Spring 2015 Stories

What is the end for which you were created? Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, the 2014-2015 Bannan Institute explored the theme of Ignatian leadership as a vocational practice that seeks to affect personal and communal transformation. In the fall quarter, we began our exploration of Ignatian leadership with a focus on leadership and justice, considering how commitments to solidarity and social justice ground the work of Ignatian leaders and shape the work of Jesuit higher education as a proyecto social. In the winter quarter, we focused on the role of faith in Ignatian leadership, reflecting on the foundational witness of Jesus, the catalyzing leadership of Pope Francis, and the import of interreligious dialogue and encounter in transforming and healing our world. We then closed the year with a spring series considering the role of the intellectual life within Ignatian leadership, reflecting on the dynamic mission and means by which Jesuit, Catholic universities seek to form whole persons, engaged citizens, and accountable leaders.