In the January/February issue of Trusteeship Magazine, Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College of the Holy Cross, reflects on the pilgrimage he led with a group of 28 past and present board members, their spouses, and senior leaders. The group visited sites in Spain and Rome that are significant in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits.
While the pilgrimage was a first for the Holy Cross trustees, scores of College faculty and administrators—from diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and academic disciplines—have participated in the annual Ignatian Pilgrimage since it was introduced in 2003.
Fr. Boroughs writes, “At Jesuit institutions in the United States and other parts of the world, a new form of pilgrimage has emerged with a focus not only on a sense of place, but also on the values and traditions that help define the work we do.”
He continues: “In many ways, the goal of this eight-day journey was similar to one that Holy Cross faculty and staff members have been setting for 10 years: namely, an increased understanding of St. Ignatius and the origins of the Jesuits and an opportunity to reflect on contemporary implications of the spiritual questions that drove his life. With our trustees, I also hoped to see a heightened sense of bonding in our shared work for the college—especially as we embark on major institutional initiatives, including a comprehensive campaign and ambitious building projects.”
John Mahoney, chair of the Holy Cross board of trustees, and Kathleen McLaughlin LaCroix, Holy Cross alumna and board member, also offered reflections from their experience and explained how the trip will inform their work with the College.
Mahoney reflects: “Holy Cross provides a distinct undergraduate liberal arts experience, and its Jesuit identity is a critical element. My personal commitment to sustaining that experience is far better informed as a result of making the pilgrimage. All colleges can benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of what sets them apart. Learning the history of our college’s mission will enable us as trustees to sustain it amidst all of the challenges we face today in higher education.”
This "Holy Cross in the News" item by Cristal Steuer.
