CAMPUS MINISTRY, THE CENTER FOR SERVICE AND ACTION, AND DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES | The Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) is an annual gathering hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network for members of Jesuit institutions and the larger church to come together in the context of social justice and solidarity to learn, reflect, pray, network, and advocate together. It is a space where people are empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked. Now in its 21st year, the IFTJ has a rich history rooted in honoring the Jesuits and their companions who were martyred in El Salvador in 1989.
This year, LMU’s delegation participated virtually on Oct. 24-25 with nearly 2,000 attendees. Our delegation was comprised of Campus Ministry, Center for Service and Action, and theological studies students, staff, and faculty. Participants were invited to view workshops, participate in a roundtable discussion with session facilitators, and participate in breakout sessions, prayer, and advocacy. The LMU delegation said they were excited to be back at the teach-in, continuing to re-energize themselves and remember the undeniable link between faith and justice.
Megan Glaudini ’23, theology major and dance minor, and member of the newly established Arrupe Living Learning Community, reflects on her experience at the Ignatian Teach-In.
“Being a part of Campus Ministry, as well as the new Arrupe Living Learning Community, granted me the opportunity to attend the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice. Including leaving the weekend feeling so spiritually nourished and inspired, I wanted to share and highlight two major takeaways from the weekend.
The first point was from a workshop with Father Greg Boyle. He explained that we are called to love and serve the marginalized in the way they need it, not in the way we think they need it. Upon further reflection, I was drawn to the works of mercy that Jesus taught. These actions, whether spiritual or corporal, really tie in the aspect of wholehearted love. We need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to guide where and how we are being called to serve.
The second major theme was finding God in all things. It is common for us to hear this phrase and apply it to our daily life of normalcy, finding God in the little details of the day. While this is true and very fruitful, I think it is also very important to find God in our suffering. Looking at Jesus’ Passion, He had to go through the Agony in the Garden, the Way of the Cross and the Crucifixion all to reach His Resurrection. When we are faced with struggles in our lives, it is easy to draw away from God. However, in these moments, it is most necessary to unite our sufferings with Jesus and pick up our cross and follow Him. When we do so, we are also on our way to our very own resurrection. Through this, we learn to strive for the magis (for the more). We come to realize that we are saints in the making, and nothing here on Earth could ever compare to the glory that will be revealed in us in Heaven.”
