A Celebration of Jesuit Founder Begins Sept. 1

In September, Rockhurst University will celebrate the 500-year legacy of the Society of Jesus’ founder, St. Ignatius Loyola. Throughout Ignatian Heritage Month, the Office of Mission and Ministry will present programs and events focusing on the impact the teachings of “Iggy” and the Jesuit way of life have had not only on Rockhurst, but on the world.

The celebration begins with a prayer service at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, inside the Greenlease Library honoring the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who is scheduled to be canonized on Sept. 4.

The Rockhurst community will come together at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, in St. Francis Xavier Church to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a Jesuit tradition dating back to the 1500s to mark the beginning of the academic year. Those who attend are encouraged to wear red to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit and are invited to a picnic on the Kinerk Commons after Mass.

Another highlight of the month’s activities will be the Sept. 26 Visiting Scholar Lecture by Tom Gallagher, a business executive, lawyer and National Catholic Reporter columnist, who will speak about “Contemplation in Action in the Life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.” Gallagher helped found and administrate the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center, a not-for-profit organization of the Missionaries of Charity. His lecture, which will focus on the role the teachings of Ignatius played in Mother Teresa’s mission and faith, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, in Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Hall and National Catholic Reporter.

Other celebrations will continue throughout the month. At 3:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday throughout the month, the campus community is invited to the Ignatius statue east of the Greenlease Library to be led through the Daily Examen, Ignatius’ meditative reflection on the events of the day. And students will use their literary chops for the six-word short story contest, summing up Iggy’s unique story in less space than most tweets. Entries are due to mary.cary@rockhurst.edu by Sept. 30.