Us, Here, Now
Rooted in tradition,
moving forward in mission
Join the entire LMU community in learning, reflecting, and acting throughout November!
Each November, LMU celebrates our unique identity, mission, and traditions as a Jesuit and Marymount university. These weeks invite us not only to learn about our shared history and values, but to consider our Jesuit and Marymount traditions as part of our DNA, shaping our community and how we engage the world today and tomorrow.
The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) emphasize the importance of attention to the persons, times, and places of one's context. Our women’s sponsoring communities, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, share this commitment to discerning the “signs of the times” and responding with integrity, courage, and care for the neighbor.
Our annual celebration of identity and mission, Us / Here / Now, invites the entire LMU community to consider our own persons, places, and time:
- US: Who are we at LMU? What foundations, values, and goals unite us?
- HERE: What do we notice in our campus, city, nation, and world? What needs and opportunities surround us?
- NOW: What does this moment ask of us? How will we discern, choose, and act in alignment with our deepest values?
Every member of the LMU community shapes who we are—here and now. Find a program that speaks to you, join the conversation, and help bring our mission to life.
Jump to the full calendar below, or click the buttons to view the list of programs just for you!
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Ignatian Inspirations Email Series
Daily emails throughout November, featuring personal stories from LMU community members about how Ignatian spirituality and education has shaped their lives.
Sign up to receive reflections directly in your inbox!
Food Drive for SC LAMP
The fall holiday season is a time of joy for many, but for neighbors facing food insecurity, it can also bring added stress. This November, LMU units are working together to collect food donations and participate in a day of service with South Central LAMP, a community partner co-founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. We're hoping to provide meals for 100 families in our community—and need your help in making this possible! Donate food items at collection bins from November 3-16 and join us for a Day of Service on November 18.
Donation collection bins: Hannon/Tenderich apartments, Hannon Library Circulation Desk, Human Resources UH 1900, Pam Rector Center for Service and Action, the Cave (basement of the Chapel)
Learn more and contribute
Honoring the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador
On November 16, 1989, six Jesuits at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in San Salvador, along with their housekeeper and her daughter, were assassinated on the university campus in response to their steadfast witness and advocacy on behalf of the poor and marginalized of El Salvador. Each year, Jesuit universities around the world honor the legacy of these martyrs and reflect on the challenge their witness extends to us today: what is a Jesuit university for? How do we act for the more universal good as a community committed to justice?
Go deeper: Visit the commemorative display honoring the UCA Martyrs in Sacred Heart Chapel, attend the Ignatian Teach-In for Justice, or learn more about the martyrs.
Black Catholic History Month
November is also Black Catholic History Month, an occasion to honor the rich heritage of Black Catholics in the United States, celebrating the contributions of Black Catholics to the Church today and tomorrow. In a particular way, we commemorate the seven Black Catholics on the path to becoming the United States' first African American saints: Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Henriette Delille, Venerable Augustus Tolton, and Servants of God Mary Lange, Julia Greeley, Martin de Porres Maria Ward, and Thea Bowman.
Go deeper: Visit the display dedicated to the future saints in Sacred Heart Chapel and learn about these remarkable persons.
Full Schedule of Events
Mass and Community
Sundays, Nov. 2, 9, and 16 | 10:00 am and 8:00 pm in Sacred Heart Chapel; 9:30 pm in Leavey Chapel
Join the entire LMU community for fellowship and prayer; refreshments and reception follow each 8pm liturgy in the Cave (lower level of Sacred Heart Chapel).
Open House and Meet & Greet with the Jesuits
Sunday, November 2 | 9:00 - 10:30 pm | LMU Jesuit Community
Ever wondered who lives in the Jesuit Community? Join us after mass to meet the Jesuits, grab some pizza, and get a tour of the Community!
Justice on Tap - Building Refugia: Renewal and Resistance in Difficult Times
Tuesday, November 4 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm | The Loft
Justice On Tap puts the “social” in "social justice" by uplifting the social justice work happening in our community and connecting with justice advocates on the Bluff and beyond. Dr. Jennifer Abe (PSYC, emeritus) will touch on what we can learn from the idea of refugia, a biological term for the hidden places where life can survive and thrive through periods of environmental instability. As well as the question of how the Ignatian tradition, as well as these lessons from nature, can help us locate sources of hope and places of nourishment in difficult times. Info and RSVP here.
Maxims and Donuts with the Sisters
Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Alumni Mall
Did you know...? LMU is unique in the U.S. by having not one, but three sponsoring religious communities! Come learn about the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, their spirituality, and their work for justice and reconciliation on campus and beyond. Plus, grab a sweet treat!
Climate-Induced Displacement in Asia Pacific: A Moral Call to Action
Thursday, Nov. 6 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Location tbd
The CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice invites you to a presentation by Joe Hampson, S.J., regional director of Jesuit Refugee Service Asia Pacific, exploring the intersection of climate change, displacement, and forgotten refugee populations across the Asia Pacific region. Fr. Joe will share stories and insights that illuminate the moral urgency of climate-induced migration and its place within the framework of integral ecology as described in Laudato Si’. More info here.
Faculty Tour of LMU's Sacred Spaces
Thursday, Nov. 6 | 3:00 - 4:30 pm tour, 4:30 – 5:30 reception
All faculty are invited to visit and learn about LMU's many beautiful places of prayer and reflection during this meditative journey across campus. In addition to LMU's iconic chapels, the tour will feature places of significance to LMU's Indigenous, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities, then close with a sunset reception with bites and beverages. Please join us at the reception from 4:30-5:30pm even if you aren’t able to make it to the tour. Sponsored by the Office of Faculty Development in partnership with the Marymount Institute. RSVP requested - more info and sign up here.
Java with the Jesuits
Friday, Nov. 7 | 9:00 - 11:00 am | Founders Pavilion (First Year Area)
Start your Friday off right with a fresh cup of joe; take it to go or hang for a few minutes and chat with the Jesuit baristas!
Sunset Procession and Examen
Monday, Nov. 10 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Bluff Labyrinth
Walk the Labyrinth with intention; reflect inward, then outward, inspired by
the tradition of compassion and connection. Then process to the Tongva memorial for a sunset Examen: pause, reflect, and center yourself in a loving world through the Jesuit
practice of the Examen. Live music and hot beverages provided.
Dear Neighbor...
Monday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 - 9:30 pm | Founders Pavilion
Come act out one of the core tenets of the Sisters of St. Joseph: "serving the dear neighbor without distinction." "The Dear Neighbor" means our neighbors on and off the bluff. Pack hygiene kits, write notes to recipients of Meals on Wheels in Santa Monica, and connect with the other residents in the first year area. Stop by and see your RMs, meet new people and learn a bit more about what it means to serve the dear neighbor without distinction! More info and RSVP.
"What Are We Actually Doing Here? Teaching and an LMU Education in These Times"
Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 12:00 - 1:30 pm | CFD Classroom (UH 3030)
Higher education is in crisis! AI, federal grant terminations, ultimatums to universities, people questioning the value of a college education, Covid aftermath, and more! So what are we actually doing here?! What does it mean to teach in this particular place at this particular time? What is an LMU education for? Facilitator: Elizabeth Drummond (HIST), Director of the Marymount Institute and CFD Faculty Fellow for Mission & Ministry. Panelists: Rebecca Sager (SOCL), Mairead Sullivan (Core Director, WGST), Jason Baehr & Dan Speak (PHIL). Please RSVP here by Fri, 11/7.
How to Have an Ignatian Conversation
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Location provided with RSVP
This dynamic workshop invites participants to explore building a culture of dialogue at LMU. Participants will be introduced to the Presupposition and our model for An Ignatian Conversation, a process that we can use when engaging in conversation with others that calls us in to curiosity, which is increasingly rare in a culture dominated by dialogues of dissonance and dismissal. With opportunities for reflection and discussion, you’ll leave empowered to challenge your own thinking and be in right relationship with others by creating more inclusive spaces wherever you go. Hosted by LMU Restore and Mission Integration. RSVP here.
Postcard Advocacy at Wellness Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Alumni Mall
Act for justice: make sure your elected representatives hear your voice on issues that matter to you! Come to Wellness Wednesday to write a postcard to your reps that our delegation to the Ignatian Teach-in for Justice will carry to Washington DC and hand-deliver to Capitol Hill on Nov. 17.
Loft Night with the Jesuits
Monday, Nov. 10 | 7:00 - 9:00 pm | The Loft
Ever met a Jesuit? Join some of our on-campus Jesuits as we celebrate Us/Here/Now with a social event at the Loft. Say hello to get (1) free drink ticket! No RSVP needed; just show up!
No Marymount, No Merger! Marymount History & Legacy
Thursday, Nov. 13 | 5:30pm | Marymount Center (University Hall 3000)
5pm light refreshments; program begins at 5:30pm
There are a number of Loyola Universities but we're the only Loyola Marymount. Where did the Marymount come from? What is the M in LMU? In honor of the birthday anniversary of Fr. Jean Gailhac, the founder of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), join us for a presentation of a student research project about the history of the RSHM, Marymount College, and the Loyola/Marymount merger, as well as what that Marymount legacy means for LMU today. RSVP appreciated.
South Central LAMP Day of Service
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Meet at flagpoles for carpool
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in a day of service with South Central LAMP, a community partner co-founded by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. We’ll assemble meal kits from the collected food and then distribute them to local families facing food insecurity. Donate items at collection bins from Nov. 3-16 or bring them on Nov. 18. Requested donation items can be found here. RSVP to ensure transportation!
What Do You Do With a BA from College? What is Your Life Going to Be?
The Meaning & Purpose of an LMU Education, an Education for Meaning & Purpose
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 12:00 – 1:30 pm | Marymount Center (UH 3000)
What does it mean to be an LMU student, in Los Angeles, at this particular moment in time, when the world can seem a big, scary place? How can you find your purpose, the difference that you will make in the world? We often talk about skills and outcomes, but an LMU education is more than just job training – it is an education that helps you create meaning the world, that helps you find your purpose, that informs the values that guide your life. Join faculty and students for a discussion of the meaning and purpose of an LMU education in a time of such change. RSVP appreciated.
Let's Talk About Peace: Wellness Wednesday with Author Eric Clayton
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Wellness Wednesday (Alumni Mall)
In uncertain times, peace isn't just something we find elsewhere, it's something we practice here and now. Join us for an interactive Wellness Wednesday with Eric Clayton, whose new book Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness challenges us to befriend our inner struggles rather than fight them. Through conversation, art, journaling, and reflection, you'll explore what peace means to you and discover how faith can become a call to action in your own life. More info here!
Ignatian LA featuring Eric Clayton: Peace Here and Now
Thursday, Nov. 20 | 6:30 – 8:30 | Three Weavers Brewing, 1031 W Manchester Blvd
Grab a drink, connect with Jesuit alumni and friends from across LA, and hear Eric Clayton speak about his new book, “Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness.” All are welcome. RSVP appreciated but not required.
Our Founders
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
This women's congregation has lived, served, and educated in California since 1912. Learn more about the CSJs and their work on campus and beyond.
The Society of Jesus
Otherwise known as "the Jesuits," this order of Catholic priests, brothers, and scholastics is the largest men's religious order in the world. Learn more about the Jesuits and the work they do across the globe.
Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary
The founders of Marymount College whose name we still bear today, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary are present in schools and ministries on four continents. Learn more about the RSHM.
Ignatian Spirituality
The Ignatian tradition seeks to find God in all things and in all people. Learn more about the Ignatian vision of the world and the human person, and the tools this tradition offers for reflection and discernment. Learn more about Ignatian Spirituality.
Ignatian Pedagogy
The Jesuits are known for excellence in education, and their schools may be found in 55 countries. What is distinctive about a Jesuit education, and what are the characteristics of the Ignatian pedagogical paradigm? Learn more about Ignatian Pedagogy.