From the very beginning, Jesuits have been sent to the frontiers to serve where the needs are greatest and to spread the Gospel near and far. As a result, we as a worldwide Society of Jesus celebrate our diversity in ministry, both at home in our Midwest Province and all around the world. This past January, young adults from all corners of the globe congregated in Panama for MAGIS, a celebration of Jesuit connections and unity leading up to World Youth Day. I am heartened to continue to see “the beautiful diversity in the Ignatian family,” as Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, puts it and I know the future of the Society is in good hands.  

In this issue, we celebrate the ways our Midwest Jesuits are sent to the margins. Fr. Tim Howe, SJ, reflects on how his history in ministering to immigrant families and leading St. Xavier High School prepared him to serve as president of Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola in Puerto Rico. Fr. Tom Shanahan, SJ, writes how he helps to balance sports with spirituality as chaplain of the Creighton University basketball teams and the men’s soccer team. From ministering to those on death row, to serving as a translator for Pope Francis, our Jesuits’ vocations are as unique as the individuals who are called to carry them out. 

You will also read how our lay partners in ministry are serving the world as men and women for others.  A Brebeuf Preparatory School freshman, Lance Williams, has created a non-profit to help the elderly and those facing homelessness in Indiana. Rita Carfagna has used her spiritual journey to introduce others in the Cleveland area to Ignatian spirituality.  Though unique in practice, every ministry highlighted in this magazine is undertaken with the same guiding principle: to serve for the greater glory of God.    

It is with that same mindset that we approach the future of the Society. Earlier this year, Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, announced the four new Universal Apostolic Preferences for Jesuits around the world. They include promoting discernment and the Spiritual Exercises; walking with the excluded; caring for our common home; and journeying with youth. These guiding principles were crafted after nearly two years of discernment and dialogue and will guide us over the next 10 years and beyond. I invite you to learn more about these new horizons for our ministries at JesuitsMidwest.org/UAP2019.   

We could not achieve any of these missions without the help of you—our generous companions. From the bottom of my heart—thank you for your gifts of time, talent, and treasure. As we approach the season of Easter and new life, please know that you remain in our prayers, and I humbly ask that we remain in yours.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Brian G. Paulson, SJ Provincial, USA Midwest Province
	Young adults at MAGIS 2019 take a selfie with Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus (second from right), and Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ (right).
Return to the Jesuits Magazine Spring 2019 Magazine Index