April 8, 2021 — Here’s a roundup of recent news from Jesuits around Canada and the U.S.
Examining Gender in the Society
A new commission is slated to evaluate women’s inclusion within the Society of Jesus. Announced by Fr. General Arturo Sosa, the “Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women in the Society of Jesus” includes six laywomen, three Jesuits and one layman from global Jesuit works. Dr. Donna Andrade, dean of Mission and Ministry of at Fairfield Prep, is the sole female representative for the North American continent.
Leading into the Future
After nearly 12 years as the director of the migrant ministry Kino Border Initiative (KBI), Fr. Sean Carroll, SJ, has been named the next provincial of the Jesuits West Province. “Humble and zealous, Father Carroll is rooted in Christ,” said Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, leader of the Society of Jesus. “He is a visionary with audacious apostolic imagination who can also put ideas into practice.”
Joanna Williams will succeed Fr. Carroll as director of KBI — the first woman and layperson to hold the role.
Fr. Joseph G. Marina, SJ, will serve as the next president of the University of Scranton. Fr. Marina has extensive background in university administration, having worked at universities for 17 years before he joined the Jesuits. Most recently, he served as the as provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of education at Le Moyne College.
Former president, Fr. Scott Pilarz, SJ, passed away in March from complications of ALS.
“I remember [Fr. Pilarz] saying to me, ‘Who knows with any luck and god’s grace, you’ll be able to come here and work at the University of Scranton,’” Fr. Marina says. The University will be led by an acting president ntil Fr. Marina assumes the post in the summer of 2021.
Seeking the “Why” of God
Why does a loving God allow us to suffer? Br. Joe Hoover, SJ, attempts to answer this eternal question in his new book, “O Death Where is Thy Sting?” Told through stories and meditations on encounters in Jesuit life, Br. Hoover seeks the “how and why of God.” Listen to our AMDG podcast with Br. Hoover to learn more.
Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty
By the end of 2021, an empty plot of land will become homes for 73 families experiencing homelessness in Spokane. A project of Gonzaga University, Gonzaga Prep and Catholic Charities, the housing complex aims to “break the cycle of intergenerational poverty” by providing more than housing. Families will have access to mental health and food services, as well educational resources. Dubbed the “Gonzaga Family Haven,” the complex will include a childcare center, health clinic, computer lab, chapel, outdoor recreation spaces and a community garden.
Charting New Courses
A new Jesuit First Studies Program will open this coming fall at Fordham University. Helmed by rector Fr. Willliam Sheahan, SJ; program director Fr. Michael Zampelli, SJ; and coordinator Kevin Yonkers-Talz, the program will emphasize community-based learning through ministry placements around the Bronx.
Fostering Exchange
Next fall, Rockhurst University will become the host institution for the inaugural participant in AJCU’s new Currie Fellowship Program: a yearlong executive leadership exchange program between two Jesuit institutions. The first Currie Fellow will be Fr. John Thiede, SJ, an associate professor of theology at Marquette University. The Fellowship enables participants to work closely with the president, Board of Trustees, administrators and faculty at their guest institution — fostering greater collaboration between Jesuit universities.
Jesuit Celebrations
Fr. Levelt Michaud, SJ, was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 19, 2020, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at the Chapel of the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis by Auxiliary Bishop Sylvain Ducange, SDB.
Congratulations to Fr. Levelt Michaud, SJ, who was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 19, 2020, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at the Chapel of the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis by Auxiliary Bishop Sylvain Ducange, SDB. pic.twitter.com/seWQ5U8vzg
— Jesuit News (@jesuitnews) January 26, 2021
Fr. Marc Reeves, SJ, professed final vows at Loyola Marymount University on Dec. 1, 2020.
Fr. Desmond Buhagar, SJ, professed final vows on Nov. 21, 2020, in Toronto.
Congratulations to Fr. Desmond Buhagar, SJ, who pronounced Final Vows in the Society of Jesus on November 21 in Toronto, with Fr. Erik Oland, SJ, provincial of the Jesuits of Canada, present. pic.twitter.com/fQubd94Tlb
— Jesuits of Canada (@JesuitsofCanada) December 10, 2020