FOREWORD
What you have in your hand is a remarkable little
booklet. It was born of the enthusiastic commitment of a
number of dedicated educators – members of staff in FCJ Schools
and FCJ Sisters. Over three years they reflected together, shared their
insights and wisdom and came to a contemporary expression of the distinctive
FCJ spirit to be found in our Schools.
Because it is a living, dynamic spirit, it is ever to be discovered in new experiences and in the
changing reality of our world, and accordingly be expressed in new images and new words. It
is our hope that the words and images offered in this booklet will inspire us in the present and
move us onwards into our future, yet unknown.
The FCJ tradition is rooted in Ignatian spirituality which follows the insights of St Ignatius of
Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. It is a long tradition, has flourished in many parts of the world and
is well tested. From the time of Marie Madeleine d’Houët, the values taught by Jesus Christ – the
invitation to personal excellence, the demands of justice, the call to companionship, the desire to
impact our world for good – have been at the heart of FCJ school life. We embrace this tradition
that God has entrusted to us, educators and students alike, with deep pride and gratitude and
intend to carry it forward for God’s greater honour and glory.
Our special gratitude goes to Patricia Goodstadt IBVM and Maureen Mee, who have generously
shared their experience with us. They mentored us in arriving at our best expression of the FCJ
ethos lived in our Schools today.
In 2008, the FCJ Society wrote:
Marie Madeleine was led by the Spirit in ways she could not have imagined. Like her
we too are drawn irresistibly by our God who is present and labouring in all of Creation.
Together we go forward without hesitation and with great confidence.
May we continue to ‘go forward without hesitation and with great confidence’, reflectively,
collaboratively, gently and decisively in this precious, most valuable work of education.
FCJ Provincial, Europe
