Meet the 2023 Awardees
HEARTS ON FIRE AWARD
Msgr. Jack Stoeger
Born in Redondo Beach, California, Msgr. Stoeger was ordained a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1972. He entered the Jesuit Novitiate in 1979 and returned to the archdiocese in 1981, right before taking vows.
He served as associate pastor at parishes and as a spiritual director at St. John's Seminary for 18 years. In 2005, he was appointed director of the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for Priests where he accompanied priests and bishops on their human and spiritual journeys. Blessed by the gift of Ignatian spirituality, it is his passion to assist others in encountering Jesus in all aspects of their lives, deepening their relationship with him and inviting them to meet him in others.
WRITER'S AWARD IN SPIRITUALITY
Becky Eldredge
Becky Eldredge is a writer and spiritual director in Baton Rouge, LA. The author of Busy Lives & Restless Souls and The Inner Chapel, Becky holds both a bachelor and masters degree in Education from Louisiana State University and a masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans.
She has her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Spring Hill College. Becky has been involved in ministry for more than 15 years, with the majority of her work in retreat ministry and adult faith formation.
LOVE IN ACTION AWARD
Dolores Martínez
(awarded posthumously)
As Loyola Institute for Spirituality celebrates 25 years in ministry, we think fondly of those individuals who have been with us since the early days. Dolores Martinez was one of those critical visionaries who was a part of the very first Spanish group to go through formation at LIS over 20 years ago. Her love of God and formation in Ignatian spirituality informed her many ministerial endeavors.
She was a devoted collaborator, supporter, and leader who exemplified a faithful determination to answer God’s call for her life. We will always remember her willingness to serve God with a passionate spirit which contributed greatly to fulfilling LIS' mission of meeting people where they are and setting their hearts on fire with the love of God for the world.