Fr. James Gladstone served as Superior for the St. Camillus Jesuit Community for the past five years until last June when Fr. Patrick J. Burns, SJ became the new Superior.

When you become a Jesuit, you begin to belong to another family!

This is how I’d describe our life in a Jesuit community.  As the former Superior of the St. Camillus Jesuit Community for the past five years, I’d frequently witness the special bond our men have with each other. 

Living in community is an important part of Jesuit life, and what makes St. Camillus so unique is that it’s structured to meet the health care needs of aging Jesuits while at the same time it truly remains a religious community. 

Each morning when the men arise, there is a ‘quiet time’ about the house. It’s understood that we don’t carry on conversations or extended talking before breakfast.  The staff respects this practice before and during the 7:15 AM daily Mass by keeping their own voices at a low level.

The habit of early rising for daily Mass also brings out another poignant and touching side of how the men in this community watch over and tend to each other.  While everyone wants to be at Mass, they sometimes fall asleep in their room and the more able-bodied will help gather their brethren to the chapel.

There is a spirit of gratitude, love, charity – in essence, community.  It is no small wonder this place is considered home and those who dwell there as family. 

From the beginning, the Wisconsin Province wanted St. Camillus to be more than just an assisted living facility – they wanted it to be like any Jesuit house.  They planned for a chapel, dining and living areas, and a library space.  Without the generosity of our Jesuit Partners, that vision would not have become a reality. 

Before this special community was formed, a Jesuit in need of help stayed in the house where he was with whatever help he could get.  If he couldn’t be cared for, he moved to a nursing home and was by himself.  A lot of the men here know that they couldn’t make it in a regular Jesuit house - they would be left on their own, in their room.  Here we are set up to help them.

One of the challenges has been helping aides and nurses understand that this is not a hospital or old folk’s home.  In the past, they might have said something to the men like, “When you get better, you’ll be able to go home.”  But they’ve come to understand this IS our home.  It is where we live, it is where we belong.

Many of the men stay actively engaged in apostolic ministry as health permits and all of them are missioned to pray for the Church and the Society of Jesus.  We’re reinforcing that, in the sunset years, there is an opportunity to spend more time in contemplation, prayer and meditation.

Today, 32 Jesuits live at St. Camillus making it the third largest Jesuit community in the province.  The prayers and financial support of our Jesuit Partners enables us to provide for their dignified care.   

We are immensely grateful to you for making such a wonderful place possible.  You are remembered at daily Mass and your prayer intentions are welcomed throughout the year.