New Jesuit Priest

Archbishop Wilton Gregory with Fr. Joel Medina, S.J.

As a nurse, Fr. Joel Medina, S.J. treated physical ailments. Now, he wants to treat spiritual ones. After years working in health care, the 56-year-old has traded his scrubs for the collar of a Jesuit priest. “I was interested in serving people,” Medina said. “I felt the call to do that by serving as a priest.” Joel Medina Medina started his career in health care at age 19, working in Jackson as a nursing assistant. He went on to become a registered nurse through Jackson Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wayne State University in Detroit. He then worked about 16 years off and on at the University of Michigan hospital. That all ended nine years ago, when Medina applied to be a Roman Catholic Jesuit and entered The Society of Jesus, Chicago-Detroit Province’s Novitiate at Loyola House in Berkley, Mich. Friends and family said they weren’t surprised by the decision. “We always knew (the priesthood) is where he’d end up,” said Medina’s sister, Linda Berkemeier, 51 of Jackson. “He was sensitive and interested in theology. We were just waiting for him to do it.”

Link (here) to read the full article at  MLive.com

The Director Of The Jesuit Retreat House In Ohio

Archbishop Joseph Tobin

A recent development in the Vatican's investigation of U.S. nuns has the sisters and their supporters breathing a little easier. Archbishop Joseph Tobin, an American who acknowledges the investigation has caused "anger and hurt" among U.S. nuns, has been named secretary of the Vatican panel conducting the investigation. Tobin, who grew up in Detroit, has said he will work to heal any rifts between American sisters and the Catholic hierarchy in Rome. He also hopes to lift a shroud of secrecy surrounding the probe. "We're very excited by his appointment," said Sister Mary Ann Flannery, director of the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma. "He's coming from an American culture that believes you have a right to defend yourself, a right to have your voice heard." The investigation, officially known as an "apostolic visitation," is meant to "look into the quality of life" in sisters' religious communities, according to the Vatican. Currently, the investigative reports are to be kept confidential and turned over to the Vatican panel. Not even the nuns will be allowed to see them. "That is so offensive," said Flannery. "We basically don't trust any of this."

Link (here) to Cleveland.com 

Golf Courses And Jesuits

The 350 scenic and rolling acres on which the golf course sits once served as a park retreat for the Detroit Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests and educators. And yes, many of them are good golfers and play Shepherd's Hollow often.

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Link (here) to full article at Michigan Golf

Link (here) to the  Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center

We Are Heartbroken

A former president of Loyola Academy was removed from active ministry after he admitted having an "inappropriate relationship" with a student during his tenure at the Wilmette school, religious and school officials said Monday. The Rev. Larry Reuter was president of the Jesuit school from 1975 until 1990. He was Loyola Academy's longest-serving president. 

He reportedly admitted a relationship with an 18-year-old student, though religious officials declined to specify when the incident occurred. Officials said the student had turned 18 when the relationship began. 

 Loyola was an all-male high school until fall 1994, when the institution went coed. No other information was available about the student.

"We are heartbroken by this violation of trust by a former member of our community," Loyola Academy's president, the Rev. Patrick McGrath, said in a statement released Monday. 

The decision to remove Reuter from active ministry effective March 15 was made by the Chicago and Detroit provinces of the Society of Jesus, the organization that oversees Jesuits in the region.

Link (here) to the full Chicago Tribune article 
Photo is Fr. Larry Reuter, S.J. (here)

The a written and video report of a second "Problem" (here)

 The second accuser of Fr. Larry Reuter SJ was interviewed by WGN-TV, not on camera and with voice disguised.  Forty years old and married with two children, the man says the abuse started in the late 80s, when he was a Loyola Academy junior.  He sought and got guidance from Reuter, he says, and appreciated it.  But matters between them took a turn for the worse. Reuter “started feeling comfortable giving me a hug, supporting me as a friend,” he said. “All of a sudden (the hug) became a k..ss on the lips.”
Link (here) to the blog entitled Blithe Spirit


The story gets more complicated this story provided by an unrelated abuse victim from L.A.

This site City of Angels action 2010 also has a copy of a page appearing to be from Jesuit files on Donald McGuire SJ, the convicted abuser now in federal prison.  These are “Minutes of the Chicago Province Consultors Meeting, June 12–14, 2007,” at which McGuire’s fate as a Jesuit was decided, namely to recommend his dismissal from the Jesuits and the priesthood “on grounds of s.exual misconduct.” Among the three “consultors” (advisors to the provincial superior) was “Fr. Lawrence Reuter, S.J.,” who is noted as absent on the third day of the meeting, June 14.  This is clearly the Larry Reuter recently suspended after admitting abuse in a case settled years earlier. Hat Tip to Blithe Spirit (here)

Loyola Academy alum James Young Wagner ‘76 has started a new blog devoted to the coverage of this issue, his blog is entitled The Mess At Loyola Academy

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Blogger Note: I encourage readers to read the comments section, an important and candid discussion is taking place.

St. Charles Garnier, S.J., "May Death Find You With God In Mind"

The enemy Iroquois, as they approached the village, seized upon a man and woman who had just come out of it. They learned from these two captives the condition of the place, and ascertained that it was destitute of the better part of its people. Losing no time, they quickened their pace that they might lay waste everything, opportunity so greatly favoring them. It was on the seventh day of the month of last December, in the year 1649, toward three o'clock in the afternoon, that this band of Iroquois appeared at the gates of the village, spreading immediate dismay, and striking terror into all those poor people,—bereft of their strength, and finding themselves vanquished, when they thought to be themselves the conquerors. Some took to flight ; others were slain on the spot. To many, the flames, which were already consuming some of their cabins, It was a scene of incredible cruelty. The enemy snatched from a Mother her infants, that they might be thrown into the fire ; 

other children beheld their Mothers beaten to death at their feet, or groaning in the flames,

permission, in either case, being denied them to show the least compassion. It was a crime to shed a teár, these barbarians demanding that their prisoners should go into captivity as if they were marching to their triumph. 

A poor Christian Mother, who wept for the death of her infant, was killed on the spot, because she still loved, and could not stifle soon enough her Natural feelings.

Father Charles Garnier (St. Charles Garnier, S.J.) was, at that time, the only one of our Fathers in that Mission. When the enemy appeared, he was just then occupied with instructing the people in the cabins which he was visiting. At the noise of the alarm, he went out, going straight to the Church, where he found some Christians.  

" We are dead men, my brothers," he said to them. "Pray to God, and flee by whatever way you may be able to escape. Bear about with you your faith through what of life remains ; and may death find you with God in mind." 

He gave them his blessing, then left hurriedly, to go to the help of souls. A prey to despair, not one dreamed of defense. Several found a favorable exit for their flight; they implored the Father to flee with them, but the bonds of Charity restrained him.

Link (here) to the mentioned portion of the Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents from 1650

Jesuits New Affiliation With The Benedictine Order of Cleveland,

Loyola Retreat House has announced a new affiliation with the Benedictine Order of Cleveland, which will allow the retreat house to maintain its Catholic identity and continue to offer retreats and spiritual programs, as it has for more than 40 years, under the auspices of the Catholic Church.

Until recently, the retreat house was affiliated with the Society of Jesus — better known as the Jesuits — who over the years provided priests and brothers who directed retreats and provided spiritual direction at the retreat house. In recent years, however, the number of available priests has declined and the Jesuits were unable to continue staffing the retreat house.

Link (here) to the full article.

Tom Playfair

"TOMMY! "

No answer.

" Tommy—do you hear me ? Get up this moment, sir. Do you think this house is a hotel? Every one's at breakfast except yourself."

Miss Meadow, Tom Playfair's maternal aunt, stood without the door of Master Playfair's sleeping apartment. She paused for a moment, partly to gain her breath (having come up three pairs of stairs to arouse Tom) and partly to await some reply from our sleeping hero.

The silence, however, was simply emphasized by the ticking of the great clock in the hall.

" Tommy!" she resumed at length, in a higher key, " do you hear me ?"

Her strained ears caught the dull sound as of some one turning lazily in his bed. " Now you're awake, sir, jump right up, and dress for your breakfast."

"Sho! scat!" came a yawning voice from the room.

"Dear me!" cried poor Miss Meadow, "the boy doesn't mind me in the least."

"What's the trouble, Jane?" queried Mr. Playfair, who just then issued from his room.

" I can't get that Tommy out of bed. He's growing worse every day, George. Last week he was late for school five times."

"I'll fix that, Jane," said Mr. Playfair. And he took one step toward Tom's sleeping-room, when the door of that apartment opened a few inches, discovering a young face peering anxiously from beneath a mass of tangled hair.

"Pa," said the apparition, "I'm dressing just as fast as I know how. I heard you, auntie, and I'm coming right away."

Link (here) to the book entitled Tom Playfair, by Fr. Francis Finn, S.J.

Jesuit Response To The Crisis In Haiti

By now we are all well aware of the tragedy unfolding in Haiti. Many of you know that Brother Jim Boynton is now working in Haiti at a school in a town called Ouanaminthe which is located in the Northeast of the country. His region felt the quake and had minimal damage but the damage to the Capital Porte-au-Prince has been devastating. Brother Boynton has said that the Jesuit schools in Haiti serve the very poor and right now these families need just about everything. To help with the relief effort, the Detroit Province of the Jesuits will be sending money to the Jesuits in Haiti which will go to help the families and the schools we serve. Brother asks that we be as generous as we are able.

Send all Donations to:
The Jesuits (put "Haiti Relief" on the check)
Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus
7303 W. Seven Mile Detroit, MI 48221

Link (here)

A Letter From A Jesuit 303 Years Ago

JMJ

Michilimackinac, August 27, 1706.

Letter from Father Joseph Marest to Governor VaudreuiI

Monsieur—

A few canoes of the savages of this place, who went to Detroit, having returned, I am permitted to give you their report; they arrived here on Monday, August 23d. The chiefs of Michilimackinac, who remained at home, have always maintained that their men had not gone to fight, but to withdraw their brothers, the young men, from Detroit. Those who went last, report that they met these young men on their way home. Five or six days had already elapsed since they left Detroit, and they were nearly exhausted with hunger. Ten canoes have gone to Saginaw for provisions. Le Pesant and Jean la Blanc, with many others are still delayed by the wind. Those who have arrived, say that a great battle was fought at Detroit, and that the French were going out with the Miamis and Hurons to attack the Outawas in their fort. Two Frenchmen had been killed in the combat, by a Miami. The Outawas feared that they had killed some of the Iroquois of the Saut,1 if any were with the Hurons.

The savages all say that the Miamis were masters in the fort of the French, stealing their corn and other provisions, and committing all manner of depredations.

It was also reported that they had burnt an Outawa. The Hurons burned a young Outawa woman in their fort. They sent four Outawas captive to the Miamis of St. Joseph; two of them escaped; but they said the Miamis had not ill-treated them, and the blame of the whole affair must rest on Quarante Sous (great link).

Tbe same Hurons had two other Outawa prisoners, whom they wished to give either to the Miamis, who were soon to return from Detroit, or to M. la Motte.

The greater part of the fields at Detroit had been ravaged. Only a few of the Miamis remained at Detroit, and the Loups (Pawnee sub-group) had withdrawn. news had yet been received from M. la Motte. M. Menard will give all the circumstances at length; you may depend upon his report. We are impatiently awaiting the return of M. Boudor and the Outawa chiefs. I have not yet sent to the river St. Joseph, but hope to very soon.

I hasten to close this long letter, by assuring you that I am with respect, sir

Your very humble and very obedient servant,

Jos. J. Maeest.

Link (here) to the full letter

Hand drawing of an Outawas Indian going to war with his family

Map of Michigan Indian groups

The Jesuit's Fort Saint Joseph In Michigan

The French established Fort St. Joseph as a mission

and later a fort in Niles. Not the city of St. Joseph, which was the site of LaSalle's short-lived Fort Miami. "It was abandoned after 18 months in 1679."

In the 1680s, Jesuits were granted a tract of land near Niles for their mission. In 1691, a post was established for what proved to be a multi-ethnic community. "There were not only French there," Nassaney said, "but also native peoples living at the fort. We've been able to demonstrate this archaeologically, and the documents also tell us this. At the fort in the early part of the 18th century, there was a commandant, a blacksmith, an interpreter, eight to 10 soldiers, there were about 15 fur traders and their wives. They had trouble attracting French women to the frontier back then, so the voyageurs often married native women. One of the things we have is a list of marriages and baptisms that the priests performed."

"There were about 50 to 60 people who lived in Niles at St. Joseph for almost a century," Nassaney said.

"It was quite a community. It was also one of the most important mission, garrison, trading post complexes in the western Great Lakes.

For instance, in the early part of the 18th century, there was a glut of furs. They'd been harvesting so many and shipping so many back, they had more than they could deal with, so they closed down a number of the posts throughout New France.

But Fort St. Joseph was one of the posts kept open because it was so important to have this relationship with the Indians. The idea of a 'fort' implies a mighty military bastion or a mighty military presence. That was not the case whatsoever. The strategy of the French was to ally themselves with the natives. The fur trade was the economic glue that maintained that alliance.

This was a very important place in that regard. The English took it over in 1761. The English treated the Indians a little differently than the French did. The English were a little more calculating than the French giving gifts of gunpowder and tobacco to cement an alliance. Everything was very businesslike, and the natives didn't like that. Ultimately, this led to Pontiac's Rebellion. Native people led uprisings at Detroit, at Michilimackinac and at Fort St. Joseph. The English were removed from the fort. The site continued to be a site for French traders until 1781, when a small contingent of soldiers under the Spanish flag came from St. Louis to southwest Michigan. They planted their flag in the ground, they spent the night, took a few things and left the next day. Hence, Niles and the fort are known for their four flags, the only place in Michigan which has waved the French, Spanish, English and American flags."

Link (here)

Jesuit Fr. Oswald Mascarenhas Leading The Divine Mercy Conference In Michigan

Divine Mercy Conference 2009

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs divine mercy servant religion & spiritual

New Jesuit Blog: Holy Ground

Holy Ground -
Thoughts from a Spiritual Director

This blog contains the thoughts, musings, and advice of Carl Bonk, Jesuit priest and longtime spiritual director based at Jesuit Retreat House. As you read this blog, you are invited to share your own prayers, stories, and thoughts - all are welcome! Link (here) to the blog of Fr. Carl A. Bonk, S.J. of Cleveland, OH. He is a Detroit native and Jesuit priest whose ministry is in retreat and spiritual direction at Jesuit Retreat House in Cleveland. He has taught at St. Ignatius and Walsh Jesuit high schools and coached baseball at St. Ignatius. He entered the Jesuits in 1960, has done ministry in high schools, retreat houses, and was pastor of Saints Peter and Paul (Jesuit) Church on East Jefferson in downtown Detroit.