“Pray as if God
will take care of all;
act as if all
is up to you.” 
Ignatius of Loyola

Forty years ago today, my brother, Tom, was ordained to the Jesuit priesthood at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. It goes without saying that he was strongly influenced by his experience as a student at Saint Ignatius High School from 1964-68. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was the Spanish priest who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534. 

In the Sacred Scriptures, the number 40 seems to be used to represent “a long time.” In the story of the great flood, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses fasted for 40 days. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness where he fasted and was tempted by the devil. And the Jewish people wandered in the desert for 40 years. In each case, the number 40 could be replaced with “a long time.”

In these Bible stories, we can see that the number 40 was associated with being tested, and with the hardships one endures in their journey to becoming more spiritually enlightened.

Yes, my brother, Tom, has been a Jesuit priest for a long time. His various ministerial responsibilities took him to Los Angeles (Loyola High School), Boston (Jesuit Urban Center), Los Altos, California (El Retiro Jesuit Retreat Center), Rome (where Tom provided spiritual direction to young Jesuits in formation from around the world), and then back to Los Angeles (Loyola-Marymount University). Through these experiences, some of which included periods of testing and hardship, Tom has clearly become more spiritually enlightened. What is clear to so many people who know him is that Tom’s strength, the gift he willingly and generously shares with so many, is that of spiritual direction.   

Ignatian Spirituality is grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, written around the years 1522-1524, an organized program of prayer and reflection. The Exercises are not meant to be read, but to be experienced. The purpose of the Exercises is to help people deepen their relationship with God. Through the years, Tom has facilitated this process of spiritual growth for countless women and men. He continues to do so today from his new home base at Loyola-Marymount University.

While I may be considerably taller (and a bit heavier) than Tom, he will always be my big brother. I am proud of who he is and what he is doing with his life. I am grateful for the myriad ways he has shared his priestly ministry with our family at weddings, funerals, baptisms, and with the gift of his presence. I also appreciate the effort Tom makes to visit and connect with his six nephews (Peggy & Jim’s three boys: Pat, Dan & Sean, and Kathy’s and my three boys: Tom, Steve & Brendan) — and now, seven grand-nieces/nephews! 

Tom’s life has certainly reflected the thoughtful words of former President Jimmy Carter, who said, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”