Ignatius Loyola teaches us "To give, and not to count the cost, to fight, and not to heed the wounds, to toil, and not to seek for rest, to labor, and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do God’s will.” Twenty years ago, this lesson led to the ultimate sacrifices of six altruistic men and two women who lived their lives in service to others and in search of justice for the oppressed. November 16, 1989 is a day that will be forever remembered at Jesuit apostolates around the world including the University of Scranton.

I would like to welcome everyone to celebrate the lives and commemorate the martyrdom of the Jesuits and their coworkers who were murdered in El Salvador 20 years ago. We will remember Rev. Ignacio Ellacuria, S.J., Rev. Ignacio Martin-Baro, S.J. Rev. Segundo Montes, S.J., Rev. Amando Lopez, S.J., Rev. Joaquin Lopez y Lopez, S.J., Rev. Juan Ramon Moreno, S.J., as well as Julia Elba Ramos, their housekeeper, and her daughter Cecilia Ramos. We will celebrate their unwavering defense of faith and justice. The deaths of these brave men and women provide a constant reminder of our special mission and a sense of strength and inspiration.

I look forward to sharing this season of reflection on courage and sacrifice with many of you as we once again recall the strength of our Jesuit mission. The deaths of these Jesuits and coworkers ultimately led to the end of a civil war in El Salvador which took the lives of more than 70,000 men and women.  Join us as we come together to recommit ourselves to the service of faith and the promotion of justice.

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.