Note: This message was originally sent on October 23, 2021
Today marks the 530th birthday of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. As such, it seems fitting to acknowledge that this is also a very special time as Jesuit works throughout the world are celebrating “the Ignatian year,” which commemorates the anniversary year (some 500 years ago) of St. Ignatius’ conversion — that fateful day when Ignatius the soldier, struck by a cannonball, began his transformation into Ignatius the pilgrim.
Today it is quite common to hear from one exposed to Jesuit education to refer to “a cannonball moment.” So, what is a cannonball moment? It is a moment in which your eyes are opened to see the world in a new light. Seeing the world in a new light doesn't mean only seeing good, happy, rosy colored things. Sometimes it means seeing the world’s darker, dimmer, harsher elements. But just seeing is half of it; acting on it is what makes us who we are as Zags.
One of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s most well-known prayers is his prayer for generosity. In particular we are drawn to the passage, “teach me to give and not to count the cost.” As we reflect on his 530th birthday, we are grateful to work with each of you who represent the embodiment of his prayer. “Teach me to give and not to count the cost” is not just a helpful quote to celebrate philanthropy. It strikes at the heart of our call to serve one another and to make the world a better place.
In the next week (or so), you will be receiving the Fall 2021 Gonzaga Magazine at your home. I want to provide you with a sneak peak of Dr. McCulloh’s “president’s perspective” — Spirited | Resolute (pages 10-11). In it, he provides many exciting university updates and reflections on our calling as a Jesuit university. He encourages those who seek a deeper understanding to read the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) that have been given to all Jesuit works worldwide, calling on us to focus on Showing the Way to God; Walking with the Excluded; Journeying with Youth; and Caring for Our Common Home. As a Jesuit university, receiving, grappling with, and demonstrating our commitment to the UAPs is an obligation we take seriously and embrace joyfully. In the year of Ignatius, in these cannonball moments, I want to be sure you have advance opportunity to access his message and the UAP’s.
Proud. Grateful. Resolute…
PS – The backstory on those granite balls (cannon balls, perhaps?) you see around campus.
PPS – We are sharing this on social media today….a coloring contest in celebration of St. Ignatius (could be a handy activity, on a very rainy day, for any wee-ones in your network), enjoy.