Ed Mathie , S.J.

Hi, my name is Ed Mathie and I am presently the director of campus ministry at Marquette University.  I have been a Jesuit for just over 50 years and have worked in almost all our other ministries – from working in formation (with novices, with men in early formation, with tertians) to being a superior several times over.  Obedience has been very prominent in all my assignments.  Jesuit superiors have always asked me about my desires and sought my input, but I cannot remember ever talking to the provincial about where I thought I should go.  There is a great deal of peace in knowing that following the superior’s decision has been God’s will for me.  Right now at Marquette it is especially easy because I was born and raised in Milwaukee. 

When I look back at the beginnings of my vocation I think of myself as a kid – how I used to play Mass with a small little altar and tiny candy wafers.  This was probably an offshoot of my parents’ friendship with several of the diocesan priests in our parish.  One priest, Fr. Dean, was particularly influential; he was a wonderful, happy priest who spent time in the classroom, on the play ground, and in organizing our youth activities.  At the end of grade school I wanted to go to the minor seminary, but on reflection with others thought better of that idea and enrolled at Marquette High.  My high school years were awesome.  I loved everything about Marquette High and the teachers there.  The young Jesuits attracted me in a special way.  They were smart, energetic, happy, and eager to help me in any way they could.  Watching these men day in and day out made me want to live the life they had.

It would be impossible to thank God and the Society of Jesus enough for the life I have had and have as a Jesuit.  My habit of prayer over these fifty years (often dry and difficult) has resulted in great comfort with our Lord.  I look forward to getting up in the morning, filling my big cup with coffee, reading the daily scriptures and spending quiet time with the Lord.  The celebration of the Eucharist and the Office have become other essential prayer moments throughout my day.  I have come to believe that the people of God expect us Jesuits to be men of prayer.  With my early morning behind me I am ready to enjoy my day filled with students, faculty, staff and all who will come into my life.  I hope that the people who encounter me find a person as happy and eager to help them as those who helped and inspired me.

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