Creating a “Caring Corner”

A very important aspect of Ignatian spirituality is being a “person for others.” With that in mind, we periodically organize drives here at Loyola Press to collect items (and money) that will serve the needs of others. Most recently, we had a school supply drive to assist the students at an inner-city Catholic school in Chicago. In addition, we also recently collected books for the Jesuit Prison Ministry – 9 boxes weighing over 300 pounds […]

A Jesuit Pope, Heroic Leadership, and the “Splendid Mission” of Catechesis

We have a new chief catechist! Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, brings with him to the papacy an approach to catechesis as a “splendid mission” that is a “pillar of the Church.” These are words that the former Cardinal Bergoglio used to celebrate a Day of the Catechist in Buenos Aries in 2010. What else did he say about catechesis and catechists? Here’s a sample: He expressed gratitude for the “silent and committed dedication” of […]

Welcome Pope Francis!!!

We rejoice at the announcement of the papacy of Francis I, a Jesuit Pope! The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenes Aires becomes our 266th pope and we join him in praying for unity and peace. I’m excited about him being a Jesuit since I work for a Jesuit ministry, Loyola Press, and attended Jesuit schools for 12 years! Ignatian spirituality resonates with so many people and it’s wonderful to have a pope who understands […]

Fr. Jim Martin, SJ, on 20/20

On Good Friday evening, Jesuit priest and author, Fr. Jim Martin, will be featured on 20/20 (9:00 p.m. CST). His segment is devoted to talking about the saints which makes great sense since he is the author of the best-selling book, My Life with the Saints. Fr. Jim is an outstanding author and a delightful speaker and I have no doubt that he will provide a proud moment for Catholics on Good Friday evening! P.S. […]

Las Posadas

In a very tiny way, I can relate to the journey of Joseph and Mary as they left Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem: it just so happens that I’m moving from one workspace to another! Although the distance of my journey will only be about 50 feet, it is a small reminder that we are all pilgrims on a much grander journey! I was thinking that I should add a dramatic flare to my move […]

Catechists and Spiritual Direction

At one time (and perhaps in the minds of many people still today), spiritual direction was considered something reserved for the “spiritual elite” – priests and religious. Today, more and more lay people are discovering the value of spiritual direction. I’ve been seeing a spiritual director for about 5 years now and find it extremely enriching. At a recent presentation I was giving, I asked catechists what they are doing for their own ongoing spiritual […]

Ignatian Spirituality.com

I have to tell you about an exciting new resource: Ignatian Spirituality.com. IgnatianSpirituality.com is a service of Loyola Press, a ministry of the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It offers information on and experiences of Ignatian spirituality from Jesuit and Ignatian sources around the world. IgnatianSpirituality.com serves all audiences—the curious, the knowledgeable, and the expert. IgnatianSpirituality.com provides pathways into the major areas of Ignatian spirituality: prayer spiritual direction retreats making good decisions   […]

Ad Multos Annos, Fr. George Lane, SJ!

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 […]