The Jesuit ring, a tradition spanning many generations, reminds each Blue Jay of his calling to live as a man for others. At the beginning of each academic year, seniors receive their rings in the presence of their classmates and family members.

With the Chapel of the North American Martyrs undergoing restoration and renovation, seniors and their families gathered at the historic Holy Name of Jesus Parish church uptown for the 2024-25 Ring Mass. The standing-room-only event marked a key moment in the lives of the Class of 2025, who, through the conferral of their rings, were formally recognized as Jesuit-educated men.

Mass was celebrated by Jesuit’s president, Fr. John Brown, S.J., who was joined by fellow Jesuits Fr. Bill Farge, S.J., and Fr. Penn Dawson, S.J. In his homily, Fr. Brown connected seniors’ own stories to stories from classical literature and ultimately to Christ’s sacrifice, emphasizing that the Jesuit ring is more than a trophy or participation award.

“This ring marks you as part of something greater,” said Fr. Brown. “It reflects your commitment, your community, and your calling. It’s a reminder not only of the work you’ve done, but of the man God is calling you to be.”

Fr. Brown urged the seniors to reflect on the deeper significance of the ring, tying their journey to the story of Odysseus from Homer’s The Odyssey. Just as Odysseus faced challenges and temptations but remained committed to returning home, Jesuit seniors, too, have shown perseverance in their academic and personal pursuits.

“You’ve encountered obstacles, pushed through tough times, and now you stand on the threshold of new challenges. Your ring serves as a symbol of that perseverance,” he said, before drawing a comparison to their spiritual journey: “Following Christ requires the same level of commitment—no matter what storms or temptations come your way.”

Beyond individual accomplishments, Fr. Brown emphasized the importance of the Jesuit community, likening it to Dante’s vision of unity in The Divine Comedy. He reminded the students that their success and joy are intertwined with their classmates and their shared journey.

“Your ring connects you to this brotherhood,” he continued, “to the men who have walked these halls before you and to those who will come after. And, more importantly, it connects you to the body of Christ. When one of you succeeds, you all succeed. When one of you suffers, you all suffer together.”

In closing, Fr. Brown reminded the seniors of their calling. The ring, he said, is a symbol of the unique purpose God has placed on each of their lives. He pointed to the Jesuit motto, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—for the greater glory of God—as the guiding principle for whatever lies ahead.

“Your calling isn’t just about the career or choices you’ll make in the coming years. It’s about becoming the man God created you to be. And that takes courage, wisdom, and above all, faith,” he said. “This ring is a reminder that you’re called to live with integrity, to be men of faith, and to serve others.”

As the seniors received their rings, they did so not just as a class, but as a community bound by shared experiences and a shared mission to bring the light of God into the world.

The evening’s celebration continued with the Senior Ring Dance, where the Class of 2025 gathered to mark this milestone in their Jesuit journey.