My very own Jesuit Hono[u]r Roll!

Thumbing my nose at the widespread anti-Jesuitry in St. Blog's parish, and the Catholicism-I-Know generally, I have decided (with Credo's permission) to add a Jesuit Honor Roll to my sidebar. Two things tipped my hand to add the Roll. First, Credo said I could.

Second, I attended a Mass yesterday at Fu Ren University in Xin Zhuang; yesterday, November 5th, was the feast of All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus. It was really something. Not fruit-loopy, as, I admit, I slightly worried "those Jesuits" might let it be. Simultaneously Gregorian and modern (male chanting harmony plus overhead songs and a subdued electric guitar). The fathers were old, very old, most of them, but they exuded such jolly fraternal joy!

Before Mass, I made confession with a Jesuit, which, I must say, was one of the best confessions I've ever experienced. I smiled despite myself as the priest counseled me about "movements" and "sensations" of the soul. "This is Jesuit theology, as if straight from St. Ignatius," I said to myself, "right before my closed eyes!" Anyway, it was a real pleasure to enjoy such nice company (plus, there was a free meal afterward!). Adding the Honor Roll today seems reassuringly "meet" under the aegis of Providence.

At any rate, the criteria for making the list are 1) be a Jesuit, 2) persevere as a Jesuit, 3) at the very least, not actively promulgate grave doubts, heresies or scandals as a Jesuit, 4) work, preach, teach or write in a Christ-honoring, Ignatian way and about issues I find interesting and/or honorable, and 5) reach my blogging radar. Fr. Walling, for example, whom I met this weekend at Fu Ren, has been serving in China/Taiwan for decades, and directs retreats at the Manresa Center in Jing Shan; so not only do I respect his legacy but also know him personally -- in fact, he may well lead me through the Exercises this Chinese New Year!

The bottom line criterion for Jesuit honor? Is there any question?

"Ad majorem Dei gloriam!"

Over time, I want to tweak, correct or expand the links, but here is the list as it stands now:

Fr. John Hardon, S.J. (R.I.P.) [more]

Fr. Greg Jordan, S.J. [more]

Fr. James Schall, S.J. [more 1, 2]

Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J. [more]

Fr. Paul Mankowski, S.J. [more]

Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J. [more]

Fr. Joe Koterski, S.J.

Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.

Fr. Paul Shaughnessy, S.J.

Fr. John Kavanaugh, S.J.

Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

Fr. Jim Kubicki, S.J.

Fr. Ron Tacelli, S.J. [ more]

Fr. Richard Hermes, S.J.

Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J.

Fr. John Conley, S.J.

Fr. Edwin F. Healy, S.J.

Fr. Tom King, S.J.

Fr. Ray Gawronski, S.J.

Fr. Bill Kurz, S.J.

Fr. David Meconi, S.J.

Fr. Dick Tomasek, S.J.

Fr. Al Winshman, S.J.

Paul Cardinal Shan Kuo-hsi, S.J.
[more 1, 2]

Fr. James Chevedden, S.J.
(R.I.P.)

Fr. Norman Walling, S.J. [more]

Ignatius Cardinal Pin-Mei Kung, S.J. (R.I.P.)

Archbishop Tang Yee-Ming, S.J. (R.I.P.)

Fr. Martin McDermott, S.J.

Fr. Edward A. Oakes, S.J.

Fr. Brian E. Daley, S.J.

Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J.

Fr. Louis Aldrich, S.J.