50 Years a Jesuit in 2025

Father Donald Saunders, SJ, celebrates 50 years as a Jesuit this year. His Jesuit life has been one of service in Jesuit secondary schools and retreat ministry.

Born in Key West, Florida, Fr. Saunders studied at Spring Hill College and entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Grand Coteau, Louisiana, in 1975. He earned a master’s in English from Boston College in 1975 and completed his theology studies at Heythrop College in London and at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Following his priestly ordination in 1984, he returned to his alma mater, Spring Hill, to serve as campus minister and teach English.

Father Saunders’ time in Jesuit secondary schools began during his regency at Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He dedicated almost two decades to Jesuit High School in Tampa, first as an English teacher (1986-1999) and later as principal (1999-2003). Father Saunders returned to Jesuit High School in New Orleans from 2005 to 2020, where he taught English and theology and served as chaplain.

In 2020, Fr. Saunders transitioned to retreat ministry, first at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau and currently is the director of the White House Jesuit Retreat in St. Louis.