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St. Ignatius of Loyola

Founder of the Jesuits

The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, Ignatius whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to her shrine at Montserrat near Barcelona. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper’s hospice, often in a cave in the hills praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned.

It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write down material that later became his greatest work, the Spiritual Exercises.

He finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Land, but could not remain, as he planned, because of the hostility of the Turks. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods.

In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the pope. The latter became the only choice. Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III, and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first general.

When companions were sent on various missions by the pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new venture, but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens, and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society.

Ignatius was a true mystic. He centered his spiritual life on the essential foundations of Christianity—the Trinity, Christ, the Eucharist. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.” In his concept, obedience was to be the prominent virtue, to assure the effectiveness and mobility of his men. All activity was to be guided by a true love of the Church and unconditional obedience to the Holy Father, for which reason all professed members took a fourth vow to go wherever the pope should send them for the salvation of souls.

Ignatian/Jesuit Spirituality: About Me

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Finding God in All Things

This video shows a short biography of St. Ignatius of Loyola and how he become to be known as the founder of the Jesuits.

Ignatian/Jesuit Spirituality: Video

Eight Basic Principles of Ignatian Spirituality

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Cura personalis

Care for the whole person, A desire to foster the integral development of heart, mind, and soul

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Learned Ministry

Teaching and modelling behaviours that reflect critical thought and responsible action

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Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

"For the greater glory of God", our desire to be of greater service to God and neighbour

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Women and men for and with others

Sharing gifts to restore right relationship with all of creation

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Magis

The greater the desire that arises in us in response to God's gift for us, for the world, and for humanity

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Contemplation in Action

Discovering God's care for us and for the world

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Finding God in all things

The practice of the daily examen and an active searching for God in all things

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Community as Mission

Inclusive hospitality and reconciliation that builds up the Body of Christ

Ignatian/Jesuit Spirituality: News and Tips
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