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About JFAN Detroit

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CONTACT

William A. Moylan, Chair
WAMoylan@gmail.com

Frank Brady, Chair WUJA Congress
fjbradyjr@gmail.com

Fr. Gary Wright, SJ, Jesuit Liaison
wrightgr@udmercy.edu

Receive Updates on Future Events

Upcoming Event

Architecture and Gesu Detroit

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Landscape of our Catholic Faith:

We invite you to a special evening at the historic Gesu Catholic Church, a parish founded by Jesuits in 1922 and once home to four Detroit mayors, several congressmen and the renowned Fisher Brothers. This event will share rare architectural drawings and antique stained-glass windows design – some dating back to the late 1800s -- from two Detroit families who long worked with the Jesuits and the Archdiocese of Detroit. The two families behind the firms of Diehl & Diehl Architects and Detroit Stained Glass Works shaped our city’s sacred spaces. For the Jesuits, they designed both Gesu and Colombiere Center, and contributed to Archdiocese of Detroit landmarks such as St. John Seminary, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, and churches such as St. Clare of Montefalco, Sweetest Heart of Mary, St. Mary’s Greektown, St. Joseph Shrine and Birmingham Holy Name.

Special guests include Paul G. Diehl, grandson of original architect George F. Diehl and descended from the founders of Detroit Stained Glass Works;  Patricia Montemurri, award-winning journalist; and Mary Clare McCormick, Detroit Sacred Art archivist. The evening will include a Mass, refreshments and a tour of this historic worship site.

Read more about the historic stained glass of Detroit.

Program Details:

5:30 p.m. - Mass
6:00 p.m. - Registration and Welcome
6:25 p.m. - Program begins
8:00 p.m. Event ends

Registration for this event will open soon.

Save the Date

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Stay tuned for more details and registration.

Past Events

Transforming Business: Ignatian Values at the Heart & Soul of Success

On Wednesday, November 6, 2025, Fr. Nicholas Santos, SJ, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, shared how Ignatian values can transform leadership and redefine success in both business and life. Drawing on his global experience and Jesuit formation, Fr. Santos explored the Jesuit paradigm for business education and emphasized themes of purpose-driven leadership, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. He encouraged attendees to lead with heart and soul, creating success that uplifts both their organizations and the broader community.

On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Fr. Jake Martin, SJ joined Jesuit friends and alumni in Detroit for an evening of comedy fused with Ignatian spirituality. Fr.Mark Luedtke, SJ, was the co-host of the event held at Detroit Shipping Company.

"What is a Jesuit Brother Anyway?"

On March 26, 2025, Br. James J. Boynton, SJ, president of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, spoke about the role of Jesuit brothers in the Church today. Since the founding of the Society of Jesus, brothers have played a vital role, but their contributions are often less understood. Br. Boynton shared his insights on their vocation, mission, and impact, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for their work within the Jesuit community and beyond. Watch the event video below.

Advancing Care for our Common Home in Jesuit Universities

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Dr. Nancy C. Tuchman, PhD, Founding Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago, gave a JFAN talk discussing how Pope Francis and the Society of Jesus are calling us to action to protect our shared planet and how Jesuit universities across the country are leading the way. This talk explored Loyola University Chicago’s sustainability successes as a case study and shared what each of us can do to advance the cause. View Gesu Church and School’s environmental accomplishments here. Watch the event video below.

Finding God in All Things (...sometimes through the eyes of others)

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Tom Szczepanski, executive officer of Angel’s Place, gave a JFAN talk about how sometimes it takes the eyes of others to open your own. Watch the event video below.

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Fr. Patrick Kelly, SJ, PhD, current associate professor of Religious Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, gave a JFAN talk entitled “Sport, Human Flourishing and the Common Good: Opportunities and Challenges Today.” Watch the full video below