Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, soldier turned saint, self-proclaimed pilgrim, born 1491, died 1556.
While many faculty, staff and students are away from campus today, there are some who will still be celebrating at Marquette, celebrating this Ignatian heritage, inspired by our founder St. Ignatius. Today, and this year more than ever, we are called to lean in, to walk more closely, and to proclaim our Catholic and Jesuit roots. In particular, our Jesuit Apostolic Preferences guide us to envision a hope-filled future for our youth, to show the way to God, to accompany the poor and those on the margins, and to care for our common home. As we reflect in gratitude today on what is most important to us as Jesuits, lay colleagues, friends and companions, we ask St. Ignatius to intercede for us.
St. Ignatius, guide us as we navigate the many cross currents and negative messages in our world, and help us to bring a positive message: that with a Marquette education, we strive to be change-makers, to Be the Difference, to give back to our local communities, our states, our nation and our world. As our newest statue of St. Ignatius looks out onto Wisconsin Avenue from the beautiful patio outside the newly renovated Chapel of the Holy Family, and faces outward toward the world, may we be inspired “to set the world aflame” — “Inflammate Omnia” — and through our words and actions inspire others to do the same.
Rev. John Thiede, S.J.
Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Marquette University
