Ignatian Imagination in the World: The Future of Education, Faith, and Justice
The Questions:
One hundred years since our founding and more than 30 years into the merger of Loyola University and Marymount College, the questions remain.. What kind of university will Loyola Marymount University be? What will be the emphasis and the direction of the institution?
The Theme:
The theme of the Bellarmine Forum of 2011-2012 was derived from the keynote address of Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, to the international conference on "Networking Jesuit Higher Education: Shaping the Future for a Humane, Just, Sustainable Globe"? in Mexico City. In his speech, the Superior General issued a charge to Ignatian Higher education.
In this globalized world, with all its lights and shadows, would - or how would - running all these universities still be the best way we can respond to the mission of the Church and the needs of the world? Or perhaps, the question should be: What kind of universities, with what emphases and what directions, would we run, if we were re-founding the Society of Jesus in today's world? . . . . I think every generation has to re-create the faith, they have to re-create the journey, they have to re-create the institutions. This is not only a good desire. If we lose the ability to re-create, we have lost the spirit.
Adolfo Nicolás, S.J.Superior General
Society of Jesus
In the coming one hundred years and more, these questions will summon our best efforts or haunt our yearning. The Dean and Faculty of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts invite all members of the Loyola Marymount community to attend the events of the Bellarmine Forum in order to consider these questions, recreate the journey, and carry the spirit of the three founding orders forward.
The Plan:The first step is to rediscover the values, charisms, and continuing works of the three founding orders. Throughout the year, alumni, students, staff, faculty, religious, colleagues, benefactors, regents, trustees and members of the far flung community of Loyola Marymount were invited to consider the question of Superior General Nicolás. In addition, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary challenged the community to consider compassionate responses to critical need and explore work toward a globalization of solidarity and hope. The Bellarmine Forum hosted a series of round table events where those who have rediscovered the legacy of the three orders and considered the questions, can share their answers and hopes for the future. Directors: Prof. K.J. Peters, Prof. Steven Mailloux, and Maureen Fitzsimmons
