As the pages of the 2024 book come to a close, now is a great time to recall some of the stories that spotlighted Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit mission and values this past year. This does not include moments related to the death of Dr. Michael R. Lovell. We continue to mourn this loss and remember his family in prayer.
New St. Ignatius statue
Marquette leaders officially welcomed the newest member of the campus community — an engaging statue of St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus. The statue is located in the heart of campus outside the Chapel of the Holy Family and across from Dr. E. J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall. More information about the new statue can be found here.
Chapel re-opens after renovations
The Chapel of the Holy Family, the university’s most frequently utilized chapel, underwent this refreshing renovation thanks to the generosity of the more than 120 donors who helped make the project a reality. Renovations to the Chapel of the Holy Family include new interior finishes, acoustical improvements, a new audio system and the introduction of exterior windows. Photos can be found on the Marquette Mission and Ministry Instagram account.
Mission and Ministry wraps up ‘en todo amar y servir’ theme
The Office of Mission and Ministry debuted its Ignatian theme for the year in September 2023. The year showcased day-to-day acts of service done out of love on campus and off.
Mass of the Holy Spirit
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating to 1548, in which the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year. This year, Marquette celebrated by hosting Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 4, 2024. There was a campuswide break in undergraduate classes to encourage students of any religious affiliation to attend the mass. During Mass the Holy Spirit, Fr. Joe Simmons, S.J. spoke about the seven gifts bestowed on everyone, two of which are wisdom and knowledge. A recap of the campus celebration can be found here.
First-ever Marquette Ignatian Educator of Distinction Award
Marquette Nursing alumna and faculty member Dr. Marija Bjegovich-Weidman was honored with the first-ever Marquette Ignatian Educator of Distinction Award during the Marquette Women’s Luncheon on Feb. 5, 2024. The award recognizes Bjegovich-Weidman’s incorporation of Jesuit values into her teaching.
Interreligious experience sharing
Over 60 people from varied religious backgrounds packed the Lunda Room in the Alumni Memorial Union during the Amazing Faith Dinner on Feb. 19, 2024, to share stories of their lives and purposefully listen to one another during an interreligious experience. The event was hosted by the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee which partnered with Campus Ministry.
