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? Email Corinne Bergmann, Executive Director, at corinne@ignatiancenter.org.
A Life Together, Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality
The Ignatian Spirituality Center is proud to present the Peter Faber Award to Joe and Carla Orlando. The ISC bestows this award to honor those who have spent their lives 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 for the whole person.
For nearly four decades, Joe and Carla have shared a life together shaped by Ignatian spirituality, dedicating 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. Later, 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 decades of ministry at Seattle University and beyond.
Carla’s own life changed after Joe recruited her for the first five-day silent retreat he organized at Seattle University. “Ignatian spirituality was freeing, pure gift,” she recounts. Carla has since become a gifted spiritual director, retreat leader, educator, and formator, accompanying others through ISC, SEEL, universities, retreats, and other ministries.
Ignatian spirituality ultimately became the ground of a shared life, shaping Joe and Carla’s work, faith, marriage, family, friendships, and service. “What a gift,” Joe says, “to share in this Ignatian spirituality ministry with my life partner.”
For a life together spent sharing that gift with others, ISC is honored to present Joe and Carla Orlando with the Peter Faber Award.
Each of the photos below represents a unique story. Click on the image to read the full story.
Kevin Lovejoy receives the Kathy Collins Spirit of Service award for “so many of the little things he does.”
The ISC gave Rich Okamoto space to be genuine in his approach to God and a community that shares his journey.
Will Warrick moved from spiritual desolation to feeling new life and God’s love breathed into his soul.
Summer Ignatian Retreat 2024 scholarship recipient Tu-Ha Nguyen has come a long way.
When Loren Day went looking for a spiritual retreat, she was in a dark place.
When Rufo Calvo was invited by his partner to join him for ISC’s three-day Summer Ignatian Retreat, Calvo was leery.
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.
Cézanne Hardy co-leads a small but mighty group, Women Companions of Color.
John and Carolyn Hickman’s devotion to Ignatian spirituality spans decades.
Jonathan Went came to the ISC for spiritual direction, looking for guidance while in the middle of a big decision.
“Who would have thought that stepping out in faith—trembling, unsure, yet willing—would open a door to such an overflowing abundance of grace?” ~ Kirk Acnam
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?”
As the youngest of eight, Mercy Lazo Mandac was always accompanied by someone from her family. Now she is a companion to others.
DuWayne Andrews, Jr. was in a place of feeling stuck when he encountered the Contemplative Leaders in Action training program.