Jesuit’s alumni chaplain, Fr. Paul Shaughnessy, S.J., who was the featured speaker for the Evening of Reflection, distributes communion during the Mass.

The spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola is an excellent starting point for deep reflection during Lent. That’s why so many look to the Jesuits for spiritual enrichment during this season of preparation for Easter. On Wednesday, March 14, many alumni, parents of alumni, and parents of current students attended the Evening of Lenten Reflection in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. Fr. Paul Shaughnessy, S.J, Jesuit’s alumni chaplain, served as the featured speaker.

Watch the Video of the Presentation by Fr. Paul Shaughnessy, S.J.

View the Photo Gallery from the Evening of Lenten Reflection

Guests socialize in St. Ignatius Hall after the presentation.

The complimentary event attracted more than 150 guests who gathered in the chapel for optional confession, Mass, and Fr. Shaughnessy’s reflection on the Wisdom of Lent. Fr. Shaughnessy took the opportunity to speak about the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He spoke of prayer by saying, “That constant dialogue with God is perhaps what St. Paul had in mind when he wrote, ‘pray constantly.’ With prayer, we get to know God. God will give us the grace we need to follow his way, his truth, and his life.” After the reflection, guests moved to St. Ignatius Hall for a small reception.

The Evening of Reflection is a response to an interest expressed by many Jesuit High School alumni and parents to reconnect and engage in a theological dialogue about Jesuit teachings. Fr. Shaughnessy followed a diverse list who have spoken at former reflection events. The first event for alumni featured Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J. ’44, who spoke to Blue Jays about the importance and technique of prayer in everyday life.

Jesuit will continue to invite alumni, their parents, and parents of current students to these semi-annual Advent and Lenten events of reflection, prayer, and discussion as an opportunity to grow in their spiritual lives.