Jesuit Virtues – Sacred Heart RC Primary School

Jesuit Virtues

Whilst we are not a Jesuit school, we learn from the Jesuit Virtues which encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Christ, exemplified by Pope Francis, and are the terms we use to promote character building with our pupils.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the name of Pope Francis before becoming pope, joined the Society of Jesus in 1960. He made vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Jesuits are a Roman Catholic order of priests who work as missionaries and teachers. They focus on spiritual formation and helping people build fulfilling spiritual lives. The Jesuits are the largest male religious order in the Catholic Church. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was co-founder of the Society of Jesus.

As we develop understanding of these Jesuit virtues, we strive to apply them to our everyday lives.

Our family at Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School is growing to be:

Grateful for our own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with our gifts, becoming men and women for others…
Attentive to our experience and to our vocation; and discerning about the choices we make and the effects of those choices…
Compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by our just actions and forgiving words…
Faith-filled in our beliefs and hopeful for the future…
Eloquent and truthful in what we say of ourselves, our relationship with and between people, and the world…
Learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways we use our learning for the common good…
Curious about everything; and active in our engagement with the world, changing what we can for the better…
Intentional in the way we live and use the resources of the earth, guided by conscience; and prophetic in the example we set to others…

The Jesuit educational tradition emphasises a set of virtues that are integral to the formation of pupils. These virtues are rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and are designed to foster a holistic development of the individual, aligning with the Jesuit mission of forming “men and women for others.” The following virtues are commonly highlighted in Jesuit education and are integral to our approach at Sacred Heart:

1. Cura Personalis (Care for the Whole Person)
This virtue emphasises the importance of caring for each pupil as a unique individual. We strive to understand and support the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of our pupils, fostering an environment where each person can thrive. (1)

2. Magis (The More)
Magis refers to the pursuit of excellence and the desire to do more for God and others. In the context of education, this virtue encourages pupils to strive for greater achievements, not just academically but also in their personal and spiritual lives. It instils a sense of responsibility to use one’s gifts and talents for the greater good. (2)

3. Service
Service is a core component of Catholic education, encouraging pupils to engage in acts of service to others, particularly the marginalised and less fortunate. This virtue is about developing a sense of social justice and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community. (3)

4. Reflection
We promotes the practice of reflection, encouraging pupils to think critically about their experiences and the world around them. This virtue helps pupils to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship with God, others, and society. (4)

5. Community
The virtue of community emphasises the importance of building relationships and working collaboratively with others. We foster a sense of belonging and encourage pupils to contribute positively to the school and local communities. (5)

6. Faith
Faith is central to our educational mission. Pupils are encouraged to explore and deepen their understanding of the faith, integrating it into their daily lives and decision-making processes. This virtue promotes a commitment to living out one’s beliefs in a meaningful way. (6)

7. Justice
The virtue of justice calls pupils to recognise and address injustices in society. Our curriculum instils a sense of moral responsibility and encourages pupils to advocate for social change and the dignity of all individuals. (7)

Conclusion
At Sacred Heart, these virtues are not merely theoretical concepts but are actively integrated into the curriculum and school culture. We aim to model these virtues in our own lives, creating a community that reflects these values. This holistic approach to education seeks to form pupils who are not only academically competent but also morally and spiritually grounded, prepared to contribute positively to society. (8)

References

Page Views: 1,096