Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, had a heart-breaking moment in his life as he was boarding a ship departing from the Holy Land. He deeply desired and was certain that God wanted Him to live forever there in Jerusalem, to be near the Christian holy sites and to give people his Spiritual Exercises. But that was not going to happen. On that trek that headed back ultimately to Barcelona, heading further and further away from Jerusalem, he continued to believe that God had a plan for him. It just wasn’t going to be what he thought it was.
Before he disembarked once again in his native Spain, somewhere on that long journey, he had stood with the Lord in prayer and offered himself as completely as he could. Now he desired only one thing—to do God’s will—whatever it was going to be. He realized that two things would shape his life from now on, and they are the two things that continue to shape the life of every Jesuit, and every work that claims a Jesuit identity. One was to be in service to God and neighbor and second was to do it and everything else for one purpose only: the Greater Glory of God (ad majorem dei gloriam).
Here we are, nearly 500 years later, and that continues to be our mission. We choose to serve and not to be served. We actively seek out those most in need, as Ignatius did from that moment onward, and we seek to be of service to them. We serve, trying our best not to take into consideration any remuneration—any payback or recognition. WE SERVE WITH OTHERS, SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, AND ALL FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD.
Our present Father General, Arturo Sosa, has outlined for us the specific ways that we (Jesuits and all working in a Jesuit work) will serve. We will help show the way to God by using Fr. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and discernment. We will walk with the excluded wherever we find them, and we will always seek the route of reconciliation. We will accompany youth for a hope-filled future. And we will care for our common home, the Earth.
FROM THE GENERAL IN ROME, TO EVERYONE IN THE GONZAGA PREP FAMILY, WE CLAIM AND LIVE OUR CATHOLIC AND JESUIT IDENTITY BY BEING MEN AND WOMEN FOR OTHERS – FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD!
Our 2019-2020 ALUMNI SERVICE CORPS VOLUNTEERS offer reflections on their service
JACK KIESEWETTER
“Jesus said, 'It is more blessed to give than receive,' and in this I find an answer to a question that I had as a student at Gonzaga University—why am I not fully satisfied with what I am doing? There is a healthy amount of selfishness that accompanies the pursuit of a higher education, but I often wished to be out in the world doing good, rather than learning about it. After six months of serving
the Gonzaga Prep community through the Alumni Service Corps, I feel like I have found a place where I can give of myself fully, and feel God's goodness shine throughout.”
the Gonzaga Prep community through the Alumni Service Corps, I feel like I have found a place where I can give of myself fully, and feel God's goodness shine throughout.”
HAILEY MAHER
“At Bellermine Prep, we had two Jesuit scholastics who came to our games, learned our names, and who served on our retreats. They were completely present. When they left my senior year, their absence was felt. Their time at my high school was a microcosm of the way I see the whole human project; Though we’re not together for long, we are called to give ourselves fully in service to one another. This experience of serving at Prep and being with our students has so far been one of great growth. Teaching, coaching, and hosting groups at Manresa, I find myself learning from everyone in the community.
I am wholeheartedly grateful for my Jesuit education, and it is a pleasure to express this gratitude by serving Gonzaga Prep.”
I am wholeheartedly grateful for my Jesuit education, and it is a pleasure to express this gratitude by serving Gonzaga Prep.”
LIAM McKEEGAN
“As I approached graduation from Gonzaga University, my prayers for purpose following college were answered when I found the Alumni Service Corps’ program at Gonzaga Prep. I was blessed to have the Jesuit education of the ‘whole person,’ and now I help transfer that tradition to the next generation. I am so thankful for the opportunity to help freshmen grow as students and to see the work that makes
successful sports seasons and retreats. I’m inspired every day by the administrators, teachers, and students of Gonzaga Prep to be a person for others, filled with joy.”
successful sports seasons and retreats. I’m inspired every day by the administrators, teachers, and students of Gonzaga Prep to be a person for others, filled with joy.”