As human mobility has intensified in recent years, more and more communities are engaged in conversations on the issue of immigration both on the local and national levels. Given the complexity of this reality, it can be challenging to navigate one’s personal response to it.

In this talk, Fr. Andrew Laguna explored how the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola could aid us in forming a response to our neighbors who had experienced migration. Specifically, he considered the themes of freedom, call, and discernment as they were developed within the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. His hope was that this Ignatian framework would offer helpful tools for a discerned response to those who migrated for anyone who desired to safeguard their dignity.

An insightful discussion took place, as we reflected on how the Ignatian tradition can guide our response to migration with wisdom, compassion, and justice!

Fr. Andrew Laguna, SJ is a Jesuit priest who has been a vocation promoter for Jesuits West since the summer of 2021. He was ordained in June of 2019, after which he served at Jesuits parishes in San Diego, southern Mexico, and San Jose. He has an M.A. in Philosophy from Saint Louis University and an M. Div from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. He currently enjoys his ministry of accompanying young men who are discerning religious life and promoting the charism of the Society of Jesus.