The community is invited to a special 11 a.m. Mass at Egan Chapel, followed by a luncheon for registered guests, in honor of the Murphy Center's founders.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, all are invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at the 11 a.m. Mass at Fairfield University's Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Founded on Ignatian principles, the Murphy Center accompanies individuals and groups as they explore their spiritual lives, encouraging them to find God in all things. This vital mission continues to enrich both Fairfield University and the greater community.
A special luncheon for registered guests will immediately follow, to honor the following founders of the Murphy Center with the James M. Bowler, S.J., Award, in recognition of their dedication and service that embodies the spirit of St. Ignatius:
- Donna M. Andrade, EdD, M’82
- Patricia P. Brennan ’73 (posthumously)
- Francis J. Connolly Jr.
- Michael G. Considine
- George E. Diffley, P’97,’96
- Traugott F. Keller
- Robert Kretzman
- Joan L. Lee
- Stephen M. Ryan Jr.
- Deacon Patrick A. Toole Jr.
- Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.
Registration is open until Oct. 1 for those who wish to purchase luncheon tickets at www.fairfield.edu/mcis-10.
“In celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Center, we recognize its foundation as envisioned by Rev. James Bowler, S.J., in collaboration with those being honored, and we look toward our future as we continue to serve Fairfield University and the diocese by providing spiritual direction and spiritual programming,” said Rev. Denis Donoghue, S.J., director of the Murphy Center.
Since its founding in 2014, the Murphy Center has offered programs and retreats to guide the students, faculty, and staff of Fairfield University, the Diocese of Bridgeport community, and individuals of all faiths on their spiritual journeys. The mission and reach of the center has steadily grown to include more than 60 affiliated spiritual directors and the following programs that nurture spiritual reflection and discernment:
- Ten-Week Ignatian Encounter: a semester-long journey for undergraduate students
- Athletes Retreats: serving more than 500 Stag student-athletes each year
- Aging with Grace: an online course for retirees, centered on the spirituality of growing older
- Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL): a year-long journey of guided individual discernment that hundreds have taken, including more than 90 percent of Fairfield's senior leadership and Trustees
- Group Retreats for students of color, married couples, and those discerning vocations, as well as seasonal retreats during Advent and Lent
- Ignatian Pilgrimages at local parishes and collaborations with Bishop Frank J. Caggiano and the Diocese of Bridgeport
- Two-Year Spiritual Director Formation Program
- Spiritual Director Supervision Practicum
- Practicum in Giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
