Embarking on a Journey to Explore the Marvels of Life

Life, it seems, brings experiences that form, deform, and transform us. Formation. We are formed as persons with unique characteristics, shaped by our unique histories and circumstances. Our faith teaches us that we are formed in original goodness, created by a Good Creator God

To form men and women for others” Father Pedro Arrupe’s rallying call to Jesuit schools many years ago was mission-defining and resonant. It powerfully conveyed the essential ideals not just of Ignatian, but more importantly, of Christian education: service and commitment. However, one wonders whether “commitment” and “service” still hold currency today.

Assessment is one of the challenging responsibilities of vocation and formation directors. Psychological evaluation has three primary goals: a) determine if the applicant or candidate is free from major psychopathological disturbance

Discernment is a word often heard today. Most commonly used in relation to decision-making, discernment is generally understood to be the process of arriving at the best option.

Life, it seems, brings experiences that form, deform, and transform us. Formation. We are formed as persons with unique characteristics, shaped by our unique histories and circumstances. Our faith teaches us that we are formed in original goodness, created by a Good Creator God

In the book Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (McGraw-Hill, 1991), Geert Hofstede identifies two definitions of culture. One refers to civilization or a “refinement of the mind,” the results of which are education, works of art, literature, etc.

In the book Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (McGraw-Hill, 1991), Geert Hofstede identifies two definitions of culture. One refers to civilization or a “refinement of the mind,” the results of which are education, works of art, literature, etc.

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.

When we speak of ideals, we speak of being perfect or of something being in a perfect state. In our perceptions and conceptions, ideals are flawless, faultless, without defects. The perfect nature of ideals is very attractive. We are drawn to them, we desire to find ourselves in that perfect state that these ideals embody. They become the standards for which we aspire and endeavor.

How often have we experienced anxiety over an impending change in leadership? Sometimes we face this when the head of the institution or of a particular ministry becomes unavailable without a ready replacement, creating a leadership vacuum.