Reading the Signs of the Times: Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus By Dr. Ann Holmquist, Vice President for Mission

Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus BY DR. ANN HOLMQUIST, VICE PRESIDENT FOR MISSION READING THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES

AN IGNATIAN WORLDVIEW calls us to “read the signs of the times,” to take a long, loving look at what is real and act upon what has been found in light of the Gospel. Such a contemplative stance was deeply integrated into St. Ignatius’ personhood; his way of being and doing in the world. Contemplatives-in-action engage in an ongoing cycle of reflective encounter and act to co-create and sustain a better world for all.

The Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, 2019–2029 (UAPs) are such a response to the signs of our times. The UAPs were promulgated by Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ* on February 19, 2019. It was the outcome of a two-year election process, in which every Jesuit, along with some lay colleagues, were invited to participate. The four preferences are intended to guide Jesuit sponsored or affiliated ministries and works for the next 10 years:

• PROMOTE DISCERNMENT AND THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

Show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius** and the practice of discernment.

• WALK WITH THE EXCLUDED Walk alongside persons who are poor, vulnerable, excluded and whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice.

• JOURNEY WITH YOUTH Accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future.

• CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME Work with Gospel depth for the protection and renewal of our common home—God’s creation. In this first year we aim to heighten awareness, actively engaging the Loyola community to introduce the UAPs, assessing what we already do and discovering “the more” (magis) to which we are called. With this purpose in mind, we initiated Ignatian Identity Week, November 4–8. Morning prayer, daily lunchtime activities and an evening gathering for adults centered on the UAPs:

• A group of student Ignatian Scholars offered an overview of what constitutes the UAPs.

• A schoolwide Eucharistic liturgy celebrated the Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus as well as offering a special blessing for Loyola’s Jesuits.

• Loyalist reporters interviewed the Jesuits who live and work at Loyola*** during a lunchtime press conference. Well-attended by students and faculty, the exchange covered a wide array of questions that invited the Jesuits to reflect on their lives and vocation, giving the

attendees a glimpse of their varied and interesting experiences.

• Student and faculty poets shared their work in companionship with persons who were formerly homeless and now work at The Center at Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood to support their journey back to flourishing. We heard from The Center’s director that the poet participants were “glowing today with the opportunity” after sharing reflections about life and living in recovery. A Loyola community member commented that she felt her heart crack open and connect to the heart of one of the visiting poets as he shared his poetry.

• In the context of Loyola’s monthly community gatherings, we considered the question, “Can Poetry Save a Soul?” with faculty members and guest poets. This was another opportunity for attentiveness to people around us and our own interior journey.