Beginning the Ignatian Year 2021 – 2022
Tuesday 25th May 2021On 20th May 1521 the Basque courtier who was to become known to the world as St Ignatius of Loyola had his life turned round when he was hit by a cannonball during the siege of Pamplona. The long period of convalescence that followed was the beginning of his conversion, celebrated this year by Jesuits and others worldwide.
Out of his experiences in prayer Ignatius eventually composed the Spiritual Exercises as a resource for accompanying people in their own experiences of prayerful encounter with God. Reflecting this, the Superior General of the Jesuits, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, has this to say about this 500-year Anniversary:
This Ignatian Year should first and above all be an opportunity for an experience. Through all the events and projects developed during this year, we want to invite people to live an experience of conversion. […] It is about knowing Christ more clearly, loving Him more dearly, and following Him more nearly.
God continues to invite each of us into a deepening relationship, to ongoing conversion. We believe that by embracing this invitation, we embrace our God who calls us to act in new, bold ways that reconcile our world, bringing about justice, peace and compassion. For this Ignatian Year, we ask for the grace to see all things new in Christ. There are many events available online for anybody to join.
Further Jesuit Ignatian Resources are available from Jesuits in Britain at: https://pathwaystogod.org
and from the Jesuits in North America at: https://www.jesuits.org/spirituality/ignatian-year/
Tagged | Catholic Church
