28 Oct October 2024 Reflection – Thomas Merkel SJ
Seeing with New Eyes
I recently went to Rome (October 7-23) and experienced the Pontifical Gregorian University for the first time in my life. Although I’ve been a member of the Society of Jesus for 39 years and while I’ve heard about the Gregorian University, I had never seen it before, It was historic and yet brand new for me. Expect more reflections on this experience in the future.
One night, my colleague and special advisor, Fr. Bill George, SJ, presided at the Altar of Aloysius Gonzaga in St. Ignatius Church. After the Mass, Fr. Bill and I took off our vestments in the sacristy and returned to the group of pilgrims who came to see the Gregorian University with us. A laywoman named Jeni who had joined the Mass with us approached me and asked me to explain our group to her. I told her that we were representatives of the Gregorian University Foundation in the United States and that we raised money to support student scholarships, programs and facility needs for the Gregorian University including its three missions at the Collegium Maximum, the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Oriental Institute.
Jeni responded, “Thank you.” Then she explained that she was a scholarship recipient and that her experience at the Gregorian University made all the difference in her life. She said, “I would not have been able to study at the Gregorian University without scholarship help. People like you have changed my life.” As it turns out, Jeni is using her theological education and faith development to help the poor immigrant community in Malta. She was in Rome at a Christian Life Community retreat where she was sharing her experience of ministry with other CLC members from all over the world.
Jeni’s story was repeated over and over again during our visit. Countless students–seminarians, priests, religious women, laymen and laywomen–studying at the Gregorian University from all over the world said, “Thank you!” They were filled with faith in God, and desire to make a return to God for the gifts they have been given, including their scholarships.
Thank you for making their education and service to God’s people possible.
Thomas J. Merkel, SJ
President, Gregorian University Foundation