April 18, 2014 – On Tuesday, April 16, the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus hosted the 2024 Jesuit Gala at the Boston Marriott Copely Place to celebrate the mission and ministries of the Jesuits and to present Jack and Eileen Connors with the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Award for their generous community-based philanthropy, especially creating programs that enhance the lives of so many young people in the Boston area. The theme of the evening was “Journeying with Youth Toward a Hope-Filled Future,” a fitting tribute to everything the Connors have done to ensure a hope-filled future for inner city Boston youth.
Nearly 600 benefactors and friends, and more than 60 Jesuits attended. The evening set a record, with $1.7 million raised to support the Jesuits—educating Jesuits in formation, caring for senior Jesuits, encouraging vocations, and assisting with educational, pastoral, and social ministries.
Following dinner, a video was played that spoke to the Jesuit mission of accompanying youth and focusing on the tireless work of Jack and Eileen Connors.
Father Provincial Joseph O’Keefe, SJ, presented the Connors with the AMDG Award. During his remarks, he noted that, “Jack and Eileen epitomize what it means to accompany our youth. They are not just on the sidelines, helping from afar. They are on the field, so to speak. They are present and active.”
The evening also included video remarks from Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, who was in Rome with Pope Francis.
