Joe and Carla orlando

A Life Together, Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality

The Ignatian Spirituality Center is proud to present the Peter Faber Award to Joe and Carla Orlando. Since 2014, the ISC has bestowed this award to honor those who have spent their livese in service to Ignatius’ works and ministry—and who reflect the qualities of St. Peter Faber: humility, purity, simplicity, open-hearted relationality, and cura personalis—the care of the whole person.

For nearly four decades, Joe and Carla have shared a life together shaped by Ignatian spirituality. They have dedicated themselves—together and individually—to helping others encounter God, discern their call, and place their gifts in service of others.

Joe first encountered Ignatian spirituality as a Jesuit Volunteer and later studied at Weston Jesuit School of Theology. A 30-day retreat in the Spiritual Exercises proved transformative. “I remember thinking as I left the retreat center, I would want everyone to have an experience like this.” That desire has animated his ministry ever since. At Seattle University, where he began working in campus ministry in 1990, Joe has spent decades forming students, faculty, staff, and university leaders through retreats, immersions, seminars, and experiences connecting faith, justice, and global solidarity.

It was at Seattle University that Joe’s path crossed Carla’s. Carla arrived as a graduate student knowing little about the Jesuits. Joe recruited her for a five-day silent retreat—the first he organized at Seattle University. The experience changed her life and her faith. “Having creation and love as central sources of God was simply profound,” she said. “Ignatian spirituality was freeing, pure gift.” But of course, the retreat would mean even more when Joe and Carla married.

Carla has since become a gifted spiritual director, retreat leader, educator, and formator. Through SEEL, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, ISC, and other ministries, she has accompanied people in prayer and discernment and helped form spiritual companions. At ISC, she coordinates Spiritual Director Services, accompanies the Women Companions of Color, and leads The Ignatian Way, a formation program designed for young adults and BIPOC leaders in preaching and spiritual companionship.

Perhaps the clearest expression of the Orlandos’ Faber-like spirit is that their ministry has never been simply a professional undertaking. Ignatian spirituality became the ground of a shared life: shaping their work, faith, marriage, family, friendships, and service. Their leadership has been relational and generous, centered on accompaniment and helping others discover their own gifts and callings.

“What a gift,” Joe says, “to share in this Ignatian spirituality ministry with my life partner.” Carla speaks to the same mystery from the other side: “Ignatian spirituality led me to the love of my life! Or, the love of my life led me to Ignatian spirituality!”

For a life together spent sharing that gift with others, ISC is honored to present Joe and Carla Orlando with the Peter Faber Award.