Ignatian Conversation: The Cannonball Experience
05/07/2021
Join Saint Louis University's Office of Mission and Identity at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 20, for a brief study and discussion on Jesuit mission and Ignatian spirituality.
The Ignatian Year begins May 20, 2021, marking the day 500 years ago that a cannonball changed the trajectory fo the life of St. Ignatius. After the injury, Ignatius spent the following two years in convalescence and isolation, removed from friends and the active and exciting life he was leading. Although he was in pain, lonely and bored, this became a most graced time as God revealed his love to him and he learned to discern the spirits that affected his soul.
The discussion will focus on the cannonball, looking at the parallel to our pandemic experience. The closing of SLU on March 16, 2020, is our collective cannonball. What graces emerged during lock down? What were the consolations or desolations in a time when we could not live life as we always had?
The Office of Mission and Identity has invited four members of the SLU community to share their pandemic experience at the University.
Reflectors include:
- Brooks Goedeker, executive director of the Midtown Redevelopment Corporation
- Peggy McAuliffe, SLUCare nurse in the Division of Cardiology
- Robert McNair, business manager, Office of the Vice President for Research
- Michele Streb, senior administrative assistant for the Chief Information Officer
Each reflector will share for 3-5 minutes, followed by discussion and questions.
Preparatory Reading on the Cannonball Experience
Reflection Questions
- What graces emerged while you were in isolation?
- What were your consolations or desolations?
- What do you take with you as we go forth from our homes?