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 a list specifically for your own affiliation at LMU!
Show me programs for....
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.
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
Sunday, Nov. 2 | 10:00 am and 8:00 pm in Sacred Heart Chapel; 9:30 pm in Leavey Chapel
Pray with the LMU community and learn about the Ignatian tradition and the Jesuits - visit the table in front of SHC after each liturgy.
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
Tuesday, November 4 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm | The Loft
Maxims and Donuts with the Sisters
Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 10:00 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!
Faculty Tour of LMU's Sacred Spaces
Thursday, November 6 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm | Various
Calling all faculty! Join colleagues 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, and will end with a reception as the sun sets over the Bluff. RSVP required - sign up here.
Java with the Jesuits
Friday, Nov. 7 | Time TBD | Location TBD
Loft Night with the Jesuits
Monday, Nov. 10 | Time TBD | The Loft
"What Are We Actually Doing Here? Teaching and an LMU Education in These Times"
Tuesday, Nov. 8 | 12:00 - 1:30 pm | CFD Classroom
What is an LMU education for? How can faculty respond to the realities of our current moment with integrity and alignment with our fundamental purpose as a university? Join us for a discussion and panel conversation featuring Mairead Sullivan (WGST), Rebecca Sager (SOCL), Jason Baehr (PHIL), and Dan Speak (PHIL), moderated by Elizabeth Drummond (HIST). RSVP required.
How to Have an Ignatian Conversation
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Location TBD
How do we proceed when we fundamentally disagree? Is there a way to have conversation across difference that aligns with our mission and grounding values? Come learn and practice a distinctly Ignatian approach to difficult conversations, bringing together the Ignatian Presupposition and principles of restorative practices. Hosted by LMU Restore and Mission Integration. RSVP required - registration link coming soon.
Maxims and Donuts with the Sisters
Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 10:00 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! Every Wellness Wednesday in November, 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!
Mass and Reception
Sunday, Nov. 10 | 8:00 – 9:00 PM (Mass) and following | Sacred Heart Chapel
Pray with the LMU community and learn about the Ignatian tradition and the Jesuits - visit the table in front of SHC, then grab a snack courtesy of Resident Ministry.
Jesuit Alumni of LLS Lunch with Charles Jurgensmeier, SJ, LMU ’77 (Loyola Law School)
Monday, Nov. 11 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm | LLS Burns Lounge
LLS community members who are graduates of Jesuit schools (primary, secondary, college/university) are invited to a lunch conversation with Fr. Charles Jurgensmeier, S.J., LMU class of '77 and lecturer in Theology and Sacred Music. Sponsored by LLS Campus Ministry. For more info, contact Wayne.Negrete@lls.edu.
Meet a Jesuit at The Loft
Monday, Nov. 11 | 7:30 - 9:30 pm | The Loft
Ever met a Jesuit? Join some of our on campus Jesuits as we celebrate Ignatian Heritage Month with a social event at the Loft. Must be 21+ and have a Loft Membership; say hello to get (1) free drink ticket! RSVP here.
Wellness Wednesday with the Jesuits
Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Alumni Mall
Donuts with the Sisters
Thursday, Nov. 14 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm | Suite 2000, University Hall
Stop by, grab a donut, and meet the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange who work at the campus.
Wellness Wednesday with Resident Ministry
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Alumni Mall
Faculty Service Day in LA: Empowering Vulnerable Communities
Friday, Nov. 15 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm | Meet on campus (transportation provided)
All faculty are invited to join us for a day of learning, advocacy, and service sponsored by the Center for Mission and Identity. Participants will learn about the realities of South Central Los Angeles today, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and immigrant communities, as well as local organizations' work to support them. We'll also pitch in on a volunteer project to help out the community. Lunch provided! RSVP required: More info and registration here.
IggHouse Rocks: Ignatian Heritage Month
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 6:00 pm | McKay Lounge
Donuts with the Jesuits
Thursday, November 21 | 7:30 am - 9:00 am | Palm Walk
Need a pick-me-up on the way to class? Grab a donut from members of our LMU Jesuit community.
"Ignatius the God Seeker" Screening, Q&A, and Conversation
Thursday, Nov. 21 | 7:00 pm | Broccoli Theater
Have you ever wondered what moves the Jesuits at their core? This innovative animated documentary about the founder of the Jesuits reveals his inner quest for God, and invites you to become a spiritual seeker yourself. Screening followed by Q&A with filmmaker and Jesuit Visiting Scholar Christof Wolf, S.J., and a reception. RSVP here. Sponsored by the Office for International Students and Scholars and SFTV.
Love, Burn Bright: An Evening Concert with Tony Alonso and Chris de Silva
Thursday, Nov. 21 | 7:00 pm | Sacred Heart Chapel
Please join Tony Alonso and Chris de Silva for an evening of song and prayer in Sacred Heart Chapel. The event is free of charge. Simply register in advance for admission. Everyone welcome! Register here.
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.