An Historic Moment in Time - The New Orleans Province of the ...

came together to enjoy a reception,
dinner, and a brief talk in which
Kolvenbach shared his vision of the
dynamic and changing needs of the
Society of Jesus and of the diverse
people they serve.
Fr. Kolvenbach stated that St.
Ignatius realized early on that in order
to reach the ends of the Earth with their
ministry the Jesuits’ efforts must be
multiplied “many times over by the
work and prayer and generosity of men
and women of faith.”
Fr. Kolvenbach went on “God gives
the grace of generous service, but it is
your hands and hearts and minds that
make these ministries possible…It is in
the light of the importance of our work
and prayer together that I thank you
today for your friendship and support in
the name of all the members of the
Society of Jesus.”
6 The SouthernJesuit
After the guests went home Fr.
General secluded himself with the
Novices. He spent a great deal of time
sharing his own calling and experience,
listening to their questions and
concerns, challenging them to be “men
for others,” and reassuring our newest
men.
Fr. Billy Huete, S.J., Novice
Master, remarked “What we are
currently studying with the Novices is
the Constitutions of the Society. In
particular we are studying the part on
the novitiate – while also reading Fr.
Kolvenbach’s Instruction on the
Novitiate. So in meeting and getting to
know him personally, the Novices’
studies have been thrown into an
entirely new light with a deeper
understanding of the person behind
their studies.”
On Wednesday, the 6th, Fr. General
completed his inspiring visit by touring
the grounds of the novitiate, Spirituality
Center, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat
Center and St. Charles Borromeo
Parish. He was able to visit the site
credited to the canonization of the
young Jesuit, St. John Berchmans. The
visits provided a moment of reflection
and prayer for the Society and its many
works.
An unassuming man filled with
humility, living in simplicity, and
focused on the spread of the Good
News of Christ Jesus, Fr. Peter-Hans
Kolvenbach has left a mark on the
memory of many with his visit. By his
daily living, we are given direction.
Through his example of simplicity, we
draw strength. In his presence, we gain
succor. Thank you Fr. General, thank
you.