A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I D W E S T J E S U I T S
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Witnessing to the Power of Faith Dear Friends, The church renews itself in every generation. So, too, does the Society of Jesus. Each summer we are reminded of these simple truths as we honor our jubilarians and senior Jesuits for their inspiring lives of service and celebrate the ordinations of our younger Jesuits. The five Jesuits ordained on June 7 at Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee—Christopher Johnson, John Shea, Paul Shelton, Eric Sundrup, and Nathan Wendt— give us great hope for the future (see pages 4–5). Vatican II offers a rich vision— deeply rooted in both scripture and During the ordination liturgy on June 7, 2014, at Church of the Gesu in tradition—for how the ministerial Milwaukee the ordinands lay priesthood of our ordained priests is prostrate on the floor in response intimately related to the priesthood of to the Bishop’s invitation to prayer. all the baptized in the church, since all This ancient act symbolizes humility, have a share in the one priesthood of obedience, and willingness to live by Jesus Christ. The First Letter of Saint Christ’s example. As the ordinands Peter (2:49) exhorts us all, “Beloved: pray, the People of God sing the Litany of the Saints asking holy Come to him, a living stone, rejected women and men throughout history by human beings but chosen and preto guide them in their ministries. cious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” [emphasis Most of them never could have imagined added]. how God would call on their talents and The ministry of the Jesuits, our colgenerosity when they entered the Society leagues, alumni, and partners is rooted in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, of Jesus. We thank them for their generous and courageous response to God’s call. and grounded in the gift of the Eucharist. May our newly ordained priests folWhen you, our partners, along with all the low the example of our senior Jesuits and faithful, come to participate in the Euchaexperience the biblical hundredfold of haprist, you bring the “stuff of your life”— your lives poured out in love and service to piness promised to those who “leave all” others—and you join that spiritual sacrifice to follow Christ as his disciples. We know they can count on the continued prayers to the one sacrifice of the life of Christ. and support of you, our partners, who have Our older Jesuits offer a remarkable witsupported them throughout their formation. ness to the power of faith and the EuchaOn behalf of our brother Jesuits, we thank rist. In reflecting on their lives, they often you for your prayers and support, and offer speak of a deep peace and joy borne out of you our deep gratitude and prayers. faithful service to God and God’s people.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Brian G. Paulson, SJ Provincial, Chicago-Detroit Province
Thomas A. Lawler, SJ Provincial, Wisconsin Province For more information about the Jesuits and Jesuit works, please visit our website at www.jesuitsmidwest.org.