Fr. George Lane, President of Loyola Press for the last 21 years, has become President Emeritus and Terry Locke, until now our Chief Operating Officer, is our new President. A laywoman as head of a major Jesuit work. Will the wonders never cease? Yours truly was appointed Publisher.
Here are the comments I offered when the changes were announced:
For 18 years, I lived and taught at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. I loved my time there, but one of my frustrations was that some of my colleagues were uneasy about it being a Catholic and Jesuit institution.
Imagine my delight, therefore, when I came to the Press and discovered that, with only one Jesuit — our redoubtable Fr. George — on staff, here was a Jesuit work that was unambiguous about who we are and which consciously and enthusiastically embraced the Jesuit mission of helping people develop a closer friendship with God.
Loyola Press is a special place, but only because you are a group of remarkable people. I love being here. I am privileged and honored to be part of this great work. Now, with Terry as our President, I am certain that we will move from strength to strength.
Why have I been named Publisher? I can give you two reasons. The title will allow me greater access to key decision makers among our customers. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it underlines the commitment of the Society of Jesus to this important ministry.
Ignatius lived in a time of great turmoil, when old answers no longer held sway. He stood as a prophetic and optimistic voice, helping people to find God in new and exciting ways. Our own days are equally tumultuous and our answers just as stale. I believe that Ignatian Spirituality (and, therefore, the Press) is uniquely suited to provide authentic, hopeful and relevant guideposts to people today.
This is the noble mission to which we are called.
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Such lovely perspective and insight into Loyola Press. There is a lot of wisdom to be found in the way different people assemble as they are called to do God’s work, whether they are Jesuits (or any other order!) or not.
Congratulations to all – yourself included! Ad multos annos!
Alleluia! Congratulations! Amen: These words can be rearranged in a number of ways, all of which will, I’m sure, make expressive good sense. Congratulations! Amen! Alleluia!
Paul, what a great transition to the “next step” for Loyola Press. I am thrilled for you, Terry and George!
Wonderful news. Congratulations!
Can you style yourself “Jebbie in Chief”?
Wonderful! All the best in your new position. You sound very satisfied and happy. Can’t ask for more than that in this world. Congratulations!
M.
Paul,
What a wonderful bit of oratory, both filled with inspiration, vision, and joy, and expressed in just the right words. I am filled with joy to hear you express your happiness. Prayers, and love, and blessings to all at Loyola Press. AMDG.
Congratulations to one and all at Loyola!
Congratulations Paul.
Inspired choice of words you made for your speech.
I hope your work will continue to be spiritually charged and full of God’s love.
( Did that suit come with the job ?!)
Blessings
Phil
Abundant blessings on all at the Press and particularly you and Terry! As in Ignatius’ time we need ‘prophetic and optimistic voice[s].’
I found St. Francis de Sales’ words of wisdom to the right of your posting so apropos: “We do not very often come across opportunities for exercising strength, magnanimity, or magnificence; but gentleness, temperance, modesty, and humility, are graces which ought to color everything we do.” — St. Francis de Sales
You have a team at the Press who manifest those graces.
Fran,
Thank you. Terry and I are excited and nervous in nearly equal measures. Let’s hope we can achieve great things together.
Paul
Meredith,
How lovely! Thank you very much. I hope to God (in the most direct way) that I don’t screw this up.
Paul
Maureen,
So good to hear from you. We’re excited and anxious and eager and optimistic and…
Looking forward to sitting down with Andy and yourself to plot a next joint move forward.
Paul
Regina,
Any Jesuit who had the audacity to title himself “Jebbie in Chief” would be dethroned (at the very least!) by his brothers. I might occasionally think it to myself, but I’d never say it out loud…
Paul
Marg,
Thank you. Yes, I am happy and satisfied – when I’m not grumpy and frustrated! To be serious, my life is so blessed that I constantly ask God what I did to deserve to win the lottery.
Paul
Eric,
That was oratory? My word, I’m more impressive than I knew…
Paul
Michelle,
Thank you. We will do our best to give of our best to you (and everyone else.)
Paul
Phil,
Since I’ve lost weight, all I get are complaints about my baggy clothes (including the outfit I wore for the announcement.) Various people are threatening to take me out clothes shopping.
Help me!
Paul
Michele,
Amen to our having a “team who manifest those graces.” My colleagues here are extraordinary in their creativity, diligence and care. I couldn’t be more blessed if I tried.
Paul
Paul,
You and Terry make a great team. Keep up the great work. All the best in this new leadership arrangement. Peace, Jim
My “AMDG Express” reminds me this week that you are out there in the service of the Kingdom and now in a new, and hopefully joyous and successful way. Many blessings to you from friend of a distant, but undimmed past.
Aidan
Dear Paul,
Congrats and many blessings for your new post. Glad to hear that and many regards from Malta.
Pierre s.j.
Congratulations Paul from Leeds. I hope you are well.
Is it me or are you half the man you were before?
In waist not in spirit!
Only 3 weeks to go till the baby is due and Sarah is really well.
Keep in touch.
xx.