The Jesuit Forum was pleased to have Regis College (Toronto) professor, Susan Wood, SCL, and the Jesuits of Canada assoc. assistant for justice and Indigenous relations, Peter Bisson, SJ, for an in-depth Ignatian rooted reflection on Pope Leo’s recent apostolic exhortation, ‘Dilexi Te’ on March 6th. If you missed it, click here to for the YouTube recording.

Dilexi Te: Embracing Love for the Poor – An Ignatian Perspective

Introduction

In this insightful webinar hosted by the Jesuit Forum, distinguished scholars Susan Wood, SCL, and Peter Bisson, SJ, delve into the first apostolic exhortation of Pope Leo XIV, Dilexi Te ("I Have Loved You").

Drawing from the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality, the speakers explore how the call to love the most vulnerable is not merely a social policy, but a profound religious experience rooted in the personal love of Jesus Christ.

Key Highlights & Themes

1. What is Dilexi Te?

Sister Susan Wood provides a "bird's-eye view" of this groundbreaking document.

  • The Core Message: The title, taken from Revelation 3:9, emphasizes Christ’s direct and personal declaration of love to every individual.
  • A Shared Legacy: The document was drafted by Pope Francis and completed by Pope Leo XIV, representing a seamless transition and a shared vision for a "poor Church for the poor."
  • Beyond Pragmatism: Using the biblical story of the anointing at Bethany, the document argues that love should be "prodigal" and "beyond efficiency"—freely given without being reduced to mere pragmatism.

2. Social Justice as Religious Experience

Father Peter Bisson reflects on how social justice work is a form of contemplation in action.

  • Encountering Christ: To work for justice is to meet the crucified and risen Jesus in the marginalized.
  • Subjects, Not Objects: A shift from "doing for" the poor to "walking with" them. The poor are not objects of charity but sacramental signs of Christ and agents of renewal.
  • Joy in the Struggle: Despite the hardships, there is a "quiet joy" and consolation found in right relationships and solidarity.

3. The Call to Transformation

The speakers discuss the "structures of sin"—systemic injustices such as economic dictatorships and the "throwaway culture"—and call for a conversion of both heart and societal habits.

Speakers

  • Susan Wood, SCL: Professor of Systematic Theology and Acting President of Regis College, University of Toronto.
  • Peter Bisson, SJ: Jesuit priest, former Provincial of the English Canadian Province, and Assistant to the Provincial for Justice and Indigenous Relations.
  • Moderator: Trevor Scott, SJ (Director of the Jesuit Forum).

Watch the Full Webinar

Experience the full depth of this conversation on the inseparable connection between faith, love, and justice.

Watch on YouTube: Dilexi Te: On Love for the Poor An Ignatian Perspective

Reflection Question

"How does viewing the marginalized as 'sacramental signs of Christ' change the way we approach social justice in our local communities?"