Five hundred years ago today, Ignatius of Loyola’s leg was hit by a cannonball, which led to his own personal conversion and a dramatic change in the direction of his life. In recognition of this event and the fruits of the Spirit in Ignatius’ experience at Manresa as the year unfolded, the Jesuits and their friends are kicking off today the Ignatian Year of 2021-2022. The superior general of the Jesuits in Rome, Fr. Arturo Sosa, shares his reflections on the meaning of this year in the video below. I paste here his closing words:
Dear Jesuit brothers, dear companions in mission: we are entering into what can be a transformative moment for the Society of Jesus. It can be a moment that releases new energy, new freedom, new initiatives, new love for otheors and for our most afflicted brothers and sisters. In remembering St. Ignatius of Loyola and his conversion, we find encouragement. We realise that “Yes, change is possible. Yes, our hearts can be softened. Yes, our world can find new ways forward”. We place our hands in the hands of Jesus, our brother and friend, and we go forth into an uncertain but hopeful future, confident that He is with us and that His spirit is guiding us.
