Join a Conversation with Rev. James Martin, SJ

January 24, 2020

Buffalo, NY - Magis Buffalo and Canisius University present a conversation with Rev. James Martin, SJ – “What Would Ignatius Say in These Challenging Times?” – via live “ZOOM” on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 in the college’s Montante Cultural Center, corner of Main Street and Eastwood Place. The evening, which is free and open to the public, begins with Eucharist at 6:00 p.m. followed by light refreshments.  Father Martin will begin the conversation at 7:00 p.m.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable Jesuits in America, Father Martin is a social media pioneer.  Hundreds of thousands of followers – both Catholic and non-Catholic – look forward to his insightful, provocative and prayerful reflections via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Father Martin has the unique ability to make matters of faith clear, user-friendly and relevant in today’s world.

Father Martin is consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication and editor-at-large of America, the national Catholic magazine published by the Jesuits.

A New York Times best-selling author, he has written more than a dozen books including Jesus: A Pilgrimage, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life and his first novel The Abbey: A Story of Discovery.  Father Martin’s celebrated memoir, My Life with the Saints, has sold more than 120,000 copies and is used in universities, high schools, parishes and book clubs around the world. His most recent book is Building a Bridge.

Father Martin has appeared on all major radio and television networks.  He often provides sharp thinking, pointed discussion and compassionate responses to a broad range of issues related to the Catholic Church.                                             

With his genuine demeanor and warm, approachable personality, Father Martin emphasizes the use of humor in religion and often points out that even Jesus utilized humor.  He appeared numerous times on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report and served as official chaplain to “Colbert Nation,” the program’s loyal viewers.  On the program, Father Martin discussed everything from God’s approval rating to the Pope’s stance on caring for the poor.

Father Martin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in 1982, where he received his bachelor’s degree in economics with a concentration in finance. He worked six years in corporate finance with General Electric, in New York City and Stamford, CT before entering the Society of Jesus in 1988.

Ordained a Catholic priest in 1999, he pronounced his final vows as a Jesuit ten years later.  In addition to his business degree, Father Martin studied philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in divinity and a master’s degree in theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now Boston College School of Theology and Ministry).  

For more information, contact the Office of College Communications at 716-888-2790. Please RSVP by February 12 to @email.

Magis Buffalo - Since 2017, Magis Buffalo fosters continuing growth for laity and religious who have completed (or are contemplating) the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (including 19th Annotation), are otherwise acquainted with Ignatian spirituality, or are simply curious about it.

Created and sustained by a collaborative group of lay people and Jesuits, and based at Loyola Hall (the Jesuit residence at Canisius University in Buffalo, NY), Magis Buffalo provides such faith explorations through regular programming including liturgies, guest speakers and small, shared interest groups.

Canisius University - One of 27 Jesuit universities, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York. Canisius celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year, marking 150 years of Jesuit education and leadership in the city of Buffalo and Western New York. Visit https://www.canisius.edu/150 for more information about Canisius’ milestones and celebratory events.