The Crucible of Racism: Ignatian Spirituality and the Power of Hope - by Patrick Saint-Jean Sj (Paperback)

About the Book

"Ignatian spirituality as a formula of hope for today's antiracist struggle"--

Book Synopsis

Upon coming to the United States to pursue graduate studies and then to embark on training as a Jesuit, Haitian-born Patrick Saint-Jean discovered something he had not known before: racism. "I learned I am a Black man--and that America, including the Society of Jesus here in this country, is white space where people of color are not welcome. This direct experience of racism became a crucible for me." In describing this painful journey, which included becoming aware of the ambiguous history of his own Jesuit order, Saint-Patrick embarked on a fresh reading of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The basic principles of Jesuit formation--the "discernment of spirits," the examination of conscience, the imaginative identification with Jesus in his sufferings, death, and resurrection--became an entry to his own journey of hope and resurrection. These principles and practices, he concludes, hold promise of conversion and healing for a church and a society still caught in the crucible of racism.

From the Back Cover

RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth

RELIGION / Christian Living / Social Issues

THE CRUCIBLE OF RACISM

Ignatian Spirituality and the Power of Hope

Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ

Cover design: Ponie Sheehan

ORBIS LOGO

978-1-62698-468-4

Review Quotes

"With a powerful and prophetic voice, Patrick Saint-Jean names the stark reality of racial injustice within and beyond the church. Drawing on his personal experience as a Black man in the Society of Jesus, Saint-Jean moves beyond abstraction and theory to present a deeply compelling reflection on the intersection of racial justice and Ignatian spirituality. This book is a must-read text for women and men of faith who care about embodied Christian spirituality and the work of ever-greater equity, justice, and peace in our world."-- Daniel P. Horan, OFM, author, A White Catholic's Guide to Racism and Privilege

This is a courageous book. It was written by someone who has endured the crucible of disappointment to emerge as a visionary of hope. He takes his readers on a spiritual retreat that confronts injustice as it fosters growth in friendship with Jesus."--Rev. Bryan N. Massingale, author, Racial Justice and the Catholic Church

"An urgent, vivid, accessible--and important--invitation to confront racism using the practical tools of Ignatian spirituality." --James Martin, SJ, author, Learning to Pray

Patrick Saint-Jean in this powerful book does not settle for moral outrage, but holds out for moral compass. He doesn't shake his fist, but invites us to roll up our sleeves. He doesn't just point something out, he points the way. Therein lies the hope of his message. It is a light we can see by." --Gregory J. Boyle, SJ, Founder, Homeboy Industries

"Patrick Saint-Jean brings his whole self to the essential, Gospel work of antiracism. Through his reflections, we, too, grapple with the need to critically reflect on our own role in the building up or tearing down of the reign of God in our world." --Eric A. Clayton, deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States

"The voices of civil rights and racial justice, those past and current, and those of Jesuit spirituality and ministry, likewise of legacy and at work today, join Saint-Jean's own thoughtful testimony in a parlor of discourse that is at once vulnerable, insightful, challenging, and timely." -- Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, president, Creighton University

About the Author

Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, Psy.D., originally from Haiti, is a member of the USA Midwest Jesuit Province. He currently teaches in the Department of Psycology at Creighton University, Omaha, NE. He is the author of The Spiritual Work of Racial Justice: A Month of Meditations with Ignatius of Loyola.