What Is Jesuit Philosophy? A Primer for the Uninitiated Since my blog is called “Raised by Jesuits,” I’d be remiss if I didn’t get to this topic. If you've ever heard the phrase "Jesuit education" or noticed a university with “Loyola” in the name, you've brushed up against a centuries-old tradition that is much more than academic rigor or religious affiliation. Jesuit philosophy is rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th-century founder of the Society of Jesus, and offers a way of thinking, being, and acting in the world that remains radically relevant today. At its core, Jesuit thought is about formation —not just information. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can navigate a complex world with clarity, compassion, and conscience. Here’s a quick primer on some of the foundational ideas that guide Jesuit institutions, thinkers, and those of us shaped by this tradition: Cura Personalis – Care for the Whole Person This isn't j...
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Pets and the Question of Heaven One of our very dear dogs passed away recently, which got me to thinking about our pets and heaven. This sweet boy never met anyone he didn't like. Dogs, cats, horses (he found our neighbor's horses fascinating), and especially people. He was a perpetually happy, calm presence and loved nothing more than getting some snuggle time with his people. He viewed everyone at the vet's office, including the other pet owners, as his friends. After each appointment, our vet would take him for a lap around the back of the office to visit everyone. It was tough to get him to leave. Over the last 18 months or so, he had suffered from arthritis, and it became increasingly painful for him to move around. We tried many different treatments and medications. By last month, he was on four different meds, and we were regularly carrying him down the stairs—though he would still climb up to my office, slowly and determinedly, just to spend time with me durin...
Leo XIV – The First American Pope Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025, after just four ballots over two days—a notably swift conclave by historical standards. He wasn’t on my radar at all when I wrote recently about Francis and the likely contenders to succeed him, so let’s get to know him a bit. Born in Chicago in 1955, he joined the Order of St. Augustine and later spent nearly two decades in Peru, serving as a missionary and provincial superior. That time deeply shaped his pastoral sensibility and gave him a first-hand understanding of the challenges facing the global South. Pastoral and Pragmatic Pope Leo XIV is widely viewed as a pastoral leader who continues the reformist trajectory of Pope Francis. His approach emphasizes inclusivity, dialogue, and a focus on the pastoral needs of the faithful. He has been a vocal proponent of synodality , advocating for a more inclusive and participatory Church structure. His background in...
Living Synodally: Communion Over Control in Everyday Life People often equate freedom with autonomy—self-sufficiency, independence, the ability to decide and act on our own. But the idea of synodality dares to suggest something different: that true freedom is found in communion. Not control. Not domination. But belonging—in listening, discerning, and walking together. This idea runs deep in the Jesuit tradition too. Discernment isn’t just a solo project—it’s communal. We listen for the Spirit together. We hold our desires and decisions up to the light, not just of God’s word, but of each other’s wisdom. It’s not easy, but it’s honest. And holy. But what does that actually look like in real life? Around the Dinner Table Synodality begins at home. It’s in how we listen to our kids—or our parents—without rushing to fix, correct, or win. It’s the courage to say, “I don’t know, let’s figure it out together.” A family that practices synodality makes room for every voice, not j...