| May 21, 2008 | Vol 9. No. 14 |
Father Cooke Reflects on General Congregation in Rome
The college community filled the Grupp Fireside Lounge on April 21 as Canisius President Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., shared his reflections on the Jesuits’ 35th General Congregation (GC 35) in Rome. Father Cooke was one of 225 delegates from across the globe chosen to attend GC 35, at which delegates elected a new superior general for the Society of Jesus, Rev. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., and approved various formal decrees.
The election of a new superior general was the first order of business for the delegates. The process began with the murmuratio: a four day period, during which delegates engaged in one-on-one discussions about the qualifications and abilities of individuals whom they believe may be good candidates for the job.
“Politicking for the job is strictly forbidden,” explained Father Cooke. “No one person can politick for or against himself or anyone else.”
After an intense period of prayer on the fifth day, the delegates elected Father Nicolás on the second ballot.
“Father Nicolás clearly understands that, at its essence, what the Society of Jesus has to offer the world is a closer relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Father Cooke.
Following the election, the delegates turned their attention to matters of business. They approved six formal decrees, including a decree on collaboration.
“We’re moving toward a much larger role for the laity and we need to plan for transitions from Jesuit leadership to lay leadership,” said Father Cooke.
GC 35 marked the second time Father Cooke participated in a general congregation. He also participated in the 33rd General Congregation, when Rev. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., was elected.
To view Father Cooke's lecture, click here. To learn more about the GC 35 or the election of the superior general, visit www.sjweb.info/35.
Canisius’ First Annual Ignatian Scholarship Day is a Success
More than 200 Canisius College undergraduate and graduate students showcased their research, scholarship and creative performances during the college’s first annual Ignatian Scholarship Day on April 16.
According to Scott A. Chadwick, PhD, vice president for academic affairs, the event was highly successful. “We have already begun plans for next year’s event,” adds Chadwick. “It was an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic research in a conference environment, and for students, faculty and the campus community to interact and learn new ideas. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to prospective students, as well.”
Fifty-five faculty members served as scholarship mentors to the students. Students who participated in the event used a variety of methods for their research, including paper presentations, poster displays, and media presentations. Nine performances took place, which included poetry, drama, vocal or instrumental music. Eight pieces of two and three-dimensional art were also on display.
(left to right) Canisius College junior Brian K. Fluharty ’09, a biochemistry major, and Justine D. Price, PhD, assistant professor of fine arts, discuss the art displays at the college’s Ignatian Scholarship Day on April 19.
Catilin A. Pilliod MSED ’08, speaks with Rev. Paul Nochelski, S.J., chair and associate professor of adolescence education, about her poster presentation entitled “Study Images of Femininity.”
Digital medial arts majors Ian Maroney '08 and Jasio Stefanski '09, students of Assistant Professor of Fine Arts Christine Walsh, created the wooden "haha" sculpture in the quad as part of the college's Ignatian Day Celebration.
Summer Camps
Canisius offers a wide variety of summer camps for school-aged children. For sports camps, click here.
For Young Writers’ Camp (children grades 3-12), click here or contact the Western New York Writing Project at Ext. 3134.
For Summer Science Camp for middle school aged children (entering grades 5-8), click here or contact Steven Szczepankewicz, PhD, associate professor of chemistry/biochemistry at Ext. 2355.