Stories of Impact
Every step along a path of transformation is a story worth telling. We tell stories to one another to make sense of our lives. Stories bond us in joy, in healing, and in seeking to find God in all things. This page is dedicated to sharing the stories of those impacted by ISC. Do you have a story to share?
A Time of Challenge and Transformation
Last summer, the ISC welcomed LA native and Jesuit Discerner Kirk Acnam to the team while on his discernment journey about becoming a Jesuit. Kirk brought energy, hard work and grace to our programs and marketing, and thoughtfulness and humor to our team. Kirk has been accepted as a Jesuit Novice and will begin Jesuit Formation in August. Congratulations, Kirk! We will miss you!
St. Ignatius of Loyola once said, “Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly.” As I reflect on this past year in Seattle, I return to these words with new understanding and awe. Who would have thought that stepping out in faith—trembling, unsure, yet willing—would open a door to such an overflowing abundance of grace? I certainly did not.
A year ago, I never imagined that I would be invited to join the Jesuit West Discernment House. When that invitation came, it was not accompanied by immediate clarity or joy, but rather fear and uncertainty. At that point in my discernment journey with the Society of Jesus, I was confident in my desire to become a Jesuit. So why, I asked, would God now be calling me to something that seemed to pull me aside—to a place I had never imagined myself being, much less desiring—Seattle?
But as I brought that invitation to prayer, it became undeniable: the Spirit was gently, yet firmly, leading me here. I realized that my “yes” required more than intellectual assent—it required surrender. I had to let go of the fears and worries that held me back and entrust myself fully to God's loving guidance.
This year has been a sacred time of challenge and transformation. In ways both expected and completely surprising, I have been shaped by the Spirit through the people, experiences, and prayer that have filled my days here. I’ve had the profound gift of working with several Jesuit ministries—including the Ignatian Spirituality Center (ISC), Seattle Nativity School, Seattle Prep, and others—that have drawn me deeper into the life of service and contemplation; deepening my vocational call.
Living in community, walking alongside fellow discerners, and growing in relationship with Christ have also deepened my vocation in ways I could not have imagined. More than anything, this year has been about encountering Christ in others. Whether it was in the early morning Mass crowd, the devoted parish volunteers, the vibrant young adult communities, or countless spontaneous conversations and shared meals—God’s love radiated in every moment. The laughter, the tears, the quiet reflections, and the deep conversations we explored together—these have forever made a mark in my heart.
Now, as this chapter in Seattle draws to a close, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and grace. I am not the same man who arrived here last summer. I leave changed—by your love, your witness, your generosity, and the unmistakable presence of God working through you.
To all those who have accompanied me on this journey—thank you. Thank you to the ISC, Seattle Nativity School, Seattle Prep, the communities of St. Joseph Parish and St. Therese Parish, the Seattle Jesuit community, and to the many others whose names may not be listed but whose impact is deeply felt. You have not only walked with me—you have helped form me. This journey of discernment has been ours together, and I carry each of you with me as I take the next steps toward religious life in the Society of Jesus.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers, as I continue to pray for you. This is not goodbye, but rather a heartfelt, “Until we meet again.”
Te amo muy mucho.
With Love,
Kirk Acnam
AMDG +
Summer Ignatian Retreat 2024 scholarship recipient Tu-Ha Nguyen has come a long way.
Jonathan Went came to the Ignatian Spirituality Center for Seek and Find spiritual direction services last spring, looking for guidance while in the middle of a big decision.
When Rufo Calvo was invited by his partner to join him for ISC’s three-day Summer Ignatian Retreat, Calvo was leery.
Cézanne Hardy co-leads a small but mighty group, Women Companions of Color.
Malcolm Nelson wasn’t sure if he was ready to lead parishioners through the nine days of the Novena of Grace.
Sharon Spence-Wilcox drifted from religion, yearned for more, and finally accepted an insistent invitation.
Board Member Barbara Henderson found growth and healing at ISC.
Cameron Bellm traded the academic life for the contemplative life.
Mary Gorman and the St. Leo Formation Commission was at a crossroads when they collaborated with ISC.
Kathy Collins woke each morning with the question, “Who needs love today?”
[Mercy Lazo]
COMPANIONSHIP AND THE LOVE OF GOD
As the youngest in a brood of eight, I was always accompanied by someone from my family, whether I was going to school, going to church, or attending social events. As I got older, I found myself being a companion to my family, friends, and sometimes strangers who became my friends.
These days, living in a world amidst COVID-19, I find myself, increasingly, accompanying people: being a companion to someone who was recently diagnosed with cancer; being present to another who is suffering from mental illness; accompanying an elder on her last few hours in this world; being there to celebrate 100 years of being alive.
As a healthcare professional, I find it humbling to walk with patients as they navigate the world of healthcare. In my mind, I think about being of help or giving some sort of assistance to them. At the end of the day as I reflect, I find myself at the receiving end of these patients’ generosity and wisdom.
Most recently I joined a community of women of color, co-led by Carla Orlando and Cezanne Hardy. We started this journey of becoming companions to people of color. This experience has been truly enlightening and uplifting. What a gift to walk with each other as we grow to be able to accompany others on their journeys.
There is a great need for companionship these days. And it is truly humbling for me to be able to be that for another human being – to be a companion. Whether it is only for a few precious moments or for a longer term, being a companion to another human being is such a gift. And in my heart, I have come to know that surely this is made possible with the love of God.
Mercy Lazo is an Ilokana mom who moved to this country about 30 years ago. At present, she is a healthcare worker in supportive housing. She considers St. Therese Church her spiritual home.
[DuWayne Andrews, Jr.]
CLA ALUM REFLECTION
My time in CLA 3 (Contemplative Leaders in Action training program) proved pivotal in my walk of life. When I started the program, it was in the fall of 2014. I was in a place in my life where I felt stuck. I was working a couple of part-time jobs that weren’t fulfilling for me and wasn’t doing any theatre at that time. In my final year in the CLA program, my mentor, Ariel Rosemond, encouraged me to follow my passion to be a performer in musical theater, even if it meant losing a day job. It was his support, along with others at CLA, that
allowed me to continue to live a life of purpose, filled with passion and reflection, while also pursuing my love for the arts.
I recently met with Ariel back in December for an Advent CLA gathering, and he reminded me of the impact I have on other people, including him and his family. It is these affirmations that continue to remind me of having a purpose in life while being open to what God has planned for me. CLA continues to be a group of support I can count on to this day.
DuWayne Andrews, Jr. is a Seattle native and CLA 3 alum. He graduated from Seattle University, majoring in both Political Science and Humanities. After graduation, he became the Youth Choir Director at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Seattle. He has developed a career as a performer in both musical theater and opera. Since 2018, he has been a member of the Seattle Opera Chorus, appearing in nine Seattle Opera productions.
[JOHN & CAROLYN HICKMAN]
WARM HEARTS, DEEP FAITH
St. Peter Favre was one of St. Ignatius’ closest friends, trusted for his deep understanding of the Spiritual Exercises and heart for Ignatian spirituality. Favre lived his life with open-heartedness, purity, simplicity, and humbleness. Each year, the ISC presents the Peter Favre Award to a person or persons who embody these values and inspire others to live them more fully. The ISC is proud to present the 2024 Peter Favre Award to John and Carolyn Hickman.
Carolyn and John’s devotion to Ignatian spirituality spans decades. They have played integral roles for the Ignatian Spirituality Center. Carolyn was instrumental in the ISC’s growth during her 20-year career, matching seekers with spiritual directors and leading administrative efforts. John has served on the ISC Board twice as well as the Program Council. Their service runs deep in the Ignatian community and beyond.
Beyond their many acts of ministry and service, the Hickman’s are models of humility, warm hearts, kindness, and deep faith—and truly deserving of the Peter Favre Award.
[Loren Day]
HOPE IN BLOOM
When banking analyst Loren Day went looking for a spiritual retreat, she was in a dark place. In the middle of a painful separation, the peace and respite she sought seemed a long way off. She didn’t know quite what she was looking for in a spiritual retreat, but as a graduate of Gonzaga University, she was familiar with the Jesuits, and when she came across ISC’s Summer Ignatian Retreat she felt it would be the right one for her.
The Colombia native grew up in a Christian home, but since moving to the US and exploring her spiritual beliefs had felt disconnected from religion and spirituality. “I went into the retreat hoping to reconnect with God and to find some light in the darkness,” she said. She found that and more.
Thanks to an opportunity provided by the St. Joseph Foundation, Loren received a Summer Ignatian Retreat scholarship. But that wasn’t all.
“God was speaking to me throughout the retreat,” she said, “in mystical ways that are hard to put into words.”
Loren prayed, she collaged, she spent time in nature, walking the stations of the cross. She was amazed at how much better her sleep had become. But her favorite time was spent at the statue of the Holy Family, where she placed pink rose petals to mark the burden in her life. What had been impossible for her to face slowly became possible as realized she didn’t have to bear her burdens alone.
On the last day of the retreat, Loren made the walk to the statue one last time. On the way, she came face-to-face with an owl, and the two of them spent five minutes regarding one another. When she finally arrived at the statue, Loren saw that her petals had been replaced with a rose in full bloom with light red, orange, and yellow petals, bringing her to tears and giving her hope for restoration and newness.
“I was able to experience God's infinite love towards me,” she said. “I received way more graces than I could have even imagined.” She remains astonished at the many ways God was present for her over the course of the weekend.
Loren’s hope is that next year she can support the Ignatian Spirituality Center so that another seeker can benefit from the retreat in the same way she did.