Dear Friends,

Sixty years ago, a young man from Argentina named Jorge Mario Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus as a novice. Fifty-five years later, he became the first-ever Jesuit pope. In the five years since he was elected, Pope Francis has energized the faithful and people of all faiths through his warm, humble leadership and his care for all people — especially those at the margins — and for the earth itself. I was honored to meet Pope Francis in 2016 at the Society of Jesus’ 36th General Congregation and hope that you enjoy our cover story on him, which highlights how his “Jesuit DNA” shapes the way he leads and ministers.

Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, provincial of the USA Midwest Province, greets Pope Francis at the Society of Jesus’ General Congregation in 2016

In this issue, you also will read articles from Jesuits who are in the world, finding new ways to each people with this Gospel message.

Fr. Timothy Meier, SJ, uses his neuroscience background to help United States military personnel suffering from PTSD; Bobby Karle, SJ, has created a ministry blending Yoga and Ignatian spirituality; Eric Immel, SJ, reaches out to students at the innovative Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago. And two of our nurses who attend to the senior Jesuits, Terry Kult and Jane Glynn-Nass, share a heartfelt first-person observation of men who have given their lives to the service of others and now find joy in praying for the Church and the Society.

This issue also highlights some of the many ways that the Midwest Jesuits and you, our lay collaborators, are making a positive difference in the world.

This Easter season, please know that the Midwest Jesuits pray for you in a special way, and we ask you to pray for us.

Sincerely yours in Christ, 
 
Brian G. Paulson, SJ 
Provincial, USA Midwest Province

Return to the Jesuits Magazine Spring 2018 Magazine Index