Who Was Inés Pascual?

Inés Pascual played a significant role in the life of St. Ignatius. When he was limping, injured from battle, from Montserrat to Manresa, he met Inés, a Spanish noblewoman, who saw that he received food, shelter, and medical care. As Ignatius prepared for his studies in Paris, Inés accompanied him on many of his "begging tours," becoming known as a businesswoman and fundraiser on his behalf. She was the first recipient of one of the many letters Ignatius wrote to his companions, and many believe she is the only woman he ever called "mother."

Each year, Brophy recognizes a woman in our community who models the compassion and commitment of Inés Pascual. Just as Sra. Pascual worked to ensure the success of Ignatius and eventually the founding of the Jesuits, the recipient of the Inés Pascual Award for Generous Service is recognized for the generous ways she works to animate the values and ideals we have inherited from St. Ignatius. Established in 2017, the award is presented annually at the Mother-Son Communion Breakfast. The inaugural award was presented posthumously to Brophy's foundress, Mrs. William Henry Brophy, and was received by her granddaughter, Mrs. Kate Brophy.
    • Dr. Maria Romo Chavira was the recipient of the 2024 Inés Pascual Award for Generous Service. (Here, with President Bob Ryan, Bishop John Dolan and Principal Jim Bopp)



Award Recipients

2024 | Dr. Maria Romo Chavira — Chancellor and Vice Moderator of the Curia, The Diocese of Phoenix | CITATION
2023
| Ms. Jennifer Kiernan — Founder and executive director of Saving Amy | CITATION
2022
| Sister Joan Fitzgerald, BVM; Sister Joan Nuckols, BVM; Sister Lynn Winsor, BVM — Xavier College Preparatory leadership |  CITATION
2021
| Dr. Ana Moran — Infectious disease specialist and community volunteer | CITATION
2020
| Mrs. Cindy Hensley McCain — Humanitarian, philanthropist, businesswoman and chairman of the board of the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University | CITATION
2019 | Mrs. Sharon Harper — Philanthropist, community leader and CEO of the Plaza Companies. CITATION
2018 | Sister Raphael Quinn, IBVM — Principal of Ss. Simon and Jude School | CITATION
2017 | Mrs. William Henry Brophy (posthumously) — Brophy's foundress |  PRESS RELEASE