The First 3 Weeks

Well, as I am nearly 3 weeks into Chicago, here are a few sound bytes about my time thus far:

• Again, as in the novitiate, the quality of my brothers here is incredible.  The community life is very diverse with guys from all over the country (and even the world) who have such wide-ranging talents and interests.  Yet, there is that strong Jesuit bond.  In fact, at Loyola alone there are about 70 Jesuits, whether they are professors, students, or active in other ministries.  
• Today we had a "Jesuit Fest" for the students where hundreds came by for an outdoor carnival for a meet-and-greet with food, games, and tours of our house.  There were carnival events like "Jesuit jousting" and "Dunk-a-Jesuit."  It's good evangelization to be out there with the young people like that.  It is a real joy to get to know some of them. 
• My classes are fascinating, invigorating, and challenging.  I can already tell I'm going to learn a lot, and I have some outstanding professors.  
• The Loyola campus is quite urban but beautiful, as it is right along Lake Michigan, which to me might as well be the Pacific Ocean.  
• I take one of my classes "Philosophy of Law" at the downtown campus at the Law School.  It is taught by a Jesuit with four law degrees, and who is a consummate scholar and man of the Church.  
• I have had the great privilege of connecting with an energetic religious sister who has worked for decades at Loyola and happens to be 92 years old!  She is still working hard and is beloved by the Loyola community.

So, that's just a smattering of some of the highlights.  I hope to offer some more nuanced and extended reflections later.  

A View of the Chapel and the Lake