Jesuit-Mercy Traditions

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All that I have and call my own, you have given it all to me. To you,  Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.

Amen.

St. Ignatius Loyola

Jesuit Spirituality

The Jesuit approach to education is rooted in nearly 500 years of excellence, beginning with St. Ignatius Loyola, who founded the Society of Jesus in 1540. At its heart is a deep respect for each student and their unique potential, a principle known as cura personalis.

Students are encouraged to strive for personal excellence in all areas of life—intellectual, emotional, moral, and physical. This pursuit of greater depth and rigor, called magis, guides our approach to learning and challenges students to reach their fullest potential.

Core Charisms

Cura Personalis

Care for the whole person: body, mind and spirit
Dedication to promoting human dignity
Being open to and accepting a person's religious, spiritual and cultural development

Faith that Does Justice

Seeking justice for all God's creatures, especially the poor and marginalized
Working actively for and with the poor, and to be just as active in reflecting on God's presence in their work and their relationships

Finding God in All Things

An invitation to spiritually encounter God's beauty in everything we come to know in our lives
Accomplished through an ongoing process of personal discernment

Women and Men for and with Others

More than just giving and providing service to those in need, but working with or alongside of those we serve to promote solidarity
Recognizing that all humans have physical, emotional, and spiritual needs

Life of Blessed Mother Catherine McAuley and Mercy Charisms

On September 24, 1827, Catherine McAuley, the first Sister of Mercy, opened the doors of her home on Baggot Street in Dublin, Ireland, welcoming the public to what became known as the House of Mercy—a name honoring Our Lady of Mercy, whose spirit inspired her mission.

Using her inheritance, Catherine created a home for women and children in need, providing housing, education, and religious and social support. Her innovative approach—bringing the poor, sick, and uneducated into an affluent neighborhood—was considered groundbreaking at the time. Within three years, more than 200 girls were enrolled in the school, and a growing community of volunteers joined her mission, inspired by her compassion and dedication.

Catherine McAuley’s Mercy Charisms

Preferential option for the poor,

Life of generous service to persons in need,

Special concern for women and children,

Spirit of hospitality,

Justice,

Compassion,

Trust in the providence of God.