Video: Forming + Connecting Ignatian-Inspired High School Leaders | The Arrupe Leaders Summits
BY ISN STAFF | September 19, 2023
The Arrupe Leaders Summit invites emerging student leaders and faculty/parish chaperones from high schools and parishes nationwide to deepen their understanding of a faith that does justice, share ideas and resources for social justice programming, and become empowered to effect positive social change in their local and global communities.
Throughout the program, students explore The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices for Exemplary Leaders through the lens of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J.’s life. Arrupe, who served as Superior General of the Society of Jesus, is known for his strong leadership of the Jesuits during a tumultuous period in global history and a time of great transition for the Catholic Church and the Jesuits. Fr. Arrupe’s commitment to engaging the Second Vatican Council’s call to solidarity with all of humanity was demonstrated through his emphasis on the Jesuits’ re-commitment to serving those on the margins and seeing social justice as core to one’s faith in Christ.
Summit facilitators weave Arrupe’s example with leadership best practices and help students make connections to their own lives through small group conversations, activities, and personal reflection time. Further, students and faculty are given ample opportunities to share social justice programming ideas and make connections with fellow social justice leaders from around the country.
Training students to give voice to the voiceless is an act in worldbuilding. The Arrupe Leaders Summit is a fine initiative.