Unable to access his beloved books on knights and romances during his recovery, he redirected his focus to religious literature, igniting a significant spiritual awakening
St. Ignatius Loyola’s feast day is celebrated on July 31, the day he passed away in 1556. Inigo de Loyola, a Basque courtier and soldier, suffered serious injuries during the battle of Pamplona in 1521.
While recovering from his wounds, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation that marked the beginning of his unwavering dedication to God and service.
Inigo Lopez de Loyola, the youngest among 13 siblings, was born in Espitia at the castle of Loyola in Spain to Don Boutran and Donna Marina.
Tragically, his mother passed away shortly after his birth, and he was raised by Maria de Garin, the wife of the local blacksmith.
As Inigo matured, he developed a strong fascination with military pursuits and an intense longing for glory.
He admired tales of valiant knights who achieved triumph over adversaries, gaining riches and love.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the army, where he was known for his stylish attire, skillful dancing, womanizing tendencies, and ability to avoid punishment for violent acts committed with his priest brother during carnival time, using his privileged status.
After a year in the army, he served under the military leader Antonio Manrique. Inigo excelled in his military duties, fulfilling his lifelong dream and earning the title of “servant of the court.”
Over the next 12 years, he engaged in numerous battles, until his military career came to an abrupt halt at the Battle of Pamplona in May 1521.
During the battle, a cannonball struck a nearby wall, severely injuring Inigo’s right leg.
He underwent multiple surgeries to repair the leg, but it left him with a permanent limp for the rest of his life.
This challenging period marked a profound transformation in Ignatius’s life.
Unable to access his beloved books on knights and romances during his recovery, he redirected his focus to religious literature, igniting a significant spiritual awakening.
Following his injury and spiritual transformation, Inigo went on to establish the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and became renowned as St. Ignatius of Loyola.
He emerged as a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, emphasizing spiritual exercises, education, and missionary work.
His spiritual journey and teachings continue to inspire people worldwide.
Within the traditional Christian context, devout believers endeavor to comprehend God’s purpose for their lives.
They diligently seek signs and guidance, and when clear indications are absent, they proceed to make decisions while seeking God’s blessing for the chosen path.
St. Ignatius Loyola, drawing from his own personal experiences, devised a method of decision-making and discernment.
During his convalescence following a cannonball injury, he indulged in daydreams about his future and noticed distinct inner experiences.
He termed those experiences that brought joy to his heart and propelled him toward a particular direction as “consolation.”
Conversely, he labeled those inner experiences that left him feeling restless, empty, or dissatisfied as “desolation.”
He recognized that consolation typically originated from the Spirit of God, touching his heart and thoughts, whereas desolation arose from what he perceived as the evil spirit, the adversary of human nature.
Empowered by this awareness of divine guidance, Ignatius crafted a set of guidelines for individuals seeking to discern God’s calling in their lives.
He referred to these guidelines as the “Rules for the Discernment of Spirits.”
These rules are intended for significant life decisions, such as choosing a life path, aligning with a suitable occupation that matches one’s gifts and talents, making career changes, deciding on family planning, purchasing a home, selecting a college for a child, or determining the best living arrangement for an aging parent.
These decisions involve evaluating competing goods rather than making choices between good and bad options.
Despite not attaining the splendid military triumphs he once envisioned during his youth, Ignatius is revered as a genuine soldier for Christ.
As the patron saint of soldiers, particularly Catholic soldiers, he fulfills the role of an intermediary, seeking protection and safety in times of peril, while also serving as a constant reminder to every soldier that their ultimate mission is to serve God.
Perhaps the essence of Ignatius’ life can be best encapsulated in his renowned saying: “ad majorem Dei gloriam” — which translates to “all for the greater glory of God.”
In 1541, Ignatius was elected as the first superior general of the Jesuits, a position he held for the rest of his life, guiding the order’s path.
Throughout his leadership tenure with the Jesuits, Ignatius passionately exhorted his brothers to be brave and resolute, all for the greater glory of God.
He would encourage them to “go forth and set the world on fire.”
Nearly 500 years later, the Jesuits are still living that mission.
From a peak of around 36,000 Jesuits in the 1960s, the number of Jesuits is down to less than 15,000 globally and in the Philippines there are less than 300.
But as Fr Robert Rivera SJ, until recently president of Ateneo de Naga University and the homilist last Sunday during the Province-wide Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of Saint Ignatius last Sunday, said this was not something to fear as all of us who work with the Jesuits, and there are thousands of us, are sons and daughters of Ignatius of Loyola and this is our prayer:
“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding,and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
“Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.”
