Dear Marquette community,
Tomorrow marks the start of the Ignatian Year, which was first announced by Father Arturo Sosa, superior general of the Society of Jesus, in September 2019.
Father Sosa shared that this privileged year would start on May 20, 2021, and extend through July 31, 2022. “We ask for the grace to be renewed by the Lord,” he said. “We wish to discover a new apostolic enthusiasm inside ourselves, a new life, new ways to follow the Lord. That is why we have chosen as our theme for the year: to see all things new in Christ.”
The Ignatian Year includes both the 400th anniversary of St. Ignatius’ canonization and the 500th anniversary of his injury at the Battle of Pamplona, where his process of transformation began. The legacy of this experience finds tangible expression in his Spiritual Exercises, the Jesuits and Jesuit education.
With great joy, we invite the entire Marquette community to join us, the worldwide body of Jesuits, and their ministries across the globe in celebrating this Ignatian Year.
Father Sosa recognizes the centrality of Ignatius’ personal experiences and its communal implications. Father Sosa invites us to a similar level of introspection. By returning to our Ignatian roots, we avail ourselves of a transformational experience. Father Sosa states, “It gives us a good opportunity to make known our spiritual root, that spiritual source that feeds and nourishes us in so many ways and places. Deepening and renewing our own interior freedom and energy for the Magis opens us to new and enriching perspectives.”
Additionally, Father Sosa underscores the importance of this Ignatian Year transformation, “…which is necessary for our greater spiritual and apostolic freedom and adaptability. Let us take this opportunity to let God transform our life-mission, according to His will.”
To celebrate this year, we have named several co-chairs, who will establish a committee to guide our year of reflection and renewal at Marquette. The co-chairs include:
- Dr. Heidi Bostic, dean of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences
- Dr. Xavier Cole, vice president for Student Affairs
- Ms. Brigid Kinsella-Alba, assistant director of mission engagement in the Office of Mission and Ministry
- Dr. Michael Dante, director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality
Please know we are truly grateful for your engagement in this year of reflection and renewal. Our hope is it will be a truly enriching and meaningful experience for our community.
Lastly, be sure to visit the Marquette Ignatian Year website for more resources and to learn more about this yearlong celebration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael R. Lovell
President
Rev. James Voiss, S.J.
Vice President for Mission and Ministry
