An Interview with Mr. Rossmann, SJ

Interview by Azzan, Norbert and Aisaa, Form Two students

What is your full name?

Michael Alan Ignatius Rossmann, SJ

What is the origin and what are the secrets of your names?

I wish I had secrets! My mother always loved the name Michael. Alan was my father’s name. Ignatius was the name I took both when I received the sacrament of confirmation and when I took vows as a Jesuit. Ignatius was the founder of the Jesuits. Rossmann is my family name; it is German.

When did the idea of being a Jesuit come?

I had never really thought of the priesthood when I was your age. I did not start thinking about being a priest and a Jesuit until I was 19 and in my second year in the university.

Who inspired you to become a Jesuit?

I heard about the Jesuits when I was younger and knew that they valued education and caring for the poor, though the first Jesuit I knew personally was a professor at my university. He is a brilliant man – and even won the “Nobel Prize for Theology” – but his heart is even bigger than his head. I was inspired by how he cared for the whole person and how he loved and served so many people.

Why didn’t you want to become a father (with your own children)?

For most of my life, I wanted to become a father. I always planned that I would get married and have children. But then, after I met a lot of priests and was inspired by their example, I started to think that maybe this desire to be a father was actually a desire to be a “spiritual father” for not just a few children but for many, many people.

How do you experience the life of being a Jesuit?

I love being a Jesuit! I meet so many wonderful people. I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many, including my students. I feel like I am a part of something much larger. I also love sharing my Catholic faith with others. Plus, I get to see different parts of the world and teach wonderful students like the three of you.

Are there any Jesuits in your family?

No, I’m the only one. My family members know many Jesuits, but no one in my family had ever done something like this before.

Have you ever regretted becoming a Jesuit?

No, I really haven’t. During my first year as a Jesuit, I did ask myself, “Is this really for me?” Really, though, I have experienced tremendous joy in being a Jesuit, and I can’t imagine not being a Jesuit. I will say, however, when my students misbehave, I ask, “O God, why am I here?” Just kidding. I love being here.

What do you think about the Loyola Blog?

I think it’s really cool. I wanted to start this as a way for students to share their talents with the world and learn more about a way to communicate with others. It has been fun to see how students have been interested.

Any weird dreams? Do you believe in unicorns? What about Cinderella?

Actually, just last night, I had a dream about Cinderella riding on a unicorn here at Loyola High School.

What do you think about pop culture?

Wow, that’s a big question. We live in pop culture, and we have to understand it. At times, what is popular might not always be the best thing. However, pop culture can also be a lot of fun…. I love Justin Bieber (well, not really, but I know that you do, Aisaa).

Do you have deficiencies?

Ha, of course! I am a human being. I have many.

Do you get angry?

Yes, I do at times, though fortunately not like when I was younger. I personally believe that anger can be a good thing, if it moves us to do something to make the world a better place.

Ok, last question, but you have to promise that you won’t get angry. Do you have a crush on a woman online? Is she blonde? Does she wear mascara?

How did you know!!!!?????

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