Gratitude

Born April 6, 1946

Entered August 14, 1964

Resides Minneapolis, MN

I heard it said some time ago that “an attitude of gratitude” is the best single directive for any practice of faith or spirituality. This is certainly true for my life as a Jesuit for the past 50 years.

I am most grateful that God has given me the opportunity, ability, and calling to be a member of the Society of Jesus, to be part of a religious order of such diverse, generous, and dedicated service to the Church and to all people throughout the world. Through the Society, I have been given the compassion, mercy, strength and spirit of Christ, in abundance, since taking my first vows. I have been privileged to minister as a teacher and priest in many pastoral settings. I have been blessed by living in many caring and prayerful communities. 

I am especially grateful for the hundreds of men and women who have worked with me, supported me, tolerated, challenged and comforted me, in witnessing to God’s unconditional and enduring goodness, mercy and love. So many relatives, acquaintances and friends have been there when I needed them in so many ways. Without them I would never have made it this far.

I can never be grateful enough to my mother, father and grandmother, who came to America after surviving WWII, leaving their native Poland, when the Communist government came to power. They endured many trials, hardships and setbacks to adjust to a whole new way of life. Their countless sacrifices and constant care for both me and my brother have allowed us to have the freedom and gifts of our individual vocations. 

In grateful thanksgiving I can only pray; “what return to the Lord can I make for all the Lord has done for me?” I will “lift up my heart to sing God’s praises, and proclaim God’s wondrous deeds…to dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.”