The Ignatian year ends on July 31, 2022. Articulated around the 500 years of the conversion of Saint Ignatius (May 20, 1521) and the 400 years of his canonization (March 12, 1622), this year was rich in festivities for the family. ignatian.
The Ignatian year is coming to an end. Opened on May 20, 2021 on the anniversary of the wound of Saint Ignatius during the battle of Pamplona and his conversion, it will end on July 31, 2022, the feast day of the founder of the Jesuits. This year has been punctuated with strong moments in order to root the Ignatian family in the relationship with Christ and thus bear fruit, beyond the closing date of this exceptional year.
“See all things new in Christ”
The theme for the year was “Seeing All Things New in Christ”. An invitation to renew your gaze and renew your heart. Father François Boëdec sj, Provincial of French-speaking Western Europe explained in These cannonballs that change our lives : this Ignatian year was “for us, like an opportunity to seize, to hear to what conversions, to what confidence and creativity all the cannonballs, even the heaviest, of our lives push us”. A year to hear the call to trust and move forward with Saint Ignatius.
How to pray like Ignatius? A call for all
This year concerned the Jesuits of course, more broadly the Ignatian family, but not only. On the occasion of the opening of the Ignatian year, Father Grégoire Le Bel sj underlined that this year of festivity was also open “to all those, young and old, who want to discover how to pray in the manner of ‘Ignatius’. An invitation to discover the tradition of the spiritual exercises, a “treasure of the Church”, specifies Father Le Bel, and to share widely.
To review: Launch of the Ignatian year: three questions for Father Grégoire Le Bel
A year of questioning for the mission of the Church today
Father Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus gave an interview to KTO in October 2021. An opportunity for him to put this year of celebration back at the heart of the challenges of the Church’s mission today. Father Sosa explained that this anniversary year should allow “to deepen the process of conversion” in which the Society and its members are engaged. A process of conversion which Father Sosa specifies “that anyone is able to do”. All that counts is “the path of humility” to encounter the Lord. A message of hope carried by the Ignatian family in this year also marked by the revelation of abuses in the Church and the Synod for a synodal Church opened by Pope Francis.
Review the exceptional interview with Father Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus
Highlights of the year
This anniversary year began with a worldwide prayer vigil on Sunday, May 23, 2021 to listen to the Holy Spirit where the Pope gave his solemn blessing. March 12, 2022 was the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier (March 12, 1622). This year was to give rise to the publication of works on the Ignatian spirit, in particular a comic strip to retrace the itinerary of Saint Ignatius. Let’s not forget the rally in Marseille, a strong stage of the year.
“Avance au large”, the gathering in Marseille
From October 30 to November 1, 2021, the Ignatian family gathered in Marseille to experience a time of fellowship and deepen spirituality. More than 7000 people gathered on this occasion around the theme “Advance Offshore”. The event invited participants to enter into the joy of an “going out Church”. The choice of the city of Marseille was not insignificant. It is a place of transition and diversity suitable for experimenting with the culture of encounter: daring to relate, because it is rooted in Christ.
“The Jesuits and the Ignatian family love these places where there are plenty of challenges” (Father Gregoire Le Bel sj)
A dense program to advance offshore: conferences, shows, stands and workshops and the mass of the solemnity of All Saints celebrated by Mgr Aveline.
A Gathering for the Ignatian Family
The ignatian family as a whole therefore rejoiced in this anniversary year. An opportunity for it to come together but also to make known its diversity through the multiplicity of its congregations, communities and movements which claim the spirit of Saint Ignatius. Take for example the Christian Executive Movement (MCC), the New paththem Xavieresthe network of students and young professionals (Magis network), etc.
A real family diversity but marked by the sharing of the same spirituality carried by the founder of the Society of Jesus and guided by the search for the presence of God in daily life.
The closing festivities
For the end of the Ignatian year, many events are to be expected.
At Loyola in Spain, Father Sosa will celebrate the closing mass at 12 noon. You can follow the mass in Spanish on this link. It will be translated into French or English on zoom.
In Paris, the mass will be celebrated at the Church of Saint-Ignace at 11 a.m. and presided over by Father Thierry Lamboley sj, auxiliary to the Provincial.
Finally, at the Spiritual Center of Penboc’h, mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. and presided over by Father François Boëdec sj, provincial of the Jesuits of French-speaking Western Europe.