Note: This message was originally sent on May 22, 2020
We would like to share with you a message we received earlier this week from former student body president, Mike Kelsey ’10:
“499 years ago, today (Wednesday), a 30-year-old man who had a lust for all the pleasures the world had to offer had his leg obliterated by a cannonball in the Battle of Pamplona. He fought so bravely that his enemies in that battle honored him by carrying him back to his home in Loyola. Throughout a painful recovery, he asked for his favorite books about the Knights of Camelot, El Cid, and other heroes. Instead, he was given scripture and stories about the lives of the saints. When he could walk again, his forthcoming actions would mark the beginning of a small group of men who would go on to contribute significantly to many fields within science, become known as one of the most dangerous enemies to Nazism, and found a network of academic institutions that includes little old Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University. If not for that cannonball, who knows... Cheers to the cannonball moments life gives us, who knows what will come from them. #AMDG @gonzaga_prep @gonzagau @jesuitswest @jesuitschools”
Mike writes about St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. Many might recall, Molly Bosch, ’18 our student speaker at the 2018 undergraduate commencement reminding her fellow students: Cannonball: A Gift to Gonzaga Grads. This is worth the quick read….
We are part of a long line of individuals who have chosen to take challenges and seek solutions, to seek opportunity, and, in these moments, to focus on others. How lucky are we to see our grads carry this spirit and mindset with them as a guide for the way in which they approach life? How blessed are we to have each of you support this vision – our mission – our students? Great peace of mind comes from knowing Mike, Molly, and hundreds of thousands of others, who have been gifted with the opportunity to experience Jesuit education, are deployed around the world – advancing their professions, serving their communities, and nurturing their families.
#ZaGratitude