Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Spring at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville


Spring arrives today in our cloister garden


March 16, 2016

Dear Friends of the Jesuit Center,

I hear comments from educators, “Easter is far too early this year.”    Some years they welcome a long break in the month of April.  This year they complain that the break occurs in March and the spring months of April and May loom long and demanding.    But here at the Jesuit Center finally the winter has passed.   The birds fill the dawn with their songs.  Yes, the spring and summer months are one long stretch of retreats but these seasons beautify our Jesuit residence and enhance our hospitality while our visitors fill the house with their hopes and dreams.

Our troubled world continues to send out urgent calls for leaders who nourish their talents, learn from their weaknesses, respect others and join others together in noble causes.     As we in our country stumble through another presidential election cycle and as our religious institutions struggle to have our voices heard, spiritual renewal in support of leadership remains an ever-present need.    Programs at the Jesuit Center present Ignatian Spirituality not only as an avenue for individual peace but also as grounding for servant leadership.

The Center offers a variety of programs for spiritual growth and hosts also retreat programs sponsored by high schools, colleges, individual churches and ecumenical groups.  During the month of March, for example, over 400 men and women will be involved in overnight programming here.


We Jesuit residents of the Center and our Spiritual Growth Center staff are especially grateful for our friends who continue to support our mission with their prayers, their financial gifts and their encouragement.   May these seasons of spring and summer enrich us all and keep us alert to God’s work in our lives.

George W. Bur, S.J.

Superior of the Jesuit Center

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