PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A Cause for Celebration
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n the founding document of the Society of Jesus, Regimini militantis ecclesiae, we find the words of Saint Ignatius concerning the efforts of the Jesuits: “Above all things let them have at heart the instruction of boys and ignorant persons in the knowledge of Christian doctrine, of the Ten Commandments, and other such rudiments as shall be suitable, having regard to the circumstances of persons, places and times.” This vision, written about in 1540, has been vigorously realized by the Jesuits missioned to Jesuit High School in New Orleans since 1847. Older alumni will tell you that the Jesuit priests, brothers, and scholastics who taught them were some of the most dedicated and inspiring men they have known. You could count on even the youngest Jesuit teacher, in his portentous black cassock, to have been schooled in philosophy and theology and practiced in devotion to the Jesuit saints and the Jesuit mission. The vocation served as the impetus for learning the secular subjects, transforming them from mere earthly matters to real manifestations of God’s glory. 175 years later, with the exponential growth of the school and with fewer Jesuits on campus, lay teachers no less dedicated and inspiring have filled the ranks and
carried on the work alongside the Jesuits still assigned to Carrollton & Banks. Younger alumni sing the praises of the teachers, coaches, counselors, disciplinarians, benefactors, and others who made learning come alive for them, who changed their lives, and who helped them to become the men they were made to be. With jubilant hearts we shore up our dedication and focused devotion with a genuine appreciation for the labors of those who have gone before us. We rejoice this year, in a special way, in the many graces God has bestowed on our efforts to serve Him, the source of all truth, charity, and splendor. Our dodransbicentennial is a real cause for celebration. The anniversary signals to the world who we are and what we stand for, as well as why we stand for it. And—as so many teachers will testify—as we teach everyone, we teach ourselves. Join me in prayers of thanksgiving as Jesuit High School and its supporters celebrate 175 years of continuing the mission that Saint Ignatius Loyola saw fit to implant in our hearts.
Rev. John Brown, S.J. President JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL | NEW ORLEANS |
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