5 Enduring Values of Ignatian Living Mission and Jesuit Education
By Andy Thon, S.J., Clinical Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs Emeritus
These enduring values are not empty abstractions or mere marketing slogans. The values are still very relevant for today’s Jesuit college and university students. The values are especially important for students during the challenges of the pandemic, mostly virtual learning, and not being present on campus. The lasting strength of the Ignatian values is the combination and relationship with each other value which will help students to focus on the Ignatian mission.
Cura Personalis
An early goal of Jesuit education is the respect for each student’s unique identity and needs. Cura personalis means care for the individual person and is much more profound than just good customer service or being extra nice to others. Cura personalis reflects deep appreciation and respect for the dignity of each individual and affirms the goodness and identity of every person. Cura personalis is an ethic of care inviting one to more deeply understand the experiences and perspectives of others and especially being respectful of the diversity and equity of those belonging to the campus community. Cura personalis also includes the importance of care for one’s self which is sometimes neglected as students manifest care for others.
Men and Women for and with Others
Ignatian education wants graduates to be leaders-in-service. This has been the goal since the 16th century. This Ignatian value focuses on each person’s call to service. This is a call to share one’s gifts, talents, and resources with others, especially those who are in need. It is that a call for service be a central motivation of one’s life. Being a person for and with others is a special and sacred relationship between the one doing service and the one being served. Community service and service learning experiences on campuses are not just requirements of some campus clubs or classes. For service experiences to have a deeper value in one’s life, these experiences need to include opportunities and time for critical reflection.
Unity of Heart and Mind
The Ignatian view is to pay attention to one’s feelings and the integration of what one thinks and feels. This value focuses on a commitment to the development of the whole person. This unity includes consistency of thoughts and actions, congruence between one’s thoughts and feelings, and the integration of integrity and intelligence and character and competence. It means having the brains to make a difference and the heart to want to do so. In education this means the integration of classroom and out-of-class learning that provides seamless learning experiences for students. Leading to good discernment and decisions is not only the rational pros and cons; but also one’s feelings, emotions, and desires which Ignatius calls the moments of the soul.
Magis
Ignatius’s entire life was being a pilgrim in search of the magis. Magis means “more,” but not just doing more things. Magis is based on the Ignatian vision of serving God in areas of greater importance and need, and always asking what more can one do for God. In contemporary terms magis is striving for excellence in all one does, continuous quality improvement, and not being satisfied with maintaining the status quo or just fulfilling minimum expectations. Mediocrity has no place in the Ignatian vision. Magis is stretching one’s self to the next level, and then some. Magis is making the most of one’s potential and fully developing one’s God-given talents. Magis is finding ways of doing better than what one is already doing, considering doing something in a different way, and improving the current situation. Magis is expanding horizons, going out of one’s comfort zone, and being open to new experiences, and developing one’s whole person as a student.
Contemplatives-in-Action
Ignatius desired that Jesuits be very active in cities where its ministries and schools were located rather than other religious orders at that time that focused on being mainly contemplative and having monasteries away from the city. This value is achieving a balance of activity and reflection. It is related to the Ignatian vision of finding God in all things amidst the ups and downs of one’s daily experiences. Integrating contemplation with activities helps gain perspective on what one is doing, where one is going, and what really matters to one. The key is developing a habit of reflection. This value is not just alternating moments of action and reflection; but cultivating continuous reflection and learning amidst one’s many activities. With today’s fast-paced world, constant communication, technology, and crowded schedules, it is important to take time for reflection, some quiet, and be free of distractions. Being a contemplative-in-action is truly cura personalis for one’s self.
Reflections and Discussion Questions
1. How is cura personalis manifested on campus and in your own life?
2. What are opportunities for the campus and yourself to truly experience being men and women for and with others?
3. How is the Ignatian value of magis more profound than just making our lives busier?
4. How do you integrate your classroom and out-of-class experiences to develop your whole person?
5. How can you balance and integrate your activities and time for reflection?
