On July 31, we celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Together, we join all the Jesuit works throughout the world in celebrating our Ignatian charism. This feast day provides us with time to take stock of where in our lives we find peace and consolation.
Earlier this spring, we blessed our newest sacred space, the St. Ignatius statue outside the soon-to-be renovated Chapel of the Holy Family. During his life, Ignatius of Loyola experienced the highs and lows of life just like the rest of us. As we look forward to this new academic year, I encourage the entire campus community to consider sitting beside St. Ignatius, reflecting on his life and seeing how your own life can be found in his story.
How can you show growth in a time of despair and hardship like St. Ignatius did when he was struck by the infamous cannonball? How can you display courage when you embark on a new journey like Ignatius did when he began his pilgrimage? How can you serve others like Ignatius did when he created and shared the Spiritual Exercises?
As we embark on our reflection of our own lives in St. Ignatius’, I encourage our global campus community to consider Mission and Ministry’s new mission theme for the year, Imagine. In those moments of silence and discernment beside St. Ignatius, imagine what you are called to do this year. Imagine how your actions reflect St. Ignatius’ teachings. Imagine how to live for the greater glory of God. This Ignatius Day we hope to fully celebrate the words now engraved next to the statue — to go forth Inflammate Omnia: to set the world aflame.
