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A Spring 2022 Message from Father Provincial Joseph O’Keefe, SJ

Dear Friends,

Just a couple months ago, on March 12, 2022, the Society of Jesus celebrated a very special milestone in our history—the 400th anniversary of the canonization of our founder, Ignatius Loyola, and his close companion, Francis Xavier. These two Jesuit pioneers held two very different callings as they set forth, one a visionary and administrative leader and the other a bold missionary. It is much the same today, with more than 600 Jesuits serving the East Coast Province. We are many Jesuits with many different missions—teachers, administrators, pastors, ministers, counselors, even doctors and lawyers—all bound by a call to serve the people of God and His church.

This summer on St. Ignatius Day, July 31, we will conclude our Ignatian Year. It has been a blessing to have spent this last year in solidarity with our apostolates and institutions, looking inward at who we are as a unified body of Christ and focusing on our Ignatian roots. Ignatian Spirituality and Discernment is at the core of all we do, especially now as we embark on creating an apostolic plan for this new province. It is my sincere hope for you to be a part of this journey through your prayers and continued support of Jesuits USA East. While there are many pressing issues throughout our region and the world today, our province has many unique opportunities, gifts from God, that we can use to make a real difference. This apostolic plan will help position us to truly live the Magis, always doing more, for the greater good.

Over the last two years, I have experienced numerous challenges while serving as provincial for such a large province, much of that time during a global pandemic. But it has also brought me great joy to witness the generous support of our friends and benefactors and the fruits of our work together. My gratitude is heartfelt. I pray that these upcoming summer months are a relaxing and peaceful time for you and your families.

Sincerely in Christ,

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