Mission Week wordmark

1. Morning prayer will be held every day during Mission Week

Begin each day of Mission Week with a brief interfaith prayer experience, focusing on one dimension of forgiveness. Morning prayer will be held from 8:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family, each day of Mission Week. The daily morning prayer for tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 5, "Forgiveness Within Our University," is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Campus Ministry.

The St. John's Bible will be on display during the week, as a source of reflection and inspiration. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

Back to Top

2. Book discussion tonight; tomorrow's discussion will be led by Rabbi Ingber

The Marquette community is encouraged to read The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness, which includes responses from 53 women and men from around the world who have, in one way or another, wrestled with the dilemma of whether or not to forgive others. Some of the individuals featured are notable global figures and others are anonymous victims of war and injustice.

A series of book discussions will be held throughout Mission Week. The next book discussion will be held Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites, and is sponsored by Raynor Memorial Libraries.

Tomorrow's book discussion, which will be led by Rabbi Abie Ingber, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites, and is sponsored by Raynor Memorial Libraries.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

Back to Top

3. Rabbi Ingber to deliver lecture on forgiveness in an interfaith world

Rabbi Abie Ingber will deliver “God of Our Fathers and Mothers: Forgiveness in an Interfaith World,” Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom.

The hope and wisdom of Rabbi Ingber emanate from his lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue and celebration. His ability to find creative ways for engaging dialogue in Jesuit higher education is unparalleled, and his life has been devoted to loving the “other” across religious boundaries.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

Back to Top

4. The Power of Forgiveness film screening is tomorrow

The Power of Forgiveness, which examines the role forgiveness holds in various faith traditions, will be shown Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Cudahy Hall, 001. The film explores recent research into the psychological and physical effects of forgiveness on individuals and within relationships. Looking candidly at the intensity of anger and grief that human beings experience, the film shows the role that forgiveness can play in alleviating suffering and the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that come with it. It includes feature stories on the Amish, the 9/11 tragedy and peace-building in Northern Ireland, along with interviews with renowned Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, and best-selling authors Thomas Moore, Marianne Williamson and others.

This event is sponsored by Gesu Parish. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the Mission Week 2014 website.

Back to Top

5. Center for Teaching and Learning to sponsor faculty reading group on contemplative practices

As part of its certificate program in contemplative pedagogies, the Center for Teaching and Learning will sponsor a faculty reading group on contemplative practices that will explore the range, depth and promise of contemplative practice. Readings will be drawn from the world's great contemplative traditions with discussions led by Alan Madry, professor of law. The introductory session will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries, 320. To register or for more information, contact Dr. Susan Mountin, director of Manresa for Faculty in the CTL.

Back to Top

6. New York prosecutor Brennan goes "On the Issues" to discuss city's drug trafficking enforcement efforts

New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan will discuss her office's efforts to investigate the illegal drug trade in the next "On the Issues with Mike Gousha," Thursday, Feb. 13, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Eckstein Hall.

A Milwaukee native, Brennan is the first woman to serve as New York City's special narcotics prosecutor. Her office handles an average of 3,000 indictments a year, conducts investigations into national and international drug trafficking organizations, and participates in large-scale police department operations targeting specific areas of New York City.

Brennan was hired in 1983 as an assistant district attorney by iconic then-Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. Her caseload eventually included murders, robberies and sex crimes. She has been the city's special narcotics prosecutor since 1998.

Seating is limited; registration is available online.

Back to Top

7. Tickets available for on-campus screening of ESPN film on 1977 men's basketball jersey

Alumnus Danny Pudi will be on campus to screen Untucked, a documentary he directed for ESPN Film's 30 for 30. The film is about the history of Marquette University's men's basketball jersey, specifically the famous uniform designed by basketball star Bo Ellis that was worn in 1977 when Marquette won the National Championship. The screening will be Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Weasler Auditorium. A panel discussion with Pudi and Ellis will follow.

The event is free, but tickets are limited and required. One ticket per person will be available in the AMU, Brooks Lounge, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5. A MUID is required to pick up a ticket. The Brooks Lounge is open Monday through Friday from noon to 11:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Untucked premiered Jan. 16 at the Sundance Film Festival, one of the biggest film festivals in the world, and is expected to premier on Grantland.com in March. Along with Pudi, fellow Marquette alumnus Chris Marrs was a co-producer on the project. Both are currently Los Angeles-based actors/comedians. Pudi had his breakthrough role as Abed on NBC's Community after recurring roles on Greek and Gilmore Girls. Marrs began his career in Chicago before and has appeared on The Mentalist, Happy Endings and Hot in Cleveland.

Back to Top

8. Mission Week daily reflection: Forgiveness within our families

Each day of Mission Week, Dr. Michael Dante, director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality, will offer a reflection to echo the theme of the morning prayer. The Faber Center has also developed video reflections for the campus community, which are available on the Faber Center website.

Today, Dante explores forgiveness within our families:


The bonds of connection that exist between parents and children, brothers and sisters, and our extended kin are strong. We have an almost innate longing to be loved in those most intimate relationships. Yet within the depths of this desire to be loved is the possibility of pain and loss. Family life is not only characterized by good times, birthday parties, holiday gatherings and backyard cookouts. It is also characterized by some dark and painful experiences. For some, growing up in an alcoholic home or being exposed to drug addiction leaves painful memories. For others, witnessing or experiencing verbal, physical or sexual abuse by a loved one was a searing experience. The stress of divorce, financial insecurity or job loss sometimes draws a pall over family life.

The pain caused by people we so longed to love us can be difficult to forgive, much less forget. Forgiving the people that caused the deep wounds of family life, that we have carried with us, takes much time and tenderness. Starting on the road to forgiveness is a slow and, at times, painful process. We may feel like victims or believe we did something to deserve whatever happened to us. For some, holding onto anger, resentment, or powerlessness, provides a sense of safety. However, living in this emotional state long-term has other corrosive effects on our personality. With the guidance of caring friends, counselors, or spiritual directors, we slowly start to look beneath the anger, resentment, and powerlessness and see the pool of grief beyond it. Acknowledging the pain and loss caused by those who were supposed to love us, but didn't, is an important step forward in the process of forgiveness. Tears of sadness cleanse our eyes and soften our hearts, and we may even begin to develop a sense of compassion and love towards those who so hurt us. As Martin Luther King, Jr., notes, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Back to Top