Crusader Chronicles

Fr. John Wronski, S.J., '88

Fr. John Wronski, S.J., '88

By Maura Kelly Fredey '94

Fr. John Wronski, S.J., '88 describes his Holy Cross years as a time when he explored and strengthened his faith and discovered how his relationship with Jesus is inextricably tied to his relationships with others. After graduation, he received a master's degree at Weston Jesuit School of Theology and followed his calling to become a Jesuit. He has served as a teacher and mentor to many people in many settings, including middle and high schools, colleges, prisons, parishes, and retreat houses. Prior to being named Nativity Prep's executive director, Fr. Wronski served for three years as vocation director with the New England Province of the Society of Jesus, based in Watertown, Mass. When we caught up with Fr. Wronski, he was in the thick of change, having been in his new position just a few weeks.

 

What will you be doing at Nativity Prep?

I'll oversee the running of the school, and I will dedicate about 50 percent of my time to development and advancement [students do not pay for tuition]. I'll also be doing some teaching and working with the school's board and with several committees. It's already quite busy right now because the kids are in summer camp. The fifth– and sixth–graders do a half-day camp at the school here in Jamaica Plain, and the seventh- and eighth-graders stay in the dorms at Holy Cross for the month of July while doing their camp.

Describe your previous role as Director of Vocations. Were there special challenges during this time of declining religious vocations?

I met a good number of men who were searching and asking questions about their own vocations and developing their relationship with God. They were asking questions about being a Jesuit and wanting to get to know the Society better. It was very satisfying even if every person did not become a Jesuit, because there is an increasing role for lay people in the church, and I could help people explore those opportunities. There are so many ways for lay people to become leaders and for us as Jesuits to collaborate with lay people to fulfill the mission of the church.

How has your Holy Cross education played a role in your life?

Holy Cross is very important to me. I don't think I would be where I am today without Holy Cross. I had a lot of questions about my faith while at Holy Cross, and although I was an English major, I took quite a few religious studies classes. I was inspired by liberation theology. What I learned in my classes, balanced with my work with campus ministries and my spiritual experiences — such as the Spiritual Exercises with Fr. Labran — I learned how to be attentive to God's presence in my life. I learned how to pray while at Holy Cross.

Any other sources of inspiration?

I was also inspired by friendships I had with students a few years ahead of me who challenged me to think seriously about social justice. I began to realize how my relationship with the poor was an important part of my relationship with God. I also learned a great deal from people like Fr. Reiser, Kim McElaney, Joe Maguire, and Barbara Dean. They all helped me to build leadership qualities that have helped me in my professional experiences. My experiences at Holy Cross led me to know that I wanted to do something with my career related to education and my faith life.

When people ask your advice about how to listen for their own calling, what do you tell them?

There's a very simple prayer called The Daily Examen of St. Ignatius. You can do it once or twice a day, but usually making time at the end of the day works well. Allow yourself ten or 15 minutes to look over your day and reflect on your experiences. What were you doing when you felt the most life or joy? It could be a great interaction with someone. It may be the sunshine or a breeze or even something really big that happened. You may find it helps to journal about it, and as you notice patterns, this can help you understand where God is calling you. Ask yourself, 'What gives me the most life?'

What brings you life?

When I do this, I find myself focusing on faces — administrators I work with, staff members, teachers, and of course, the students. For me it is the people and relationships. As a Jesuit, I do all kinds of things, but whatever I do comes back to helping others develop their relationship with God. That is what I find myself giving thanks for — the development of these wonderful relationships. And when you help others work on their own relationships, you are also helping them develop a closer relationship with God.

For more information about Nativity Preparatory School, visit www.nativityboston.org.

Maura Kelly Fredey '94 is a member of the GAA Communications Committee.