St Ignatius of Loyola

[cappie]

The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola,  commemorates the life and legacy of a  saint whose profound devotion to God and unwavering courage continue to inspire and guide people today. St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus and the author of the Spiritual Exercises, left us a timeless gift – the Ignatian spirituality – a path of discernment, self-discovery, and devotion that encourages us to find God in all things.  

St. Ignatius' journey of faith began with a profound conversion. He was once a proud and ambitious soldier, seeking honour and glory on the battlefield. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he was severely wounded in battle. During his recovery, he encountered God and experienced a spiritual transformation. This experience, as it were, ignited a fire within him, a desire to serve Christ and follow His footsteps. St. Ignatius teaches us that no matter our past or present circumstances, God's call is ever-present, inviting us to leave behind our old selves and embrace the path of holiness.

St. Ignatius believed that through prayerful reflection, we can discern the movements of our hearts and distinguish between the promptings of God and the temptations of the devil. Discernment empowers us to make choices that align with God's plan for us. Let us remember that discernment is not a one-time event but a continual process of growing closer to God and allowing Him to shape our lives.

St. Ignatius encourages us to cultivate a contemplative spirit, perceiving God's presence in every aspect of our lives. Whether in times of joy or suffering, success or failure, God is with us. Ignatian spirituality teaches us to develop an attitude of gratitude and awareness, recognizing the blessings that surround us and deepening our connection with the Divine. As we practice finding God in all things, we become more receptive to His guidance and experience a profound sense of peace and purpose.

St. Ignatius' life was marked by his devotion to the service of others, especially the marginalized and needy. He understood that true discipleship involves imitating Christ's compassion and selflessness. As we celebrate this Feast of St. Ignatius, let us recommit ourselves to becoming companions of Christ, walking alongside those in need, comforting the broken-hearted, and extending a helping hand to the suffering. Through acts of love and mercy, we become living witnesses of God's boundless grace.

 We follow the example of St. Ignatius, dedicating ourselves to the service of others, and become true companions of Christ in this world. May his intercession and God's grace guide us on our journey of faith, so that one day, like St. Ignatius, we too may hear the words, "Come, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21).