Marian F. Love

MAPS, Aquinas Institute of Theology;
Director, Lay Spiritual Formation, 2005 - present
love@ai.edu

Background
I am married with two adult sons. My husband Allen and I are graduates of Aquinas with MAPS degrees and are both employed in full time ministry. Prior to entering ministry I was a registered nurse for 26 years working mainly with marginalized populations such as the mentally disabled, the elderly, and pregnant moms in the Mid Town area of St. Louis City. An active member of parish life, I gravitated towards the RCIA team, adult faith development, social justice, and sacramental preparation for the Parish School of Religion.

What Drew me to Theology and Ministry
Discovering one’s preciousness in God’s eyes is a life changing experience that leads to a lived response of love for God and others. Developing ways that lead others to know God’s love, and assisting them in bringing together faith and life have been long time passions for me. Companioning others on their faith journey brought me to the awareness of a deeper call to spiritual direction, retreat work, and jail ministry. This prompted me to pursue education in Ignatian Spirituality and to obtain a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies.

Ministry at Aquinas
In coming to know God, we come to know ourselves more deeply. We learn things about ourselves that God longs to bring to healing and wholeness. God reveals our gifts and strengths, and leads us to people and situations where our gifts are needed to bring others to healing and wholeness. Learning the movement and direction of the Spirit within is a life-long process of discernment.

There is no greater joy for me than when students discover and accept these realities; their trust in God and confidence in themselves become so apparent, so alive, so graced. Through struggle, effort and surprise, each new awareness and every step forward are evidence of their openness to God at work within them. The experience of community becomes a safe place in which they can be themselves, and support and encourage each other.

It is both privilege and gift to be a part of this process with them.

Outside Interests

Board member for:
- Criminal Justice Ministry
- Alternatives With Education –providing spiritual and educational programs in Missouri jails and prisons
Giving preached and directed retreats; spiritual direction
Sewing, painting, having fun with my granddaughters