President's Blog: From the Heart
50 Years of Leading with Faith, in Community
By Eric F. Spina
Father Jim Fitz, S.M., is fond of the lyrics in two songs from his favorite Broadway musicals.
Toward the end of Les Misérables, as Jean Valjean is dying, several characters sing the refrain, "To love another person is to see the face of God," reminding us that love is transformative. In Man of La Mancha, Don Quixote performs the soaring "The Impossible Dream," inspiring us "to reach the unreachable star."
That's Father Jim — a gentle, deeply caring man who sees all people as children of God, deserving of love and dignity. During times that trouble the soul — a pandemic, wars, violence, racism, divisiveness — UD's longtime vice president for mission and rector brings a calm, steady presence, a sense of optimism and hope, and a belief in what's right and just. Over the course of my eight years on campus, Father Jim has taught me much about living the Marianist mission; he is my colleague, my mentor, my friend. Just as he makes UD better through his ministry, he makes me and so many others better with his presence.
A Marianist priest for a half century and counting, he shares one simple, powerful message: we can dare to dream and hope if we have faith. As he celebrates this summer the 50th anniversary of his ordination, he dreams of a world filled with justice, love, and peace — and invites us to do so, too.
“We have seen a world of alienation, hatred, and violence (human beings at their worst). But the dream and vision have stayed the same,” Father Jim wrote in a reflection about his jubilee milestone. “Our world needs to see caring, sharing, and forgiving (human beings at their best).”
At the annual Lackner Awards dinner that honors faculty and staff who mirror the best of the University's Catholic, Marianist character, Father Jim reminds us that he’s not there to canonize the recipients — a line that always gets a laugh. As he shares poignant stories about how the honorees live out our Marianist charism and inspire colleagues and students, I always pause and reflect on how much our mission matters.
I have witnessed Father Jim's pastoral care in numerous settings — from presiding over Baccalaureate Masses before thousands to sharing tenets of the Marianist philosophy of education with new trustees. He provides thoughtful reflections and blessings at groundbreakings and building dedications. In times of sorrow over the death of a student or colleague, he offers words of solace and support. In times of joy over the beginning of a new academic year, he personifies the inclusive hospitality of the Marianists who welcome and respect the gifts that all bring to our campus.
Not every administrator wants to live next door to college students, but living in community is meaningful to Father Jim. He shares a house with other Marianists in the heart of the student neighborhood, where his religious community hosts weekly spaghetti dinners and conversations with students. That ministry spills out into other parts of the neighborhood. As co-advisers for various Marianist Student Communities over the last several years, Father Jim and my wife, Karen, enjoy sharing a bowl of ice cream or a potluck meal with students as they encourage them to explore their faith and follow their dreams.
In Father Jim’s world, no dreams are impossible if you have faith.
(Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes religious who are celebrating jubilees in 2024. As part of the celebration, a 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Aug. 10, will take place in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Congrats to all Jubilarians!)