This Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the work of just a tiny percentage of the women leaders who serve the church and the world through their leadership in Jesuit and Ignatian ministries. These leaders shared a bit about their work and how Ignatian spirituality shapes their lives. They also offered their perspectives on ways the Jesuits can continue to improve how they welcome, empower and support women leaders.
Other Jesuit institutional connections:
What does your job entail?
I oversee safeguarding efforts for the Jesuit provinces in Canada and the U.S. and collaborate with our international partners on global safeguarding initiatives. I also work closely with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and other male religious institutes around the country on various safeguarding matters.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with my colleagues, within the Jesuit Conference and beyond. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by other mission-focused folks who remind me why I do this ministry.
Accompanying the province safeguarding teams as they enhance and build upon the best practices in safeguarding is both fun and challenging. I also really enjoy the international aspect of this work: how safeguarding is lived out in different cultures around the globe and how we can learn from and grow together in this arena.
How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
It is not an understatement to say that safeguarding can be a heavy topic. Finding God, finding the beauty in the messiness, in the pain that can be involved in this ministry … that is Ignatian spirituality. I’ve asked myself, “where is God in this?” more times than I can recall. Accompaniment is at the crux of this work, whether one is supporting victim/survivors, the accused or any member of the community. At the end of the day, safeguarding is ultimately about the safety of and care for all of God’s people — the cura personalis, if you will.
How could the Jesuits and the church as a whole foster women’s leadership more effectively?
This was a challenge we discussed at a meeting in Rome last year. In a male religious order and in a church in which only men can be in authority, this is a real struggle. This is especially true at the province level. We need to look at more ways to empower women in our apostolates and ministries.
What’s one of your favorite quotes about leadership or the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Pope Francis, in a private audience several years ago, said: “Leaders lead with tenderness, patience and persuasion.” The most exceptional leaders I have been blessed to know over the years have exemplified this as they navigated some truly challenging waters.
