Magis Moment: March 2025

 A Message from the Vice President of University Advancement 

I remember an Ash Wednesday many years ago, when Fr. Jerry Fagin, S.J. asked in his homily, “What is your favorite liturgical time? Is it the excitement of Advent? The joy of Easter? The comfort of Ordinary Time? I suspect for very few of you, your favorite time of year is Lent.”

He got a great chuckle out of that comment. But it really stayed with me. I love so much about this season of discernment and longing. I certainly enjoy the cacophonous prep for Lent, in Mardi Gras. But I also deeply appreciate the peace of living simply and taking more time in prayer in daily life.

Loyola has most certainly made the Lenten season more meaningful for me. The Holy Week celebrations in our Gayle and Tom Benson Center and Chapel of St. Ignatius are the best of their kind. I never feel closer to Christ than in that darkened space with a community of Loyola students, neighbors, and alumni in solemn prayer together.

And our beautiful tradition, Lent with the Pack, has brought thoughtful and fresh expressions of Loyola community members to light in daily prayers and commentary throughout the Lenten Season. 

Loyola’s annual Lenten Series provides extra opportunity for thoughtful lectures and services where you can expand your mind a bit and think critically about what God is asking of you. 

All of this Magis over just six weeks. And we would love to have you join us, wherever you are.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Hotard '04, M.B.A. '10
Vice President of University Advancement