Greetings of Joy to Family and Friends and Benefactors – Peace!
Well, the picture shows it clearly – . It was May 20, 1521, when St. Ignatius of Loyola was struck in the leg by a cannonball during the defense of the fortress of Pamplona. The French would show him great courtesy by bringing him to his home in Loyola. There he would have to convalesce for many months. It was during this time that he read the only two books available to him – the life of Jesus and the lives of the saints. His first choice would have been novels about war and chivalry and beautiful women.
God’s grace one Ignatius over those quiet days.
So, we Jesuits invite you to join us in celebrating this singlular event that gave rise to the conversion of sin Ignatius, his journey to the holy land, his studies at Paris where he joined together with close friends offering themselves to the service of the Lord, their ordination to the priesthood in Venice and ultimately their acceptance by Pope Paul the third as a religious order.
All because of a cannonball!
Please join us this year, this 500th Anniversary Year, in prayers of thanksgiving and in prayers that we might ever more closely follow the way of Jesus in bringing good news and blessing to others. May I add that we also keep in our prayers all those laypersons and religious who share our ministries throughout the world – in seminaries and schools, hospital and prison chaplain sees, service to overseas workers, counseling for the many who desire help in their lives – and so many other apostolates. Please pray for all of us who share the call of Jesus the King
Please join us in prayer this coming Sunday, May 23 with Jesuits throughout the world. Be assured of our prayers for all of those whom we serve and all those who support our service to others.
A prayer of blessing for all –
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ
