Above left:
The crucifix Chris received on his Vow Day is a bit of a family
heirloom. It had once belonged to a brother Jesuit from his province, now
deceased. In a sense, the crucifix symbolizes Chris’ entry into a new
family—the Jesuits—much like a wedding ring might mark the start of a new
family. Chris still has a ways to go before he’s
ordained a priest, however. In 2011, he enters Theology studies—the final stage
before ordination.
Above middle:
Chris is not the first Jesuit in the Schroeder clan.
His uncle Gerard professed Final Vows as a Brother in the Society in 2010. Here Chris shares
a light moment with Bro. Gerard (center) and Rev. Doug Marcoullier S.J., Provincial,
after the Final Vows ceremony.
Above right:
Detail of a stained glass window at St. Francis
Xavier (College) Church in St. Louis, where Bro. Gerard's Final Vows took place. The
image depicts the conversion experienced at Monserrat by Ignatius of Loyola,
founder of the Society of Jesus.
