St Ignatius of Loyola - A Saint with a Spirituality of Restlessness

St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

1. St Ignatius: A man beyond his time

Perhaps one of the most charismatic figures who has contributed immensely to a spirituality of restlessness for God is St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus. The members of this Order are called Jesuits. St Ignatius of Loyola was no monk or a mendicant at all. However, for him the whole world was a monastery. Even though he spent some time at the monastery of Montserrat, Spain, with the Benedictine monks, somehow or the other, he was not attracted towards the monastic life. He saw the world as a spiritual battlefield where he had to be an active pilgrim just like his Master Lord Jesus Christ. We do not find Ignatius a man who would be stuck inside the four walls of the monastery. In fact, it was a novel idea to start an Order (Congregation) completely different from the already existing ones like Benedictines, Carthusians, Dominicans, Franciscans and so forth. The time that he started his new journey of "Salvation of oneself and of others" was during the Reformation period, when the Catholic Church was in shambles with all its ills and fallacies. In this period, Ignatius came up with a novel idea of starting an Order dedicated to the name of "Jesus" and Jesus alone, while Martin Luther, an already Augustinian Catholic monk, had thought otherwise and moved away from the Catholic Church, where he had spent so many years of his monastic life. 

2. St Ignatius: A man of intellectual rigour

When we look at the life of St Ignatius of Loyola after almost 470 years of his death, his charismatic life is still intriguing even though we might not be very near to his thoughts and actions. Ignatius was basically a man of the time; in fact, he was much ahead of his time. That is why he is so relevant for each one of us today. He could have easily joined the agenda of the Reformation; instead, he chose to defend the Catholic Church under the banner of the Cross, with the Pope as its Vicar of Christ on earth. What a bold decision indeed! A highly qualified man with a group of an immensely intellectual band of 8 other Parisian scholars with master's degrees in their bags, Ignatius was an undisputed, courageous and creative leader. Unfortunately, today, a lot of priests and nuns don't even have a Master's degree. A good number of religious think that allowing their members to earn University Degrees will encourage them to leave their congregations! 

3. St Ignatius: A man with charisma 

Ignatius' charismatic prowess comes from his deep love for God and His people. Ignatius' immense capacity to see the world through the lens of the Holy Trinity is really captivating and astonishing. Being in Rome, at the city center of the Pope's citadel, he could see the needs of the world. That is why he could send his secretary and closest friend, St Francis Xavier, to an unknown territory of India and Asia. Ignatius could see the abundance of future fruit of Xavier's missionary work in one of his very quickest decisions that he had made. Only a person who is a master of discernment could do that.  The charisma of St Ignatius comes from his charismatic personality that could attract anyone who came in touch with him. Being a Basque man, he could adapt himself to the bigger cultures and influential and potential kings' courts to get help for his men spread across the world to preach the Gospel. Ignatius could go to any extent seeking assistance for the missions which were struggling because of lack of financial support.

4. St Ignatius, who fell in love with the name of Jesus 

Ignatius was never a silent person. It does not mean that he was a noisy person; instead, he was such a brilliant communicator and marketing guru who knew exactly where to knock on the doors of someone to get the help, so that he could help his brothers to continue the mission of Jesus that was being started. He knew how to brand his little group called the "Companions of Jesus," later the "Society of Jesus," so that he could recruit the best talents to the new order. Therefore, in the first 60 years of the Society of Jesus, from 1540, the year of its founding, to 1600, there are more than 14 Jesuit saints in the Catholic Calender, in fact, pretty famous saints compared to other orders (Pierre Favre, Francis Xavier, Ignatius of Loyola, Stanisław Kostka, Francis Borgia, Aloysius Gonzaga, José de Anchieta, Peter Canisius, Alexander Briant, Edmund Campion, Robert Southwell, Joannes Soan de Goto, James Kisai, and Paul Miki. 

5. St Ignatius: A man of vision and focus

St Ignatius and his first companions knew exactly whom to serve to the best of their ability.  The number meant very little to him. During the time of St Francis of Assisi, thousands of people joined him and his way of life. But this was not the case with St Ignatius.

St Ignatius was pretty picky in his choosing new candidates to the Society of Jesus. He did not choose everyone. He chose the right ones who could bring maximum fruit for the Church. Number mattered very little to him. What mattered to him most was who could bring the best out of themselves. It was not necessarily the so-called intellectuals. The Society of Jesus had everyone, from a priest to a brother and to a female Jesuit, from an artist to an engineer, from a musician to a scientist, from a farmer to a strategist. Those who had merit, dedication and commitment, exploration and innovation, they made their place in the Society of Jesus. 

6. St Ignatius: Inspiration even today

The fascinating figure of St Ignatius is very much reflected in the person of Pope Francis, who himself was a Jesuit and one who practiced a spirituality of restlessness of St Ignatius. Even in his senior years, Pope Francis never stopped working. As long as God gave him the strength, he pulled himself along with all the health complications and never tired of doing things which were pleasing to God. That is the spirit of St Ignatius of Loyola, and that is the Spirit of Jesus who never tired of doing good even when it was tough and difficult. 

The much-revered 28th General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Pedro Arrupe (1965–1983), wrote, "One saint is more than an army of Jesuits." One who imbibes the spirit of St Ignatius cannot be satisfied with minimum and work as a maintenance manager in a fast-changing world. Ignatius had the great capacity to make quick and good decisions. He always put God first in all his decisions and actions. Discernment was not an exercise to brood over things and fill the papers in a file and move from one desk to another. Ignatius believed in discernment solely based on Spiritual Exercises. He had no consideration for his friends in his decisions. He believed in the mission of Jesus more than his friends. That is why he could ask the best person in his team to go to India when there was no such plan at all.

7. St Ignatius' call for a new vision

Fr Pedro Arrupe, who himself was a Basque like St Ignatius, understood the spirituality of his countryman very well. Fr Arrupe answered when asked about who Jesus Christ is for you. His answer was immediate and succinct: "For me Christ is EVERYTHING! He continues to be my ideal. He has been my strength... Take Jesus Christ out of my life, and this will collapse, as a body deprived of a skeleton, without head and heart."

In a world where we are so much influenced by worldly things, often we are dried branches of a healthy tree. Christ gives us strength, but we are lost in our small world, without having the capacity to see a bigger picture. St Ignatius, sitting in Rome, saw the entire world as God's work where we need to work with Christ, our brother, in his work of salvation. Therefore, Jesus called us to carry with us the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel (Right Judgment), Fortitude (Courage), Knowledge, Piety (Reverence) and Fear of the Lord. As we celebrate the life of St Ignatius of Loyola, a person who continues to influence and inspire us through his thoughts and deeds be our strength and courage to think creatively and boldly.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

29 July 2026

Called to be a Precious Treasure

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 26, 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 3:5, 7–12; Psalm 119:57, 72, 76–77, 127–130; Romans 8:28–30; Matthew 13:44–52

Parable of the Hidden Treasure
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/E7O_Eu1-br4

Often we are lost in small things. We do not get the bigger picture. Our thinking pattern, the way we behave and act, all demonstrate that we are lost in our small world. Opening our horizons to see the world much more on a larger scale is necessary to play a crucial role in this world. We cannot deny our role in making this world better and beautiful. Our country is going through a silent turmoil. Only a few deplorable things are becoming visible as mainstream media is controlled by those who are in power. Very few intellectuals and those who are supposed to voice out concerns of the people are keeping silent. Somehow or the other, silence has become part of life. Unless and until all of us realize our responsibility, we cannot make this world just, hospitable and free from fear. The liturgical readings on this Sunday invite us to the preciousness of our lives and call us to live accordingly.

1. Discovering the Priceless Treasure of God's Kingdom

In today's Gospel, Matthew 13:44–52, Jesus concludes His discourse on the Kingdom of Heaven with three powerful parables: the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price, and the fishing net. Though brief, these stories challenge us to examine what we truly value and how we respond to God's invitation. 

Growing in the Likeness of God in the Midst of Evil

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 19, 2026

Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16–19; Psalm 86:5–6, 9–10, 15–16; Romans 8:26–27; Matthew 13:24–43

Parable of theSower by Domenico Fetti
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/5nXBjyfe2LY

How dare someone do that? Why is there so much evil in this world? Why does wickedness never cease to exist? These are some typical questions we often ask when we are threatened or see evil occupying the good places. Often we see this daunting task of overcoming evil. However, evil does exist. Wicked people continue to do things which are not supposed to be done. There are no limits, age, status or position. In this context, we must read today's liturgical reading on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time and draw inspiration for our lives.  

1. God Works Patiently in the Midst of Imperfection

In the Gospel of Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds. The servants want to pull out the weeds immediately, but the master tells them to wait until the harvest. This teaches us that God is infinitely patient. We often want quick solutions to problems, instant justice, or immediate perfection in ourselves and others. Yet God allows time for growth, conversion, and transformation.

Deeply Rooted, Growing Mightily

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 12, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:10–11; Psalm 65:10–14; Romans 8:18–23; Matthew 13:1–23

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:https://youtu.be/0e_JnzsTs4g

Patience, trust, confidence and hope determine the life of a farmer. A person who tills the soil knows what it is going to bring. Every effort has its fruits. There are no calculated risks here. It is said in most parts of India that farmers depend on the rains. A farmer's life depends not on choice but chance. It is not that everyone is gifted with everything. However, each one is blessed with great capacity to improve upon the gifts that one is bestowed with. As we celebrate the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the liturgical readings give us rich food for thought and reflection, so that we continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge even about the things of this world. 

1. God is ever generous

In today's Gospel, Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus uses a simple image from everyday life—a farmer sowing seeds—to reveal a profound truth about the Kingdom of God. The seed is the Word of God, generously scattered by the sower without discrimination. The difference lies not in the quality of the seed, but in the condition of the soil. This parable invites each of us to examine the "soil" of our own hearts. It is to cultivate loving relationships, integrity in our work, concern for the poor, forgiveness of enemies, and joyful witness to Christ. 

Our Burdens and God's Intervention at the Right Moment

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 05, 2026

Readings: Zechariah 9:9–10; Psalm 145:1–2, 8–11, 13–14; Romans 8:9, 11–13; Matthew 11:25–30

Christ blessing the children
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:

Often our lives are burdened with things. Life here on earth is not easy. It may seem nice, beautiful, happy-go-lucky, yet there are times when we feel down and have questions which may not have immediate answers. Especially when the person is diagnosed with an incurable illness, when married life gets into trouble, when there is no peace in religious or priestly life, when someone does not find the right partner in one's life, when someone struggles to find an appropriate job, when, despite hard work and investment, nothing is clicking in one's business enterprise, we feel immensely miserable. The list is endless. Everyone is in trouble on this earth. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes said, "We are chained everywhere." However, when we place our trust in God completely and allow God to take control of us, our worries certainly go down. Sometimes, we must allow God to decide for us rather than we decide for ourselves based on our abilities and inclinations. It is not we who decided to come into this world. The liturgical readings on this 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time encourage us to put our burden on our God.

1. Our Success only when God intervenes in our lives

The readings of this Sunday invite us to discover the true source of peace, strength, and freedom. In a world that glorifies success, competition, and self-sufficiency, Jesus presents a radically different way—the way of humility, surrender, and life in the Spirit. Jesus begins with a prayer of thanksgiving in Matthew 11:25–30: "I thank you, Father... because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children."

Hospitality of the Lord: Making a Foreigner Feel at Home

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 28, 2026

Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16; Ps 89:2–3, 16–19; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42

ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವ ಇವನಾರವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸದಿರಯ್ಯ. (ivanarava ivanarava ivanaravanendu enisadirayya.)

ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವ, ಇವ ನಮ್ಮವನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (iva nammava iva nammava, iva nammavanendu enisayya.)

ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮದೇವಾ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಮಗನೆಂದು ಎನಿಸಯ್ಯ. (kudala sangamadeva nimma maneya maganendu enisayya.)

[Don't make (me) think, "Whose is this man? Whose is this man? Whose is this man?"

Make (me) think, "This is our man. This is our man. This is our man."

Oh the Deity of kudala sangama, make (me) think that "I am a son of Your house."] 

These beautiful words written by Basavanna (1131–1196) in his Vachanas/sayings give the crux of what hospitality means. Don't ask who this man is instead accept him/her as your own brother or sister. As we meditate over the liturgical readings on this 13th Sunday in Ordinary time, the Word of God invites us to embrace everyone as our brothers and sisters, so that we may truly call ourselves as children of God. 

1. Embracing the Other with True Hospitality

The pretty emotional tone that we find in 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16 where prophet Elisha is accepted as a member of the household not by a man but a woman who was barren. The kindness of the woman is such that she makes her husband to give the best of the hospitality to the prophet of God. She swiftly recognizes the holiness in Elisha moreover provides generously as one of the family members.

Preciousness in the Eyes of God

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 21, 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:10–13; Psalm 69:8–10, 14, 17, 33–35; Romans 5:12–15; Matthew 10:26–33

Madonna of the Sparrow

Are we afraid of someone or something? Feeling insecure about something or someone is quite normal to our human nature. Due to our limitedness and mortality, we tend to feel uncomfortable with many things. Safety and security are very essential for a peaceful and creative existence. When we see there are threats around us, we feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Jesus was bold enough to say, "Fear no one." Fear begets fear. Jesus was clear about his priorities. Jesus did not mince his words. He called spade as spade. The liturgical readings on this Sunday encourage us to realize how precious we are and invite us to have the same courage of Jesus in our lives.

1. The Courage to Live in the Truth

In today's Gospel Matthew 10:26–33, Jesus speaks to His disciples as He prepares them for the challenges of mission. He knows that following Him will not always be easy. There will be opposition, misunderstandings, rejection, and even persecution. Yet His message is clear: "Do not be afraid." This phrase is repeated several times, reminding us that courage in discipleship comes not from our own strength but from trusting in God's loving care.

A Call for the Greater Good

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 14, 2026

Readings: Exodus 19:2–6; Psalm 100:1–2, 3, 5; Romans 5:6–11; Matthew 9:36–10:8

Christ as Lamb of God by Cornelis Engebrechtsz, c. 1510
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/BEcYNHSrpoE 

There is a purpose for everything. We have come into this world with a purpose. Without a particular intention, we do not go to school or college, find a suitable work or a partner, or look for a place or job. Everything around us moves with a cause. We simply cannot deny ourselves or the purpose of our existence, saying that we are here for nothing. We are here on this earth with a reason. Different religions and spiritualities enumerate this with various concepts or philosophies. However, for a Christian, being called to be a Christian itself is a mission and purpose. It is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. It is to imitate him through our words and deeds and finally be with him. The liturgical readings of this Sunday invite us to know the real purpose of our lives. Jesus shows his disciples what an authentic call should be. Moreover, he prepares them to walk the paths of their call by being ambassadors of his mission.

1. The Compassion that Sends

The Gospel of Matthew 9:36–10:8 presents a moving image of Jesus looking upon the crowds. He does not merely see a multitude of people; He sees their pain, confusion, loneliness, and spiritual hunger. In fact, he sees that they are lost completely in the midst of the religious hypocrisy of Judaism and political subjugation under the Romans. St Matthew tells us that Jesus was "moved with compassion" because they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." 

Corpus Christi - Bread of Life, Bond of Unity

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): June 07, 2026

Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2–3, 14–16; Psalm 147:12–15, 19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; John 6:51–58

The Last Supper
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/uzpAgoD6L34

Friends and dear ones leave behind great memories. They continue to live with us through various beautiful experiences and moments where we felt good, joyful and blessed. The memories of our best friends remain forever. They continue to remind those moments that we lived together and enjoyed together. If our friends leave behind some things or gifts as a sign of love, then whenever we see them, the memory of our friends brings them back to us. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, also called Corpus Christi, we remember the profound mystery of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. Jesus too left behind the gift of the Holy Eucharist, where he gave us bread and wine as a symbol of his body and blood, as well as a memory that he continues to live with us, within us and among us. 

1. Corpus Christi: Partakers of Divine Nature

One of the beautiful gifts that Jesus left behind for us is the Eucharist. Where the Eucharist is, there is a Church and where the Church is, there is the Eucharist. Everything that comprises the Church revolves around the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ are shared. Perhaps it's difficult to understand the profound mystery behind this sacrament, yet we partake in God's divine nature  (1 Peter 2:4) by receiving the body and blood of Christ at every Eucharist.