The Work of Reconciliation
Michael C. McFarland, SJ

This year our Lenten retreat is based on the third week of the Spiritual Exercises, which follows Christ through his passion to his death on the cross. It seems like the focus on the humiliation and suffering of Jesus would be a depressing experience; but it has been just the opposite, as the presenters have focused on the power of Christ’s love to overcome the hatred, violence and betrayal confronting him.

In reflecting on the Last Supper, Fr. Michael Rossman, SJ pointed out that Jesus was just as willing to share himself through the Eucharist with Judas as with all of the other disciples, even though he knew too well that Judas was about to betray him. Jesus loved them all, as he loves us all, uncritically, without judgement; and there is no limit to the generosity and intimacy he offers us. Fr. Christopher Staab, SJ, in his consideration of the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, focused on how Jesus allowed Judas to kiss him at the moment of betrayal, taking Jesus’ words, “Are you to betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” not as irony or accusation, but as a sign of genuine surprise and hurt. Jesus loved Judas, had called him “friend,” and continued to care for him and grieve over his fall, even as Judas delivered Jesus over to the brutality and injustice of the authorities.

It's not too late to participate in our guided Lenten retreat! The reflections are based on themes from the Spiritual Exercises and related Scripture. The talks are posted each Sunday and Wednesday during Lent and are available for viewing whenever is convenient. Please sign up below.

Walk in the steps of St Ignatius as he came 500 years ago to the Holy Land. With him, learn to know the Lord Jesus better in his own land, to love him more and to follow him more nearly. 

This pilgrimage is organized by the Gregorian University Foundation, in close  collaboration with the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem. Fr Josef Mario Briffa, Director of the PBI in Jerusalem, will accompany the group throughout the pilgrimage. Fr  Josef teaches archaeology and geography of the Holy Land at the PBI in Rome and Jerusalem, and is currently writing a guide book on Ignatius pilgrimage to the Holy Land. 

Three professors from the Pontifical Gregorian University were appointed as Consultors of Dicastery for Culture and Education

The Holy Father appointed the Reverend Fathers Paolo Benanti, T.O.R. (Extraordinary Professor, Faculty of Theology) and Ulrich Rhode, S.I. (Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law); and the Reverend Priest Matthias Ambros (Lecturer in Charge, Faculty of Canon Law) as Consultors of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

Rev. David Abadías Aurín,
currently parish priest and professor at the Facultat de Teologia de Catalunya (Spain),
to
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Barcelona (Spain)

 ______ 

Rev. András Dobos,
former student in the Baccalaureate and Licentiate cycles in the Faculty of Theology 
to
Consultor of the Special Commission for the Liturgy of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches

 ______ 

Rev. Gerardo Villalonga Hellín,
currently Vicar General and Diocesan Administrator of Menorca (Spain),
to
Bishop of the Diocese of Menorca (Spain)

 ______ 

Rev. P. Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuko, OMI,
currently parish priest of St. Mary's in Pietermaritzburg, archdiocese of Durban (South Africa),
to
Apostolic Vicar of Ingwavuma (South Africa)

 ______ 

Rev. Mons. Giuseppe Mengoli,
currently Vicar General of the Diocese of San Severo and parish priest of Maria SS.ma Immacolata in Maglie (Italy),
to
Bishop of the Diocese of San Severo (Italy)

Mass Cards
available online

The mission of the Gregorian University Foundation is to raise funds that provide financial assistance for the education institutions of the Society of Jesus in Rome, Italy, which includes the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute.