Today is Fr. George Lane’
s 40th anniversary at Loyola Press, the Jesuit ministry in Chicago where I humbly and proudly serve. Fr. Lane, who has served as President of Loyola Press since 1989, is a true legend in Chicago (and in the publishing business) and especially in the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus. In addition to his amazing tenure at Loyola Press, Fr. Lane is also responsible for coordinating the efforts that saved and led to the renovation of historic Holy Family parish on Roosevelt Rd. in Chicago…one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The restoration is referred to as the “miracle on Roosevelt Rd.”
Fr. Lane began his career as a teacher, teaching at St. Ignatius College Prep (where I later graduated from). He had some hesitations when asked to move into the publishing business but quickly realized that he wasn’t giving up teaching…he was just going to be teaching in a different way – and reaching LOTS more people!
I won’t go on with numerous details about his life and accomplishment, many (and very interesting) as they may be. I do however want to tell you that each and every day, Fr. George walks through the entire company and greets/chats with every employee, some 80+. What a great role model! When asked if he plans to retire, he always responds by saying, “Why should I? I’m having more fun than most kids my age!” And, whenever he’s told of or refers to some good news about the Press, he always responds or concludes by saying, “Thank you, Jesus!”
Thank you, Jesus, for Fr. George Lane, SJ!!!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
rosemary durkin snyder 08.28.09 at 11:29 am
Hello Father Lane,
Good morning!
I am doing research for the building behind Holy Family Church, the old rectory currently being restored. We are trying to include artwork reflecting the many uses of the facility over the years. I believe Madame Galway (do not know if she was a nun or a lay person) was the first to occupy the building, but I am sure you know almost everything there is to know about its history.
I have heard and read a lot about you and would love to meet you in person.
My father, Ignatius class of 39, (dad is being inducted to the hall of fame this year during the homecoming game) and brother, class of 72, both named Bill Durkin and 2 of my 4 children, graduated from St Ignatius. I wrote an article about my dad in the Ignatius magazine about a year ago.
My youngest, Katie Snyder is a junior. Actually, fyi…. both my father and brother received b ball scholarships to Loyola University and my son, who is a student at Loyola in his senior year received a scholarship as well, (an academic one) Three generations!…ok that being said…oh well, I might as well throw in the fact that Samantha Snyder, a Sophomore at St Mary’s at Notre Dame was a participant in the Cardinal Stritch Junior Service Presentation Ball at the Conrad Hilton…(actually so was I, in 1969. I sat next to Christiaan Barnard during dinner, along with Captain Edward Vernon Rickenbacker)… another story)
My family constantly urges me to cut to the chase, and get to the point…so I will spare you any more details…
I was wondering if you would have some time for a chat!
kindest regards,
rosemary durkin snyder
home phone
630-986-1551
cell phone
630-363-6412
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