As @Georgetown and many other #Jesuit universities transition to online courses, I am reminded of the way St. Ignatius and the first companions saw themselves as a "communitas ad dispersionem" - a community in dispersion.
They felt themselves drawn together by a shared life and mission, and they had discovered true joy in each other's company. But when the needs of the times - both opportunities and challenges - required them to be scattered across the globe, they went.
Through it all, they remained intimately connected through the technology of their day -- letters, carefully crafted and shared -- so that each continued to feel united with all the others. Still one community, still one mission, still one life.
I am heartened to already see my friends and colleagues and students embracing this moment in something of the same spirit. Caring for and inspiring one another as we face the challenges. Separated, to be sure, but still united. Still a community.
