The summer months are quickly drawing to a conclusion for those of us whose lives revolve around the academic calendar. For some of us, the new school year will be starting in a couple of days. For others, we are squeezing into our lives our final precious moments of recreation and rest before we have to return to ministry or work.

The past couple of weeks have been a special time of celebration for many of us. In particular, there have been some moments of celebrating our Ignatian and Jesuit heritage and charism. I would like to share with you a few celebrations that remain with me.

 

THE CENTENNIAL CONVOCATION 2009 OF THE CALIFORNIA PROVINCE OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS

This year the California Province of the Society of Jesus celebrates 100 years of presence and service to the Church in the Western States of the United States. A special gathering of Jesuits with their apostolic partners was held at Santa Clara University on August 8, 2009, to celebrate our history, shared mission, and hope for the future. To learn more about this celebration, visit Centennial Convocation 2009 of the California Province of the Society of Jesus

 

THE CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA 2009

July 31 marks the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Jesuit apostolates traditionally hold special liturgies and social gatherings to mark this important feast day.

This year I attended three celebrations: at Loyola Marymount University; at the Jesuit Novitiate; and at Blessed Sacrament Church.

View some of the pictures that were taken at the celebration at Blessed Sacrament Church for the Vigil of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola 2009 at Blessed Sacrament.

 

THE CELEBRATION OF THE PROFESSION OF FIRST VOWS OF CALIFORNIA PROVINCE JESUIT NOVICES 2009

On Saturday, August 9, 2009, three men professed First Vows in the Society of Jesus at the Santa Clara Mission Church. These men were: Roberto Carlos Durán, SJ; Thomas Flowers, SJ; John Tanner, SJ. We are blessed by their generous offering of self to God and the Church through the Society of Jesus.

 

THE CELEBRATION OF THE 2009 JUBILARIANS OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE

On Saturday, August 1, 2009, several Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange celebrated jubilee in their Congregation at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange. Among the CSJ of Orange 2009 Jubilarians were some longtime apostolic partners:  

Sr. Agnes Marie Schon, CSJ, (80 years) served at Loyola Marymount University Campus Ministry for 33 years where she directed the retreat program and the RCIA program. She is a longtime friend and mentor.

Sr. Nadine McGuinness, CSJ, (50 years) currently serves at Loyola Marymount Unversity as an adjuct professor in the Department of Theological and Pastoral Studies in systematic theology.

As a partner of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, it was a special gift to be part of this celebration of love and service to God’s People. It was a real treat to see some LMU faculty and alumni at this celebration.

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