthonysamy, SJ; Frank Buckley, SJ; Sean Dempsey, SJ; You Guo Jiang, SJ. A reception will immediately follow.

Let us give praise and thanksgiving to God for the generous offering of self that each of these men makes in service of God and Church through priestly ministry in the Society of Jesus.

CSJ FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT FILM SERIES: GERRY STRAUB

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange present films that raise awareness and encourage conversation about dynamic, ever-changing systemic and critical needs of the world.

On Friday, June 6, 2008, The First Friday Night Film Series presents Gerry Straub, founder of the San Damiano Foundation.

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Gathering and Reception

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Special Guest Gerry Straub

St. Joseph Center Auditorium, 480 S. Batavia St., Orange, CA

Free admission but RSVP is appreciated by calling (714) 633-8121 or justice@csjorange.org

LMU CENTER FOR RELIGION AND SPIRITUALTIY: MEETING JESUS AT THE MOVIES

Meeting Jesus at the Movies, a very visual and practical presentation, will look at a variety of film clips from major motion pictures through the lens of the Gospels and offer suggestions for authentic experience of cinema divina.

Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP, and Sr. Gretchen Hailer, RSHM, will be presenters.

Sponsored by the LMU Center for Religion and Spirituality.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Blessed Sacrament Church, 6657 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA

Free admission 

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, I had the distinct honor of presiding at the Eucharistic Celebration honoring eight Sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary at the RSHM Conference Center in Montebello, CA.

The Sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary were founded by Fr. Jean Gailhac in Béziers, France, in 1849. I have known many of the Sisters through my years at Loyola Marymount Unversity as an undergraduate student and much later as a member of LMU Campus Ministry and of LMU Student Affairs. The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary are one of the sponsoring religious communites of LMU along with the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.

Among the jubilarians honored were: Sr. Marguerite McLoughlin, RSHM (70 years); Sr. Frances Gussenhoven, RSHM (60 years); Sr. Antoinette Tripaldi, RSHM (60 years); Sr. Elena Camarillio, RSHM (50 years); Sr. Teresita Carrillo, RSHM (50 years); Sr. Marilyn Ficht, RSHM (50 years); Sr. Maureen Theresa McGroddy RSHM (50 years); Sr. Breda Shelly, RSHM (50 years).

Sr. Pat Connor, RSHM, Provincial for the Western Province, welcomed the assembly at the beginning of the celebration. Later, she invited the Jubilarian Sisters to stand and renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before the gathered assembly.

Fr. Robert Scholla, SJ, Rector of the LMU Jesuit Community, preached the homily. Fr. Randy Roche, SJ, Director of the LMU Center for Ignatian Spirituality, served as Master of Ceremonies. Other priest concelebrants included Fr. Paul Nourie, OMI, and Fr. Kevin Larkin.

As you might imagine, it was a joyful celebration of the lives, dedication, ministry, service, generosity and love of these women for God and for the Church. What a wonderful testimony to the power and presence of grace in their lives and in the RSHM Community.

A very powerful moment for me came when we joined hands during the Lord’s Prayer. It was a profound moment of our welcome and share in the RSHM Extended Family: RSHM, SJ, OMI, diocesan priest, and lay men and women.

And from a Jesuit perspective, it was a certainly a moment of Jesuit Partnership with those who share in our ministry. Yes, the Sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary share our Ignatian Charism. Many of the Sisters present in the assembly had either worked at LMU or lived at the LMU Leavey Center. In addition, among the jubilarians, Sr. Marilyn Ficht, RSHM, teaches at Verbum Dei High School, and Sr. Frances Gussenhoven, RSHM, serves in the LMU Center for Ignatian Spirituality. Sr. Peg Dolan, RSHM, LMU Alumni Chaplain, was also present and gave the toast and blessing during the dinner reception.

The Holy Spirit really is creating something new with our call to collaboration with the laity and other religious. And in such moments I am reminded that Jesuit colloboration with the laity and religious has two beautiful sides in the relationship. 

This year I had the privelege of accompanying several people in making The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola in the Everyday Life Format, also called the Nineteenth Annotation Retreat. I accompanied deacon candidates and their wives in group spiritual direction as part of the LA Deacon Formation Program. I also accompanied members of Blessed Sacrament Church in group spiritual direction. And lastly, I accompanied one person who made the retreat in individual spiritual direction.

I asked some of these retreatants to share a little about their experience of making The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life. I invite you to read their reflections below.

___________ 

When I learned that our first year introduction to the LA Deacon Formation Program would include making The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, I was very intrigued.

Now that the Spiritual Exercises have concluded, I have been brought into an intimacy with our Lord that is continuing to captivate my being. It has left me with a yearning to continue experiencing His love and that has awakened my senses to a greater spiritual life.

Michael Morgan, 53, Restaurant Operator, West Hollywood

__________ 

The Spiritual Exerices of St. Ignatius of Loyola left me with a sense of emotional cleansing and a closer relationship with Jesus.

I gained a new appreciation for the Bible. I gained greater self-awareness through the experience of the heroism of St. Joseph, the hidden life of Jesus, and the ministry of Jesus reaching out to people like Zacchaeus, who like, me sometimes is lost in fears and has control issues.

It was not always easy to sit in meditation. I experienced both periods of restlessness and periods of inner peace. Yet, I was encouraged by our spiritual director to sit with the painful issues and restlessness and to bring these to Jesus.

I feel more connected to His Sacred Heart which I believe is an experience of inner peace and transcendence.

Jana Gottfried, 47, Social Worker, Hollywood

 __________

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola not only helped me to become aware of God’s presence in everything I perceive and do, but also to contemplate God’s presence in all of God’s creation.

They also challenged me to examine myself, and I found myself transforming into a better person in all aspects of my life.

The Spiritual Exercises were and will continue to be a blessing in my life as I continue to discern my vocation in the LA Deacon Formation Program.

Jorge Ramos, 32, Elementary School Teacher, Long Beach

__________ 

I became Catholic at 27 years of age. I prayed everyday, usually praying the Liturgy of the Hours. But as I reflect back on this, I realize that I did not feel a deep connection with Jesus Christ.

As part of the LA Deacon Formation Program, I was asked to make The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola along with my husband, the other deacon candidates and their wives. At first, I was not sure what this would involve but I honestly was not expecting much change in the way I pray.

But a lot has changed in the way I pray and what happens in my prayer. I am especially aware of the important role that feelings have in prayer.

I believe The Spiritual Exercises are very important for people who desire to follow Jesus. I experienced Jesus’ love for me and for humanity, and I realized how much love I want to give back to Him.

Hanh Nguyen, 47, Accountant, North Long Beach

__________ 

It had been a question for a long time: What IS prayer? Throughout the weeks of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola I learned how palpable God could be through the use of the Holy Scriptures. Not only did prayer materialize the figure of Christ as a more ”real” (and consequently closer) person, but I got to know Him in different ways by sharing His own experiences.

If I can describe this journey in simple words, I would state that this had been a spiritual roller coaster. Each week and each exercise has helped my relationship with God grow: the deeper I went, the higher the level of closeness to God (and so, the more intense and personal the experience would be).

While the infinite love of God will always remain a mystery, His personal love toward me revealed itself in unpredictable ways. Whether it did through pain, guilt, joy or tears, it all came effortlessly through prayer, almost as if God (through written language) became the guide that I followed. Each word echoed in my heart, finding its way within me and resting in “corners” I never knew I had.

I am grateful for this experience and the enrichment I gained from it.

Francesco Curá, 31, Actor and Photographer, Hollywood

__________

For me to have lived The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola was something extraordinary.

I have lived all my life searching for God. I have felt that I was unworthy of God’s love because of things that have happened in my life.

The retreat helped me to talk to God the Father, to Jesus, and to Mary. I asked them for a sign of their love for me and the answer seemed to come very powerfully on Palm Sunday while attending Mass. Both the Gospel of the Passion of the Lord and the reception of Communion brought me tears and a strong sense of the presence of God in my heart and being. That is when I realized how profoundly God loves me and how God has been with me throughout my life.

Now that I have finished the retreat, I know how uniquely I am loved by God. I have a strong desire to continue to pray with the scriptures, to dedicate time regularly to meditation, and to keep attending to my relationship with God.

This has been the best thing that ever happened to me.

Maria Eugenia Alvarado Barajas, 47, House Cleaner, Hollywood

__________

Living the Nineteenth Annotation of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola made me realize the love God has for me. God loves me as I am. Jesus is always at my side and has never abandoned me although I have abandoned him at times.

This retreat made me aware of the graces that the Spirit gives me. I learned to ask for the graces that I desire and to trust that the Holy Spirit will grant these desires if that is what God wants for me.

The retreat helped me and taught me how to communicate with God the Father, with Jesus and with our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary.

In making the Spiritual Exercises, I learned to recognize and to express my feelings in prayer and with others in my spiritual direction group. I was amazed how alive the scriptures became at Mass as I listened to them and how they touched my heart.

I feel that the retreat has made me a better Catholic and stronger in my faith and spirit.

Victor Barajas, 37, Sales Representative, Hollywood

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