John,
 

Happy Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola!

Did you know that Saint Ignatius wrote over 7,000 letters over the course of his life in the 1500s? For Ignatius, writing a letter was not just a sharing of information but a reflective experience, providing insights into what one was encountering externally and internally—the mundane and the mystical. 

In honor of Ignatius’s feast, I thought I would do the same with you today. 
 

As I reflect on the first seven months of this year, I am struck by both the breadth of our work and the power of our network and community. Over the past few months, through national summits, campaigns, and dynamic digital series, the Ignatian Solidarity Network has walked with hundreds of student social justice leaders, teachers and faith and justice practitioners, and other committed members of our network. 

This work is not only a product of time and talent but also of treasure. Over the past year, more than 1,600 individual and institutional donors have contributed to ISN’s work. Of particular note, in April, ISN received an incredibly generous gift of $950,000 as a bequest from an anonymous donor. This gift will sustain and grow our efforts for years to come.

With the future in mind, ISN’s Board of Directors will commence a strategic planning process later this summer which will guide our work through 2027. Rooted in understanding the signs of the times, we will begin with extensive listening and engage a range of stakeholders in dialogue about our faith and justice mission and where it should guide us over the next few years. 

As we celebrate today’s Feast of Saint Ignatius, we are so grateful for the ways you walk with ISN as we build a network rooted in faith and committed to working for justice. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Ignatian Solidarity Network!

Peace,
 

Christopher G. Kerr | Executive Director

P.S. In the spirit of Saint Ignatius’s letter writing, feel free to reply to this e-mail with some reflections on: 1. The work of faith and justice in your own community; 2. How the work of ISN resonates with you or your community; or 3. What you hope for the work of ISN moving forward.