The Rev. Patrick Howell begins term as Seattle University Jesuits' rector

I was "read in" as the religious superior of the Jesuit community at Seattle University on July 31, the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola.

The retiring rector, Father Peter Ely, read the official letter from Rome in a simple ceremony at the Chapel of St. Ignatius. Then I began my six-year term as religious superior, or rector, of the 29 Jesuits associated with Seattle University.

The curious process of selecting Jesuit superiors begins with the regional provincial eliciting from the local Jesuits a) "What kind of leadership is most needed for the next six years?"and b) "Who would provide the best leadership at this time?" He cautions us not to campaign for ourselves or for anyone else — doing so could result in a censure or disqualification.

After wide consultation, the provincial and his four Jesuit consultors draw together a terna, or a list of three names, and send it to Rome, along with extensive recommendations. An American Jesuit in Rome, who advises the Jesuit Superior General, then makes his recommendation to the General, who makes the final determination.

Even for Catholics, the Jesuit way of appointing superiors seems arcane and overly hierarchical. Other major religious orders are much more democratic. The local chapter of Benedictine monks, for instance, elects their abbot for a lifetime term, though many serve for a shorter time.

The Jesuit method, however, is suitable for our mission to be sent "anywhere in the world." It is based on a time-tested way of avoiding politicking and of ascertaining the best fit for the local community and the talent of a particular Jesuit, who might otherwise be reluctant to serve.

Having a term limit also has its advantages. All the local Jesuits know that the superior will be "joining the ranks" again. Even with a somewhat inept superior, the community could draw relief from knowing that this trial would come to an end.

Since I entered the Jesuits at Sheridan, Ore., in 1961, the Roman Catholic Church and the Jesuits have undergone a historic shift. When I entered the Jesuits, the Roman Church was still emerging from its inclination toward authoritarian governments, such as Francisco Franco's in Spain: It was suspect of contemporary culture and worried that embracing religious liberty meant tolerating "error."

The election of Pope John XXIII, 1958-1963, quickly shifted this institutional stance. John believed profoundly in loving the world as it is, that God is active, alive and present throughout creation and in every human activity. For John, the church was not a museum of antiques but a living garden of life.

So my first four years as a Jesuit, 1961-1965, had a very traditional feel to them. We lived like medieval monks sequestered in the countryside.

But once we started reclaiming our Jesuit spirituality of mobility, discernment and finding God in all things, our lives as Jesuits changed over the next 40 years.

We grew in a better appreciation that Jesuit spirituality is a practical mysticism. It's down-to-earth. It's an Earth-loving spirituality of "seeking God in all things." It appreciates how God has been active and alive in people of all faiths long before we arrived on the scene.

When Jesuit delegates met in Rome last winter, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the Jesuits to continue to be at the crossroads of faith and reason, of freedom and orthodoxy, of cultural openness and religious identity, of modernity and tradition.

"The Church needs you," Benedict said, "the Church relies on you, and the Church continues to turn to you with trust, particularly to reach those physical and spiritual places which others do not reach or have difficulty in reaching."

It's a great mission, and a great opportunity. In the spirit of John XXIII, I hope to nurture the Jesuit community and the Church as a living garden of life for all our students and colleagues.

The Rev. Patrick Howell SJ is the rector of the Jesuit Community at Seattle University and Vice President for Mission and Ministry. Readers may send feedback to faithcolumns@seattletimes.com