Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | The work of anti-racism is the work of all. In this column, we offer an example of how the Jesuit Community, under the leadership of Eddie Siebert, S.J., is working with units on campus to offer an opportunity for all members of the LMU community to participate in extended meditation on the spirituality of racial justice. This effort is part of a global commemoration of the 500th anniversary of a major transformative event in the life of St. Ignatius, as part of Ignatian Year.
By Eddie Siebert, S.J.
Rector, LMU Jesuits
From May 2021 to the end of July 2022, Jesuit institutions throughout the world are taking time to reflect on key moments in the life of St. Ignatius Loyola. Here at LMU we are excited to present our first venture in embracing the themes of this anniversary year. We commemorate May 20, 1521, when Ignatius Loyola suffered a battle injury that changed the course of his life. Conversion and human brokenness are key moments in the life of St. Ignatius Loyola.
For a number of years, we have encountered or embraced brokenness in our country and in our local community regarding racial justice. In addition to the ongoing work and reflection we have already done, we are using this Ignatian Year to deepen our spiritual reflection and examine our call to conversion in the area of racial justice.
Beginning this November, the LMU Jesuit Community in cooperation with Mission and Ministry, the Center for Ignatian Spirituality, and representatives from Student Affairs and Resident Ministry invite you to pray with the book “The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with Ignatius Loyola.” This invitation to the broader LMU community is a unique opportunity to pray, reflect and share with one another on the theme of brokenness and personal conversion, using Ignatian practices and insights.
“Our courageous and contentious conversations, as well as our audacious actions, individual, communal, national, and global, need prayer support. The unseen, holy host invites us to the table. The call is clear, the time is now. I look forward to our gatherings.
– Kim Harris
Assistant Professor of Theological Studies
“Victimization is one of the worst violence against another being. However, I believe that naming the injustice and engaging in critical analysis of the structures of oppression is an arduous and yet healing process. Rather than being a passive and ‘guilty bystander’ I am called to be an active participant in the drama of this country’s survival, in the collective mission and individual dreams, and in the journey to find and be formed by God’s will and love.
– Paul Vu
Assistant Dean of Students and Adjunct Professor of Psychology
“As a Muslim, I was privileged to do the Spiritual Exercises last year with Father Randy Roche. The Spiritual Exercises, coupled with my own daily prayers as a Muslim, helped to deepen my compassion and clarify my work for racial justice. Prayer is key in our relationship to God and opens us up in our relationships with people.
– Amir Hussain
Professor and Chair of Theological Studies
Learn more and sign up for the reading groups here.
Along with fellow students, faculty, and staff, let us join in continuing the work of prayer and justice as individuals and as community, in the coming month and throughout this Ignatian Year.
DEI Buzz:
- Today, Black Student Space Opening (4 p.m. Bird Nest)
- Save the date “Who was Rev. Junípero Serra?: Reconciling Past with Present” event, Nov. 4, 4:30-6 p.m., Ahmanson Auditorium, UH1000.
- Save the date, Nov. 19, for Patrick St. Jean
- Climate Survey, Oct. 25-Nov. 19.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Excellence Grants Call for Proposals (due 11/15)
- Systemic Analysis Year 2 initiatives are in place.
- Register for a Report Out Session, where units who are in-progress will share their work and receive feedback from the community.
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- Materials from our last report out session for Seaver College of Science and Engineer and Student housing are here.
- Next report out is on Nov 2, 4-5 p.m. with Study Abroad and the Office of National and International Fellowships (ONIF).
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- Check out DEI’s fall 2021 calendar.