Today is the feast day of one of my favorite saints – Saint Ignatius of Loyola. I was introduced to Saint Ignatius many times throughout my life journey through books utilizing the Spiritual Exercises, which were developed by Saint Ignatius in Manresa, Spain, in 1522–1524. The Spiritual Exercises are a set of Christian meditations, contemplations, and prayers designed to assist us in a closer walk with God. Saint Ignatius is also the founder of the Jesuit Order. I have read many books by Jesuit priests, most importantly Pope Francis.

Saint Ignatius was a Spanish soldier who was gravely injured in the Battle of Pamplona in 1521 when a cannonball ricocheted off a nearby wall, shattering his right leg. Due to a lack of preferred reading material during his recovery, he read about the life of Christ and the lives of the saints. This prompted a long, painful conversion with a focus on the Trinity, Christ, and the Eucharist. Saint Ignatius kept a journal of prayers, meditations, reflections, and directions that helped him in his spiritual journey. These became the basis for the Spiritual Exercises.

This prayerful experience took place in a cave in Manresa, Spain.  A Baroque style church has been built on top of the cave in 1759.  The name of the church is the Cova Sant Ignasi Manresa.  This massive complex is also the International Center for Ignatian Spirituality.  This destination is a must see and at the top of my bucket list.  

Yesterday, I received a blog post from Deanna Bartalini.  Her website is Live Not Lukewarm.  In the blog post, Deanna shared the following YouTube video in honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.  It is a beautiful video that I know each of you will enjoy. 

Saint Ignatius of Loyola - Pray for us!

Books by Denise features awards from the Catholic Media Association and the Independent Author Network. In addition, my second book titled - The Way of Light: A Study of the Stations of the Resurrection - received the Nihil Obstat in 2023 from the diocese of St. Petersburg in Florida. Click here to review all books and order your copies today!