In Jesuit circles, June brings many joyous occasions: high school and college graduations, ordinations of new priests for the Church and the Society, and the celebration of Jesuit Jubilees with 50th Anniversaries having pride of place. This year Jesuits, family members and friends will gather to celebrate Jesuit Jubilees at Fordham and pay special tribute to 24 men of the New York, New England and Maryland provinces who entered the Society of Jesus 50 years ago. Included in that group is Fr. Ken Boller, S.J.
Fr. Boller currently serves as the president of St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. Over the course of his life in the Society, Fr. Boller has served as headmaster and president of Xavier, principal of Canisius High School, president of Fordham Prep and pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Harlem, among other responsibilities. In all these roles, Fr. Boller has earned a reputation for his sharp wit, keen analytical abilities, clarity of thought and strong leadership.

When asked what has been the greatest grace of his Jesuit vocation, Fr. Boller responded:

The greatest grace of my Jesuit vocation has been the gift of people who have entered into my life and become a part of it. Starting with my novitiate classmates, an eclectic crew, through the students and colleagues I have worked for and with over the years who have taught me so much and brought me into some of their most important moments through weddings, baptisms and funerals, etc., each one has enriched me. My students taught me how to teach. My colleagues shared their passion for working with youth. Trustees taught me to be generous with my time and parishioners kept me honest in preaching the gospel. Directees have taught me fidelity to God’s call and journey. Many have enriched me with the gift of friendship over the years.

When I was eighteen, I thought I would become a Jesuit priest and work in high schools and give a lot to others. Instead, I have received more than I could ever give. I am very grateful.

Asked about Fr. Boller, Xavier’s current president, Jack Raslowsky, noted: “More than anything else, I am grateful for Ken’s deep personal care for me over the years. When I was starting out as a young principal almost 25 years ago, Ken reached out and watched out for me as a mentor and a friend. He invested himself in my success and I will always be grateful for that and for his ongoing care and concern for me, Sarah, our family and my work. Now being at Xavier where Ken labored for many years, it is an honor for me to build on his work and that of the many he worked with.”

Mr. James DeAngelo, the principal of St. Peter’s Prep noted: “Fr. Boller’s accumulated wisdom of service in Jesuit schools gives him a unique and deep understanding not just about the tenets of Jesuit education, but also the people who are partners with the Society in ensuring its legacy. He is a model of compassion and care for his colleagues in mission. His great desires for the continued success of Jesuit education--wherever it happens—are inspiring. Always able to defuse tense moments with a wry comment, he brings an ease of experience to all he does.”

Many other Jesuits with Xavier connections are celebrating anniversaries and Jubilees. Fr. Thomas Sheridan, S.J. (1951-1954) is celebrating 70 years in the Society; Frs. Robert Collins (1962-1963), Roger Haight ’54 and David White (1972-2002) are celebrating 60 years as Jesuits. In addition to Fr. Boller, Frs. Joseph Burke (1979-1983), James Dugan (1979-1982), Benjamin Fiore (1969-1971), Brendan Scott (1970-1973) and Richard Zanoni (1982-1984) are celebrating their Golden Jubilees. Frs. Edward Lynch ’51 (1989-1993), Thomas McGrath ’51, Jack Replogle ‘51 (1972-78, 1982-1993, 2000-2006 and 2009 to present) and Louis Soloman (1972-1976) are celebrating 50 years as priests. Fr. Jim Hederman, S.J., current Xavier religion teacher, marks 15 years as a priest this June.

Our congratulations to all the Jubilarians. May God continue to bless them, their work and the Society of Jesus.