Compassionate Response to Critical Needs: The Ignatian Charism and the Sisters of St. Joseph

Founder and Foundresses: How was the joint venture between a Jesuit home missionary and six French women begun and what has allowed it to flourish over three centuries? We explored the collaborative efforts of these women and men who, with their lay partners seek to serve both Church and society now and in the future. A reception followed. Special thanks to our partners, Magis. Speakers: Robert W. Scholla, S.J., Rector, LMU Jesuit CommunityRobert W. Scholla, S.J. is a native of Los Angeles and a graduate of Loyola High School. Before entering the Society of Jesus, he did undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Southern California and graduate work in Education at the University of California in Berkeley. As a Jesuit, he obtained his M.A. in Mediaeval Philosophy from Fordham University and later spent seven years working and studying in Rome where he completed his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Father Scholla is passionate about education and is one of the few Jesuits who has taught K through Graduate School. While at Loyola Marymount University, he has had the opportunity to teach in the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the School of Education and Loyola Law School. Since 2006 he has served as the Rector of the Jesuit Community at LMU. Anne Hennessy, C.S.J., Associate Director, Center for Ignatian SpiritualityAnne Hennessy, C.S.J. is an educator, long active in the on-going formation of Christian adults. She was a member of the Faculty of Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and was assistant director at a Jesuit-run scripture center near Tiberias, Israel. She served one term on the general council of her congregation and is completing her third term on the LMU Board of Trustees. From 2006 to 2011, she was a co-founder of the Pierre Favre program and frequent retreat director at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos. Anne\u27s main areas of interest are the social context of the Gospels and the impact of Ignatian spirituality on the foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her writings in these areas have been published in several languages. She is presently Assistant Director of LMU\u27s Center for Ignatian Spirituality.)Respondents: Michael P. Horan, Ph.DMichael Horan, Professor of Theological Studies, joined the LMU faculty in 1994 after serving as chair of Religious Studies at Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. Dr. Horan holds a Ph.D. With a specialization in pastoral theology and religious education from the Catholic University of America, and his writing and teaching focus on the role of lay ministry in shaping the Catholic church\u27s current and future self-understanding. Michael has served the University in several capacities during the past seventeen years, including as chair of the committee on Mission and Identity and as chair of the Theological Studies Department. Patricia Connor, RSHMPatricia Connor, RSHM, has served in leadership of The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), as General Superior (1985-1995) and Provincial (2003-2009; 1976-1982). She has experience of the RSHM Mission throughout the world and has collaborated with RSHM Sisters in educational institutions and other apostolic works in various countries. She has been involved in RSHM education at all levels, teaching in RSHM schools and serving on Boards of RSHM educational institutions and sponsored ministries, including Loyola Marymount University, and she has directed diverse educational and enrichment programs at A Place Called Home, a center in South Los Angeles for youth at risk. She currently serves on the Boards of South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (Chair), Marymount High School, Los Angeles, and A Place Called Home, Los Angeles. Sr. Patricia has lived deeply the journey of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in re-appropriating the Institute’s charism across cultures and nationalities in responding to the needs of our time