Module 1: Jesuit Mission and History

Jesuit Mission and History

Each module of Cura Personalis 1 has a required element - for Jesuit Mission and History, the following readings are required for all sections:

  • Chapter 1 of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, by Fr. James Martin, S.J.

  • SLU Mission Statement and University Core Student Learning Outcomes

  • Slavery, History, Memory and Reconciliation Project reading (compiled by the U.S. Central and Southern Province Jesuits in partnership with SLU's Office of Diversity and Community Engagement.

All required readings are provided to instructors and students.

Below are other potential topics, class activities, and readings to utilize to help students achieve the learning outcome for Module 1. These are potential - faculty are welcome (and encouraged!) to seek out other resources to implement.

All activities and readings referenced below are available on the Cura Personalis 1 curriculum resource page.

Potential Topics:

  • History of St. Ignatius and the Jesuits

  • History and Mission of Saint Louis University

  • Review of the Core Student Learning Outcomes

  • Finding God in All Things

  • What makes SLU unique? Why did you come here?

Potential Activities:

  • Jesuit guest speaker

  • Review of Spiritual Exercises

  • Reflective practices - Conduct an Examen

  • Videos of Jesuits telling their vocation story

Potential Readings:

  • The Life of St. Ignatius

  • Seven Characteristics of a Jesuit Education

  • Jesuit Apostolic Preferences

  • SLU History (from Mission Examen)

  • SLU Mission Website

  • SLU University Core Website

  • Hearts on Fire (copies for everyone?)

  • Addresses by Fr. Kolvenbach, Fr. Nicolas, other superior generals

  • “What is Ignatian Spirituality” by Fr. Dave Fleming, S.J.