The whole semantic field of ‘tool’ and ‘instrument’ is fraught with negative moral connotations. St. Ignatius’ writings , however, show a different tendency. There, ‘instrument’ both serves as a central spiritual category and bears a positive connotation.
Jesuits
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
R.I.P. John Coleman, S.J., distinguished sociologist (and parish priest)
One of the nation’s most distinguished sociologists for many years and an expert on the relationship between religion and public life, the Rev. John A. Coleman died on Jan. 17, 2025 in Los Gatos, Calif., at the age of 87.
Posted inFaith in Focus, Politics & Society
My journey from USAID officer to Jesuit priest
When I worked for U.S.A.I.D., I was not a churchgoer, but the moral vision was clear: We Americans, in our affluence, must reach out to those in need with generosity.
Posted inFaith, Jesuit School Spotlight
Brebeuf Jesuit Prep shares the Gospel in a unique, interfaith way
In today’s religious culture, Brebeuf could be seen as a model for other Catholic institutions for evangelization and interreligious dialogue.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Remembering John R. Donahue: a Jesuit New Testament scholar with a passion for justice
When we remember John R. Donahue, S.J., prominent themes that come to mind include his passions for Catholic biblical scholarship, social justice and teaching.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Father James Martin: My 5 favorite jokes about Jesuits (inspired by Pope Francis)
Today in The New York Times, Pope Francis praised the value of joy, humor and laughter, and noted “jokes about and told by Jesuits are in a class of their own.” Here are 5 of my favorite.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Jesuit priest to bike across the U.S. to fundraise for Catholic schools in Belize
Next summer, Matt Ruhl, S.J., will ride across America by bicycle to raise awareness—and money—for Catholic schools in Belize.
Posted inPodcasts, Politics & Society
A Jesuit border priest on Trump and the plight of migrants
Brian Strassburger, S.J., a Jesuit priest serving migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, joins “Jesuitical” this week to talk about what the election of Donald J. Trump might mean for his ministry.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Rediscovering the great Jesuit missionary to China: Matteo Ricci
For Pope Francis, Matteo Ricci is not so much a figure of the past but rather “a prophetic figure” who nourishes the hope of encounter today—in China and around the world.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
The Fellini film that scandalized Catholic audiences—and the Jesuits that defended it
Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” scandalized Italian audiences. But it was a group of Jesuit priests who were determined to offer a more nuanced interpretation of the film.