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Narrative: Ignatius Loyola was the son of a Basque nobleman. He spent his early adult years as a soldier, until he was seriously wounded in a battle with the French. Forced to confront himself during his lengthy recovery, he ended his military career and embraced the poverty of a pilgrim. After a trip to Jerusalem, he returned to Europe and began academic studies.
His experience during his conversion and afterwards convinced him that human beings were called to direct encounter with God. While still a layman he became a spiritual guide for many people in the tradition of eastern Christianity where spiritual direction can be a ministry exercised by all members of the Church . After reflecting on his own experience, he developed what he called the Exercises as an aid for others to encounter God directly and discern God's will in their lives. In fact his first seven followers gathered around him as a result of going through the Exercises with him.
He and his followers felt at first that they were called to work as missionaries in Palestine. When this proved impossible, they placed themselves at the service of the pope. Called the Society of Jesus, they eventually became one of the most influential Catholic religious orders. Ignatius intended them to follow the poor and humble Jesus, serving without power, on the fringes of society and the church. The identification of the Jesuits with the native people of Latin America and their struggles to defend their freedom led to their suppression by state and church authorities in Spain and Portugal.
In this icon, Ignatius is inviting us to enter silently into God's presence, to encounter God within our hearts. He reminds us of our constant need to discern God's will in the signs of our times and in our lives.
Prayer
Card:
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
And close to Thee bid me.
That with Thy saints I may be
Praising Thee, forever and ever. Amen.
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