Regis Celebrates Ignatian Mission Week

All this week, Regis has been celebrating Ignatian Mission Week, which gathered the school community to reflect on our Jesuit tradition through prayer and interactive discussions. The programming focused on deepening our engagement with this year's annual apostolic theme, "Take Courage," which encourages students to find strength in openness to Christ.

On Monday, we welcomed Guilherme Kaique Guimarães, SJ, of the Jesuit Brazilian Province, David Leonardo Martin Luna, SJ, of the Colombian Province, and Rev. David Ortiz, SJ, and Luis Vasquez Virgen, SJ, of the Mexican Province for a panel discussion about Jesuit missions and ministries in South and Central America. Rev. Vincent Marchionni, SJ, served as the panel’s moderator.

In describing their experiences, the Jesuits emphasized the importance of respecting diverse cultures, confronting historical dehumanization and violence, and being good stewards of the natural environments we encounter.

The day began with an All Souls' Day Mass in our Chapel of the Sacred Heart during which we remembered the loved ones of Regis students, families, alumni, and friends who have gone before us.

Tuesday's programming highlighted Jesuit vocations. Rev. Melvin Rayappa, SJ, ’08, the Assistant Director and Promoter of Vocations for the USA East Province, spoke with students about how he discerned his priestly vocation and the deep friendships he has formed with his fellow Jesuits. Rev. Patrick Nolan, SJ, the Provincial Assistant and Director of Vocations for the USA East Province, and Jesuits on the Regis faculty and staff also spoke with students about their own paths to the priesthood, as well as the joys and opportunities of life as a Jesuit.

Earlier in the day, Rev. Kevin Spinale, SJ, Vice President for Ignatian Identity and Formation, led an assembly on courage in the Jesuit tradition. He urged students to avoid superficial bravado and instead embody a courage rooted in Christ’s compassion for those on the margins.

The day began with a Mass that memorialized Blessed Rupert Mayer, SJ, and St. Martin de Porres, both of whom relentlessly pursued social justice.

Day 3 of Ignatian Mission Week featured events and activities highlighting Jesuit education. Students and faculty members gathered after school to hear Fr. Spinale and Cullen Brennan ’27 engage in a debate with Simon Kletter ’27 and Remy Picciano ’27 on whether the use of artificial intelligence is compatible with Jesuit education.

Earlier in the day, Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Augustine Preziosi and Director of Service and Justice Initiatives Ms. Carolina Bolivar led a lunchtime trivia contest, quizzing students on their knowledge of Jesuit high schools and universities.

The day began with a Mass that memorialized St. Charles Borromeo, who founded multiple seminaries and helped establish a formal system of education for priests during the Counter-Reformation.

Thursday spotlighted students’ commitment to service in the Ignatian tradition. Ms. Bolivar led a panel discussion featuring Henry Hayden ’27, Charlie Amabile ’27, Eli Solis ’28, and Aidan Park ’29. The students spoke about the shared humanity and dignity they recognized in those they served through organizations such as Catholic Charities and the Kino Border Initiative.

The day began with a Mass that celebrated the Feast Day of the Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus.

The final day of Ignatian Mission Week focused on Ignatian spiritual life. The week culminated at the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola for an all-school Mass on the Commemoration of All the Departed of the Society of Jesus. During his homily, Fr. Spinale encouraged students to draw strength from one another.

"In this life of faith, we're not alone," said Fr. Spinale in his homily. "We can't be."