Pedro Arrupe was a Jesuit priest and the 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Known for his profound spirituality and compassion, Arrupe was a visionary leader who inspired countless individuals around the world with his insightful words. His quotes continue to resonate and provide guidance in our modern world.
One of Arrupe’s most famous quotes is: “Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” These words capture the essence of Arrupe’s philosophy – that love should be at the center of everything we do. Whether it is love for others, love for our work, or love for a cause, Arrupe believed that love has the power to transform individuals and societies.
Arrupe also emphasized the importance of action. He said: “Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of the bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.” These words remind us that our love for God and others should not just be a theoretical or abstract concept, but should manifest in our everyday actions and choices.
In his role as the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Arrupe also addressed the importance of social justice and solidarity. He said: “Today our prime educational objective must be to form men-and-women-for-others… people who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors; people convinced that love of God… necessarily involves service of others.” Arrupe believed that love and service go hand in hand, and that true spirituality requires us to actively work towards building a more just and compassionate world.
These quotes from Pedro Arrupe serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and the importance of action in our spiritual journey. Arrupe’s words continue to inspire individuals to strive for a more loving, just, and compassionate world.
Life and Legacy
Pedro Arrupe was born on November 14, 1907, in Bilbao, Spain. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1927 and was ordained as a priest in 1936. Throughout his life, Father Arrupe was dedicated to serving others and living out the values of the Jesuit order.
Arrupe became the Superior General of the Society of Jesus in 1965, a position he held until 1983. During his tenure, he transformed the Jesuits into a more socially active and engaged organization. He believed in the importance of addressing social justice issues and actively worked towards fighting poverty and oppression.
One of Arrupe’s most significant legacies was his commitment to helping those affected by war and violence. He played a key role in advocating for greater assistance to refugees and displaced persons, particularly during the Vietnam War and the conflicts in Central America.
Arrupe’s leadership was marked by his emphasis on faith in action. He believed that faith should not be confined to religious practices but should be expressed through concrete acts of love and service. This philosophy shaped the work of the Jesuits under his leadership and continues to inspire countless individuals today.
Arrupe’s impact extended beyond his time as Superior General. He was a visionary who understood the importance of education and the role it played in empowering individuals and communities. His efforts to promote education and provide access to schooling in developing countries have had a lasting impact.
Today, Pedro Arrupe’s legacy lives on through the Pedro Arrupe Institute for Human Rights at the University of Deusto, which continues his work in promoting social justice and human rights. His words and actions continue to inspire individuals around the world to work towards a more just and compassionate society.
| “Today our prime educational objective must be to form men-and-women-for-others…people who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors; people convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce.” |
Early Years and Education
Pedro Arrupe, born on November 14, 1907, in Bilbao, Spain, was the eldest of five children in a devout Catholic family. He grew up in a time of political and social unrest, with the Spanish Civil War later impacting his life greatly.
Arrupe’s parents instilled in him a strong sense of faith and service to others from a young age. His mother, in particular, was known for her charitable work and commitment to helping those in need. This upbringing deeply influenced Arrupe and laid the foundation for his future as a compassionate and dedicated leader.
Arrupe received his early education at the Jesuit Colegio de Deusto, where he excelled academically. He was known for his intelligence, as well as his strong sense of social justice. His teachers recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in medicine.
In 1927, Arrupe began his medical studies at the Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao. However, his plans took a dramatic turn when he witnessed the devastation caused by an explosion at a munitions factory in 1936. Arrupe was part of a team of medical students who provided aid to the injured, and this experience awakened in him a calling to serve humanity more directly.
After completing his medical studies, Arrupe entered the Jesuit novitiate in Loyola, Spain, in 1929. He embraced the Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuit commitment to social justice, which further solidified his determination to work for the betterment of society.
Arrupe’s journey of education and self-discovery continued as he embarked on further studies in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States. He earned degrees in medical ethics and social sciences, further equipping him with the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges of the world.
Through his early years and education, Pedro Arrupe developed a deep understanding of the world’s suffering and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. His experiences shaped his vision as a leader and set him on a path to transform the lives of countless individuals through his tireless advocacy and compassionate service.
Pedro Arrupe’s Vision for Society
Pedro Arrupe, a visionary leader and former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, had a profound vision for society that extended beyond the boundaries of religion. His vision encompassed compassion, justice, and service to others, and it continues to inspire people around the world today.
Arrupe believed that society should be built on principles of love and solidarity, where every individual is valued and respected. He advocated for the importance of living in harmony with others and emphasized the need to eradicate all forms of discrimination and injustice.
In line with his commitment to justice, Arrupe spoke out against poverty, inequality, and violence. He believed that it was the responsibility of individuals and communities to actively work towards creating a more just and equitable society. Arrupe often emphasized the power of education in fostering social change and empowering individuals to act as catalysts for transformative action.
Arrupe’s vision for society was rooted in the belief that compassion is essential for personal and collective growth. He stressed the importance of empathy, urging individuals to embrace the suffering of others and actively work towards alleviating it. Arrupe believed that by embracing compassion, society could foster a sense of interconnectedness and build bridges of understanding and support.
Throughout his life, Pedro Arrupe demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others. He believed that true joy could only be found in selfless service and dedicated his life to alleviating the suffering of those in need. Arrupe believed that everyone has a role to play in creating a better world and encouraged individuals to use their talents and resources to make a positive impact.
In conclusion, Pedro Arrupe’s vision for society centered around compassion, justice, and service. His words and actions continue to inspire individuals to work towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world for all.
Compassion and Service
Pedro Arrupe, a visionary leader, emphasized the importance of compassion and service in his teachings. He believed that showing compassion towards others and serving those in need were fundamental principles of living a fulfilling life.
Arrupe believed that true compassion goes beyond mere sympathy or pity. It involves taking action to alleviate the suffering of others and making a positive difference in their lives. He often spoke about the need for individuals to have a heartfelt concern for the well-being of others and to translate that concern into meaningful actions.
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“Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love, in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” |
Arrupe believed that service to others was an important expression of love and compassion. He encouraged individuals to dedicate themselves to serving those in need, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged. He emphasized that true service requires selflessness and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
In his teachings, Arrupe often highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of social injustices and working towards creating a more just and equitable society. He believed that service should not only focus on providing immediate relief but should also strive to foster long-term sustainable change.
Arrupe’s teachings on compassion and service continue to inspire many people today. His words remind us of the transformative power of love and the importance of selflessly serving others. Through compassion and service, we can make a positive impact on the world and create a more just and compassionate society.
Leadership and Advocacy
Pedro Arrupe was not only a visionary leader, but also a strong advocate for justice and compassion. Throughout his tenure as the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, he emphasized the importance of servant leadership and standing up for the marginalized and oppressed.
Arrupe believed that true leaders should strive to make a positive impact on society and work towards creating a more just and equitable world. He emphasized the need for leaders to use their positions of power and influence to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
“The world is our greater neighborhood and we are responsible for it.”
This quote from Arrupe encapsulates his belief in the responsibility of leaders to take action and address the social issues facing the world. He believed that leaders should not only be concerned with their immediate community, but should expand their perspective to encompass the entire world and its challenges.
Arrupe also believed in the power of collective action and encouraged collaboration among leaders to achieve common goals. He believed that leaders should come together, share resources and knowledge, and work towards a shared vision of a more just and compassionate world.
“Men and women for others.”
This phrase coined by Arrupe has become a rallying cry for leaders who strive to prioritize the needs of others above their own. Arrupe advocated for leaders to use their influence to address the needs of the most vulnerable in society, and to work towards the greater good of all.
Arrupe’s leadership and advocacy continue to inspire leaders from all walks of life. His words remind us that true leadership goes beyond personal success and encompasses a commitment to justice, compassion, and the greater good of society.
Faith and Spiritual Reflections
Pedro Arrupe’s quotes offer deep insights and reflections on faith and spirituality. His words resonate with the enduring human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection to a higher power. Below are some of his inspiring quotes on faith and spiritual reflections:
- “Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way.”
- “To be a contemplative means simply to be in the midst of the world, unattached, and to abide in God.”
- “God cannot be understood; he can only be loved. Understanding is of the mind; love is of the heart.”
- “Our prime educational objective must be to form men and women for others, who believe that a love of self or of God which does not issue forth in justice for the least of their neighbors is a farce.”
- “Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way.”
- “I urge you with all the strength of my soul to approach the Eucharist table as often as possible. Feed on this bread of angels from which you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles.”
- “In prayer, I often feel a calming sense of reassurance that there is indeed something greater than ourselves, a divine force guiding our steps and offering solace in times of need.”
Arrupe’s reflections remind us of the importance of nurturing our spiritual selves, seeking a deeper understanding of God, and practicing love and selflessness towards others. His words encourage us to find meaning and purpose in our lives through faith and prayer.
Social Justice and Equality
Pedro Arrupe was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality, believing that it was the duty of all individuals to work towards creating a more just and equitable society. He recognized the interconnectedness of all individuals and societies, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collective action.
Arrupe believed that social justice was not limited to the realm of politics or policy, but extended to all aspects of life, including economics, education, healthcare, and the environment. He believed that everyone had the right to fair treatment, equal opportunities, and the chance to live a dignified life.
Arrupe also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of social injustices, rather than simply treating the symptoms. He saw poverty, discrimination, and oppression as systemic issues that required systemic solutions. He encouraged individuals to challenge unjust structures and systems, and to be actively involved in working towards their transformation.
In his teachings and writings, Arrupe emphasized the need for inclusivity and the valuing of diversity. He believed that true equality went beyond treating everyone the same, but required recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions and perspectives of each individual. He saw diversity as a strength and an opportunity for growth and learning.
Arrupe envisioned a world where everyone had access to the basic necessities of life, where differences were celebrated, and where justice and equality were the foundation upon which society was built. He called on individuals to work towards this vision, reminding them that small actions could make a big difference, and that each person had the power to create positive change.
As we reflect on Pedro Arrupe’s teachings on social justice and equality, let us be inspired to take action in our own lives and communities. May we work towards creating a world that is fair, just, and inclusive for all.
Pedro Arrupe’s Impact on the Jesuit Order
Pedro Arrupe was a visionary leader who had a profound impact on the Jesuit Order. His tenure as the Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 1965 to 1983 marked a period of significant transformation and renewal for the order.
Arrupe emphasized the importance of social justice and the preferential option for the poor in the Jesuit mission. He called for Jesuits to be men for others, actively working towards the betterment of society and advocating for the rights of the marginalized. This emphasis on social justice led to the establishment of a number of social justice initiatives and centers within the Jesuit Order during Arrupe’s leadership.
In addition to his focus on social justice, Arrupe also played a key role in promoting a theology of liberation within the Jesuit Order. He encouraged Jesuits to engage in theological reflection that took into account the experiences and perspectives of the poor and oppressed. This theological approach challenged traditional power structures within the Church and pushed for a more inclusive and liberating understanding of faith.
Arrupe’s impact on the Jesuit Order can still be felt today. His leadership and teachings continue to inspire Jesuits and laypeople alike to pursue justice, service, and the promotion of the greater good. His legacy serves as a reminder of the Jesuit commitment to serving others and working towards a more just and compassionate world.
In Conclusion:
Pedro Arrupe’s leadership of the Jesuit Order left a lasting impact on the Society of Jesus. His emphasis on social justice and the preferential option for the poor, along with his promotion of a theology of liberation, transformed the Jesuit mission and continues to shape the order’s work today. Arrupe’s vision and teachings serve as an inspiration for all who seek to make the world a more just and compassionate place.