When one hears the term "Jesuit education," they may think nothing of it. However, for those who have experienced Jesuit education, the phrase should have tremendous meaning.
Students of Jesuit institutions truly receive an education unlike any other, an education that seeks to enhance knowledge not just of the brain, but of the mind, body, heart, and spirit - an education of the whole person.
The process begins by tapping into the core Jesuit values and incorporating rigor and challenge where need be in order to acquire the very best out of students. Without the core values instilled by Jesuits years ago, the Jesuit education would not be what it is today – a well-rounded education seeking growth and understanding from all those lucky enough to receive it.
Those familiar with Jesuit education are well aware of the fact that the Jesuit order has the core values instilled to further the betterment of each individual. Each core value serves a different purpose as it relates to the education of a person, and of those core values, none fall short as they pertain to the betterment of the individual.
“Magis,” translated into Latin, as “more,” does exactly what it says. This value seeks to bring out the very best in individuals by challenging them to do more in everything they do, whether it be in academics, athletics, service, or any extracurricular activity.
The next significant Jesuit value calls all to be “men and women for others.” This value promotes the service of anyone who could use it, particularly the poor and the marginalized. Through this value, individuals grow by understanding the needs of others, which is done through direct interaction and immersion in the situations of the needy.
The third value goes hand-in-hand with being “men and women for others,” as “cura personalis” calls everyone to “care for the individual person.” This is done through treating others with the utmost respect and acknowledging their full being as a member of God’s creation. Through “cura personalis,” men and women enhance themselves by allowing themselves to more fully understand what it means to care and show respect.
The next value calls individuals to live out A.M.D.G. or “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” which translate to “for the greater glory of God.” By performing actions for God and on His behalf, individuals learn to appreciate what God has done for them, and in return, gain a fuller meaning and understanding in their own lives.
The next value asks people to be agents of change. With a Jesuit education instilled in a person, they are sure to have a deep understanding of the problems in the world as well as knowledge of where service is required. This value asks individuals to use what they know to simply make the world a better place.
The final value, like “Magis,” ties every value together. It calls for a unity of heart, mind, and soul. Seeking more and doing so with heart, mind, and soul is what truly betters a person, and through Jesuit education, the final result is just that.
