After spending six years of service as the provincial of the USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus, Fordham has recently welcomed back the Rev. John J. Cecero, S.J., as the university’s new vice president (VP) for Mission Integration and Ministry.

As Jesuit provincial, Cecero was tasked with spreading, tightening and nurturing Jesuit relations among the 27 colleges and universities in the United States, and he looks to keep doing so upon his return to campus.

Cecero obtained his bachelor’s degrees in French and philosophy at Gonzaga University, his master’s degrees in divinity and theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at George Washington University. He was ordained to priesthood in 1989.

“It is a pleasure and an honor for me to return to Fordham in this new capacity.”Rev. John J. Cecero, S.J., VP for Mission Integration and Ministry

“As a Jesuit priest and clinical psychologist, I have focused personally and professionally on integrating Ignatian spirituality with psychological theory and practice,” Cecero said.

Through his career in psychospiritual studies, he authored books on how faith and therapy can help people through personal problems, and he established connections with other members of the Jesuit community across the United States. 

Cecero previously worked with Fordham for 15 years, serving as an associate professor of psychology, a member of the Fordham Board of Trustees and the rector of the Fordham Jesuit Community. 

Furthering the Jesuit Mission

Cecero expressed his happiness and excitement about returning to Fordham. His return was marked by his Jesuit provincial superior, who advised him on how to apply his knowledge. He said that working at Fordham University was “the best way to apply my talents, experience, and interests in one of the ministries of the UEA (USA East) Province.”

“It is a pleasure and an honor for me to return to Fordham in this new capacity,” he added.

Because of his prior experience at Fordham, he said that his established network of “colleagues and friends among faculty, administrators, alumni, and board members” will help him “hit the ground running” in his new position. 

Cecero’s return marks a renaming of the Division, changing from the Division of Mission Integration and Planning to the Division of Mission Integration and Ministry.

“The key word in my title is ‘Integration’ — integrating an understanding, appreciation, and practice of our Fordham mission into every aspect of university life,” Cecero said. “To that end, I anticipate working closely with leaders in all divisions of the university to enhance this integration.”

As provincial, Cecero was involved in the Jesuit mission in United States colleges and universities. When asked about his background and the bonds he created in the realms of faith, psychology and Fordham, Cecero said that “I think any focus on mission must be grounded in these kinds of respectful and collegial relationships, and so I anticipate beginning with an already strong base of interest and support for mission conversations with old and new friends and peers at Fordham.”

To Cecero, “mission” is grounded in the Jesuit beliefs of selflessness and care for the downtrodden. He stated that “we all share a common mission — an orientation and direction toward a common goal of attaining wisdom, not just acquiring knowledge and skills, that will bear fruit in concern and service to others, especially those who are marginalized and underprivileged.” Furthering this mission is Cecero’s main objective at Fordham.

“I am excited to engage with such a diverse population as is ours at Fordham, as we advance our mission from so many different points of reference.”Rev. John J. Cecero, S.J.

Cecero seeks to deepen the university’s relationship with its Jesuit background and to make Fordham a space for meaningful discussions.

“The role of VP for Mission is especially important … as this person is charged with consistently calling to attention the ‘why’ of our being a Jesuit school,” he said.

Moving Forward After a Pandemic

Cecero voiced his excitement regarding the diverse presence at Fordham and how he can “make a place at the table” for all members of the Fordham community.

“I am excited to engage with such a diverse population as is ours at Fordham, as we advance our mission from so many different points of reference,” he said.

Cecero aims to integrate Ignatian values into every aspect of the Fordham community to make conversations surrounding faith and health accessible to all.

Cecero showcased his interest in sparking discussions regarding the complicated topics that the pandemic has emphasized.

“Dialogue is the way forward — among disciplines, faith traditions, ethnicities, races and cultures — and Jesuit education aims to equip all of us for these kinds of dialogue, perhaps especially when they become uncomfortable,” he said. 

He also reflected on the difficulties caused by the pandemic and what to do going forward, saying that despite constant tragedy, “the pandemic has also highlighted extraordinary examples of uncommon heroism by people who chose to act in solidarity with those in distress and pain.” He added that the purpose of Jesuit education is to lead people to this kind of solidarity.

With his return, Cecero aims to integrate Ignatian values into every aspect of the Fordham community to make conversations surrounding faith and health accessible to all. His goals of targeting appreciation and generating support for everyone aim to create a tight, meaningful and selfless dimension of life at Fordham.