The Feast of St. Ignatius
St. Jerome's University is making these announcements on July 31, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This day holds special significance throughout the global network of Jesuit schools, colleges, and universities.
St. Ignatius understood education as a transformative encounter that forms the mind, heart and character of each student. His feast day represents an opportunity to reaffirm a vision of education that seeks not only knowledge, but wisdom.
On the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, St. Jerome's University is formally recognizing its relationship with the Jesuits of Canada. Through the signing of an Ignatian Endorsement Agreement, the University takes its place among distinguished Jesuit institutions around the world.
The partnership represents an important new chapter for St. Jerome’s, as it strengthens its Catholic mission and identity on the campus of the University of Waterloo. Importantly, this partnership builds upon rather than replaces the rich religious heritage that has shaped St. Jerome's University throughout its history.
The University was founded in 1865 by the Congregation of the Resurrection, whose commitment to the transformative power of education continues to animate the institution's mission. In 1962, the School Sisters of Notre Dame joined the Resurrectionists on the University of Waterloo campus in pioneering work that expanded opportunities for women's higher education.
The Ignatian Endorsement Agreement reflects the complementary strengths of these traditions. Together, the Resurrectionist emphasis on hope and renewal, the School Sisters of Notre Dame's commitment to education and human dignity, and the Jesuit tradition of discernment and intellectual excellence provide a strong foundation for the future of St. Jerome's University.
As one tangible sign of the agreement, St. Jerome’s will welcome Fr. Sami Helewa, SJ, as the University's first Jesuit in Residence. Fr. Helewa will enrich the spiritual and intellectual life of the campus by fostering dialogue on faith, justice, vocation, and service.
As St. Jerome's looks toward the future, the signing of the Ignatian Endorsement Agreement and the appointment of a Jesuit in Residence represent a renewed commitment to Catholic higher education. These initiatives demonstrate the University’s confidence that its distinctive mission will continue to flourish through faithful engagement with the needs of the contemporary world.
Perspectives on the Partnership
"The Ignatian Endorsement Agreement is an important milestone for St. Jerome's University. It brings the wisdom of the Jesuit educational tradition into our mission and strengthens our commitment to forming graduates who will lead with competence, conscience, compassion, and a commitment to the common good."
— Dr. Peter M. Meehan
President and Vice Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University
“The Jesuits of Canada are proud to endorse St. Jerome’s University. We believe this new relationship recognizes the strong alignment between its educational mission and our apostolic vision. We commit to fostering academic excellence, promoting faith, and forming leaders to serve as agents of reconciliation. The University is well positioned to deepen its commitment to justice and the common good — we are honoured to be part of that journey.”
— Very Rev. Jeffrey S. Burwell, SJ Provincial Superior, Jesuits of Canada
"Since the founding of the Congregation of the Resurrection in 1836, the Jesuits have been trusted companions in helping Resurrectionists and our lay associates live out our charism of hope and new life. We are grateful for this enduring relationship and are excited to see it take new form through the Jesuits' partnership with St. Jerome's University."
— Very Rev. Toby Collins, C.R.
Provincial Superior, Congregation of the Resurrection
“The School Sisters of Notre Dame, co-creators with the Congregation of the Resurrection of the charism of St. Jerome's, gratefully witness to the flourishing of higher education on the campus of St. Jerome's and beyond. We welcome the Jesuit charism of higher education to further shape the mission and future of St. Jerome's.”
— Sr. Nancy Gilchriest, SSND
Provincial Leader, Atlantic-Midwest Province, School Sisters of Notre Dame