While the morning of this past Saturday did not find me in Rome among the thousands of mourners gathered for Pope Francis’s funeral, I sought out a place where I could spiritually join in mourning the Pope. I strolled the quiet path around a Jesuit cemetery just north...
“New year, new me.” I confess that I have a back-and-forth relationship with this phrase. In principle, I like it. It’s filled with hope, conviction, and a deep desire for growth. But I often hear people use this phrase sarcastically, with an accent of...
Jesus tells us that the greatest will be the least. Brian Kemper, SJ, reflects on embracing Christ’s call to self-forgetfulness in service to others. Based on the readings from the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. What is holding us back from serving...
After graduate school and before becoming a Jesuit, I lived and volunteered for one year in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Living in community with other volunteers, we shared responsibilities, including cooking. Recent college grads are generally not known for their cooking,...
You probably know how long Jesuit formation takes – about eleven years – and what studies are required – philosophy and theology. You might not know that before ordination, the Jesuits provide additional spiritual training, commonly called “Arrupe Month.” This...
