REVELATION IN A NAME

By David Card ‘87 PRESIDENT

This has been a monumental year for the Regis Jesuit community. We have seen such generosity and enthusiasm for the initiatives of Inspire & Ignite 2025 from alumni, parents, grandparents and the larger RJ family. I am proud to share that the largest fundraising effort in Regis Jesuit’s history continues to have a significant impact in support of access, innovation and excellence at Regis Jesuit.

Our students face an even more hope-filled future with increased support for financial aid offerings that will enrich the RJ experience for all. Our student-athletes continue to live our mission while we invest in our Athletics Master Plan, beginning with tennis facilities, athletic fields and parking. And all our students will soon have expanded, hands-on opportunities to contemplate, collaborate and create together in the Science & Innovation Center.

I am passionate about the future we are building and that we are doing it on such a strong foundation of excellence and cura personalis. Regis Jesuit has been a community of educators, students and families for more than 140 years, but the tradition we follow is much older, rooted in the life and work of St. Ignatius of Loyola. I’d like to share with you how St. Ignatius’ life guided our decision to name the new chapel in the Science & Innovation Center.

I’ve known the story of St. Ignatius for many years, but it wasn’t until my recent pilgrimage to Spain that I came to understand the depth of his connection to Mary, our Blessed Mother. Indeed, he prayed in vigil to Mary through many nights of his own pilgrimage to Jerusalem, seeking confirmation for his calling to follow Christ. While his “laying down of his sword” in Montserrat, Spain at the altar of the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary was an extraordinary symbol of his moving from one vocation to another, it was his vigil to Mary there that moved me the most. Throughout his life, Ignatius relied upon the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for his care, direction and protection.

Our Lady of the Way Chapel

In 1540, Ignatius and the first Jesuits occupied a residence and a chapel in Rome, granted to this new order of Catholic priests by Pope Paul III. In the chapel was a late 13th century fresco depicting Mary holding a young Jesus. That fresco was given the name Madonna della Strada (Our Lady of the Way). For many years, this chapel and residence was the heart of the Society of Jesus.

It was this history that guided us to give the name Our Lady of the Way to the Science & Innovation Center’s sacred space. In every moment, I believe Mary and Christ are guiding us toward revelation and reconciliation, and it is my hope that this place on campus will serve our students in nurturing and following their faith.

Together, we celebrate our progress and accomplishments as signs that the mission of Regis Jesuit and St. Ignatius remains aligned with the values of the community we serve. The strategic initiatives of Inspire & Ignite 2025 represent a clear vision for furthering Jesuit education in Colorado for generations of Raiders to come.

And we are not done yet. We have opportunities for all members of our community to make their mark on the RJ student experience and the future of Regis Jesuit.