'Around the Globe' With the Society of Jesus

A yearlong celebration of the Jesuits’ global impact and Holy Cross’ heritage

For almost 500 years, the Jesuits have made their mark on the world.

Across the globe they are known as educators dedicated to “finding God in all things,” exploring wide-ranging cultures and academic fields. At Holy Cross, their ideals drive our mission and their traditions are an active part of the academic and spiritual lives of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Reflecting on the impact of Jesuits throughout history, the Holy Cross Community will honor the College’s Jesuit heritage and tradition with a yearlong celebration highlighting the global presence of the Society of Jesus. The theme for this year’s series of events is “Jesuits Around the Globe.” Guest lectures, liturgies, discussions and concerts will draw upon the Jesuit influence—past and present—in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

“Our celebration makes good sense because the Society of Jesus, from its very beginning, was international in its membership and global in its vision,” said Rev. Paul F. Harman, S.J., assistant to the president and chair of the Mission & Identity Committee. “Today the Jesuits have the largest, private educational network in the world. There are over 2,000 Jesuit educational institutions in 66 nations worldwide.”

Unlike previous years when Jesuit Heritage observances were celebrated over a week or semester, the celebration this year will span the entire academic calendar. The following fall semester events are open to the Holy Cross community and to the public.

Jesuit Heritage 2010-11 is organized by the Mission & Identity Committee. For additional information, contact Rev. Greg Lynch, S.J. or Tom Cadigan.

Sunday, Sept. 26 7 p.m., Mary Chapel Concelebrated Mass marking the 470th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Jesus Rev. Jack Donohue, S.J., preacher Ice cream reception following the Mass, sponsored by the Jesuit community and Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society

Thursday, Sept. 30 4:30 p.m., Rehm Library Presidential Colloquium on Jesuits and the Liberal Arts Florence Hsia, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will offer a public lecture titled "Saints & Mandarins: Science, Religion, & Jesuits in Late Imperial China." Sponsored by the Office of the President and the Center for Religion, Ethics, and Culture.

Tuesday, Oct. 19 7:30 p.m., Hogan 304 Jesuit Volunteer Corps—International (JVI) Alumni Panel Discussion Interested in post-graduate volunteer service? Learn about JVI by listening to Holy Cross alumni Laura Marcucio ’99 (Peru) and Caitlin Corneliess ’07 (Micronesia) share their volunteer experiences overseas.

Sunday, Oct. 24 7 p.m., Mary Chapel World Mission Sunday Mass Come recommit yourself to the Church’s missionary activity. Rev. Balint Nagy, S.J., preacher

Thursday, Nov. 11 4:30 p.m., Rehm Library Jesuits & the City of Baghdad Hear members of the Holy Cross Jesuit community share their experiences of living in Baghdad, Iraq and the Middle East.

Saturday, Nov. 13 4:30 p.m., Mary Chapel Final Vow ceremony of William Clark, S.J. Celebrate with Father Clark as he is invited by the Society of Jesus to take his final vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Society.