“For This Reason, I Fix My Eyes on You” | On the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Leadership

In this workshop, Dan and Mark will invite participants to ponder Christ’s heart and his example of love in their lives and how Christ invites us to say yes to his way of exemplary and compassionate leadership. Mark and Dan will offer insights from Pope Francis’s most recent encyclical, Dilexit Nos, as well as the writings of Servant of God Pedro Arrupe, SJ (Superior General of the Society of Jesus, 1965 - 1991). Workshop will feature remarks from Mark and Dan, as well as some time for reflection and sharing.

Mark Blancke is a Jesuit Scholastic studying theology in his ninth year in the Society of Jesus and final stage of formation at the Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara University. Mark has 5+ years of spiritual direction experience - four years in spiritual direction internships, one year as a co-director of a spiritual direction internship program, and is currently leading a group in Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises at San Quentin prison. Mark has practiced as a nurse before and after becoming a Jesuit, serving hospital patients, people with developmental disabilities, and elderly Jesuits. Immediately before his theology studies, he served as the Assistant Superior of a Jesuit infirmary in Michigan. Mark enjoys nature, environmental sustainability, and gardening.  
Dan Finucane is a Jesuit Scholastic studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. He is originally from St. Louis, MO and entered the Society of Jesus in 2017. Prior to entering the Society, Dan earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in theological studies from Saint Louis University and the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and served as a theology teacher and campus minister at a Jesuit high school in St. Louis. Since becoming a Jesuit, Dan has taught elementary school, assisted migrants at the border in El Paso, and accompanied people who are unhoused. Before moving to the Bay Area for theological studies, he served as a prison chaplain, spiritual director, and junior college instructor in Belize. Dan enjoys playing guitar, running, and when he has time, creating art.