ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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| HUMILITY |
4 'Humble' Things That Aren't Humble
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| POOR BOX COLLECTION | 
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SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA AND HIS MINISTRY OF WRITING
My Dear Sisters and Brothers:
As we approach the celebration of our Founder's Feast Day, this Thursday, July 31st, we are mindful that the life and work of St. Ignatius provide us with much to ponder and to marvel at. Born in the last decade of the 15th Century into a noble aristocratic family in the Basque region of northern Spain, he stands tall among the prominent figures of the 16th Century: Martin Luther, Erasmus, Copernicus, Fernando Magellan, Michelangelo, Thomas More, Sultan Suleiman, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Henry VIII.
We are fairly familiar with much of his life story and his many achievements: his upbringing at the court, his being wounded in battle against the French at Pamplona, his remarkable conversion at the age of 30, his years of study at the University of Paris, the gathering of the First Companions and the establishment of the Society of Jesus in 1540, the 16 years in Rome as the General of the Jesuits, his founding of the schools as a key ministry of the Society, his sending many Jesuits on mission to Africa, Asia, Latin America and at least ten countries in Europe, and his death in 1556.
However, it is his writings which also remain a powerful legacy that still influence numerous people throughout the world that we want to look at very briefly as we prepare for July 31st. Both his Spiritual Exercises and Autobiographical Memoir are considered powerful spiritual classics. Of the two, it is the book of the Exercises that is better known and is used by spiritual directors and those seeking to discern God's will. In addition, it is the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus which Ignatius labored over from 1539 till his death in 1556 that became the key model for subsequent founders of religious communities to consult as they wrote their own constitutions during subsequent centuries.
In addition, it is the prodigious number of letters Ignatius wrote in his lifetime that amazes his followers. Given all that he was dealing with as the leader of the nascent Society of Jesus, Ignatius still took time each day to send out correspondence to his brother Jesuits across the world as well as to kings, princes, cardinals, bishops, priests, religious women, lay dignitaries and many others who sought his advice and spiritual direction. Presently there are almost 7,000 of his letters that have been published. In the whole of the 16th Century only John Calvin, the French-born reformer, can compare to Ignatius and his ministry of corresponding with others.
Father Candido de Dalmasses, SJ who published a definitive biography of Ignatius in 1979, wrote these comments about the collected letters of Ignatius: "His letters reveal to us also the whole gamut of his correspondence who are not only Jesuits but also persons of every class. The publication, in one separate volume, of his letters to women has met with great success, beyond doubt because it has revealed a hither to little known and perhaps unsuspected facet of his character, his openness to the feminine world."
Knowing all that we already know about his many accomplishments, especially his unexpected founding of colleges and universities, many find Ignatius' special ministry of letter writing a surprising revelation. These letters, his two classic spiritual books, and the Constitutions form a monumental part of his patrimony to the Church and to all those who follow his spiritual charism: pilgrims as faithful companions of Jesus. In celebrating his Feast Day on July 31st we might consider eventually delving into some of his correspondence with the many persons he wrote to.
Gratefully in the Lord,
The Canonization of St. Ignatius
Ignatius was beatified by Pope Paul V on July 27, 1609 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622.[23] His feast day is celebrated annually on July 31, the day he died. Saint Ignatius is venerated as the patron saint of Catholic soldiers, the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Basque country and various towns and cities in his native region.
Ignatius has - to this day - a powerful and respectable legacy. Of the institutions dedicated to Saint Ignatius, one of the most famous is the Basilica of St Ignatius Loyola, built next to the house where he was born in Azpeitia, the Basque Country, Spain. The house itself, now a museum, is incorporated into the basilica complex. In addition, he has had a big international impact, having been the influence of numerous Jesuit schools and educational institutions worldwide.
Resources
Letters of St. Ignatius Loyola, William J. Young, SJ
Letters and Instructions of St. Ignatius Loyola (Volume 1), D. F. O'Leary, SJ
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Hymn History
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Fanny Crosby and the Story Behind "Blessed Assurance"
Her love for Jesus and her commitment to the poor helped her overcome her affliction and has blessed generations - with over 8000 hymns!
A couple of Sundays ago at the 10:30 Mass, our offertory hymn was the classic hymn "Blessed Assurance" by prolific hymn writer Fanny Crosby. It was so beautifully performed by our choir. I wanted to stand up and shout in jubilation. This has been my favorite hymn, since childhood. I remember distinctly the first time I heard it on the car radio when I was 3 or 4 years old. I even remember the parking lot I was in. When I go out to visit my folks and drive by it, I often make a mental note that "that's the place I first heard my favorite hymn so many years ago." It's just one of those imbedded childhood memories. "This is my story, this is my song, praising my savior - all the day long."
As a former pastor, I requested it be sung a few times per year in our services. Its melody and lyrics often move me to tears as I reach way down within and line my heart up with the great truths the song portrays. It is also my favorite "shower time" song - throwing my head back and worshipping Jesus with great abandonment as I scrub myself clean.
There always seems to be a story behind the great hymns of faith that resonate so deeply within us. Such is the case of "Blessed Assurance"
One day Miss Fanny Crosby was in the home of her friend, Mrs. Joseph f. Knapp. In the Knapp home was installed what was believed to be the largest pipe organ ever placed in a private dwelling. However, all the "nuts and bolts'" had not been added yet to the organ so Mrs. Knapp called Fanny over to the piano to listen to a new melody she had just composed. After playing the tune a few times she asked, "What do you think the tune says?"
"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine," answered Fanny, drawing from her phenomenal mental storage of scripture knowledge. She then continued: "Oh what a foretaste of glory divine, Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit , washed in His blood." (Written in 1873 "Blessed Assurance" still remains a favorite among Christians everywhere....)
Fanny knew all about "Blessed Assurance"...from six weeks of age until her death shortly before her 95th birthday... Fanny was blind. Sadly the blindness was caused by a medical error when a doctor put mustard poultice on her inflamed eyes from a cold infection... resulting in immediate blindness.
Her widowed mother and grandmother even took her to the famous New York surgeon, Dr. Valentine Mott, but it was too late...the damage was permanent. He was heard to lament as they left the examining room, "Poor little blind girl." However, Fanny never saw her affliction as anything but a blessing. When she was eight years old she wrote this simple little verse:
Oh, what a happy child I am
Although I cannot see
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
Further, knowing she was blind gives me a tremendous appreciation for the 2nd and 3rd verses that have to do with sight:
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture, now burst on my sight,
Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Once a preacher sympathetically remarked, "I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you." She replied quickly, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?" "Why?" asked the surprised minister. "Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!"
I've included a video of the history of Fanny Crosby, which tells of her great work with the poor of her city, and another rendition of Blessed Assurance from a Men's Choir on Mother's Day in their church. Just to mix it up a bit. Enjoy!
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Annual AMDG Awards
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2014 IGNATIAN DAY "AMDG" AWARDS
Given this past Sunday at the 10:30 Mass, we wanted to present what Father Watters said in its entirety
In his writings, St. Ignatius Loyola frequently used the phrase: "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam et Bonum Animarum." These words characterize the spirit and vision of this 16th century saint and founder of the Society of Jesus. His life and work were totally dedicated to bringing about "God's greater glory and the good of souls." He fostered an apostolic spirituality and wrote in the Spiritual Exercises: "It is better for love to be expressed more in deeds than in words."
Since 1993, our parish has presented the "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" award annually on Ignatius' feast to persons who have enabled us to work more consciously, more effectively and more generously in furthering the work of the Gospel to the greater glory of God and the good of all people.
This year, it is a joy to present the Ignatian Day "AMDG" Awards to three very deserving persons whose contributions to our parish's mission and ministries exemplify the Ignatian spirit of "love in action." - Read More
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Time for PREP registration...and we have some needs.
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The days are getting shorter and September will be here before we know it. Have you registered your children for PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)? Please do so now so that we know how many books to order. Register by clicking here, or by picking up a registration form from the narthex or gallery.
When the new semester begins in September, we will need a 3rd grade and a 6th grade teacher for our PREP Sunday School. Can you lend a hand? Experience is not necessary - just an eagerness to help teach our young folks about God's love. Curriculum and all materials will be provided. If you think you can help or want more information,
please email Duarte Aguiar at duarteaguiar@st-ignatius.net or call 410.727.384
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Upcoming Events
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Young Adult Backyard Barbecue
- Saturday, August 9
Join the Young Adult ministry on Saturday, August 9 from 4 - 8PM for an afternoon of food, drinks, games, and fellowship. We will be hosting our first backyard barbecue and games social in the garden of the St. Francis Xavier House (across the street from the church at 108 East Madison)! This is a great opportunity to meet the young adults of our parish. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend, especially if you are new to the area and/or new to the parish. We will be grilling burgers and hotdogs, as well as some vegetarian options, but please bring a favorite snack or appetizer to share.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 6 by calling Duarte at the 410.727.3848 or by e-mailing him at DuarteAguiar@st-ignatius.net.
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In the Media
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Why the Jesuits (including Pope Francis) are on the Frontlines of Faith
Actor, Andrew Garfield, consults "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything" as he prepares to play a Jesuit in a film adaptation of "Silence," a novel about Catholic missionaries in Japan.
(CNN) - Is Andrew Garfield, star of films such as "The Social Network" and "The Amazing Spiderman," considering the priesthood?
Last month, paparazzi snapped a picture of Garfield walking as he carried "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything," the Rev. James Martin's insightful overview of Jesuit life and spirituality.
According to reports, he's consulting the book as he prepares to play a Jesuit in a film adaptation of "Silence," a novel about Catholic missionaries in Japan.
Garfield's reading material - and the movie he's studying for - captures the continuing cultural impact of the 474-year-old Catholic religious order officially known as the Society of Jesus.
Sometimes called "God's Marines" (not all appreciate the nickname) for their willingness to go to the frontlines of faith, Jesuits form the largest order of Catholic priests in the church, with approximately 18,000 members worldwide. And, at a time when most religious orders are shrinking and pining for new candidates, the Jesuits say inquiries about joining their ranks are surging.
What explains the Jesuits' enduring appeal? - READ MORE
Hold the Sauce: Pope Heads to Vatican Cafeteria for Friday Fish Menu
VATICAN CITY Taking the chef completely by surprise, Pope Francis unexpectedly showed up to eat with the Vatican's blue-collar workers at their cafeteria in the tiny city-state's "industrial park."
"He showed up, got his tray, silverware, he stood in line and we served him," the cafeteria's chef, Franco Paini, told Vatican Radio on Friday.
He acted "normally, like the humblest of the workers," Paini said, his voice still trembling from the thrill. "Please forgive me, I'm still excited, you know?"
Wearing his white cassock and zucchetto, the pope grabbed an orange plastic tray and chose what he wanted from the array of prepared foods.
He got a plate of pasta without sauce; a portion of cod; a whole wheat roll; some "au gratin" vegetables; a few French fries; an apple; and a bottle of spring water -- but not the fizzy, bubbly kind, witnessed reported.
"I didn't have the courage to give him the bill," said Claudia Di Giacomo, who was sitting behind the cash register.
Paini said the pope made everyone feel at ease. "We introduced ourselves, he asked how we were, what it was like working there, he paid us compliments; it was really nice." - READ MORE
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