July 16, 2020
His Story
MONTSERRAT TO JERUSALEM 1522 – 1523
It was the morning of the Feast of Mary’s Annunciation. Ignatius had finished his vigil before the image of Our Lady of Montserrat. He joined the Holy Mass and receive the Holy Communion. He was now prepared to continue his pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
He began his early-morning journey to Barcelona. It was there that he would get a ship to Italy, proceed to Rome for permission and then go to Venice and there board a ship for the Holy Land.All what he would give his life in God’s service by converting nonbelievers.
It was Ignatius’ desire to always wear the pilgrims garb; this would be the sign of his change of life in his new dedication to the Lord. But over the years the clothing would change much because of so many different circumstances. But the heart would not be changed except to be more and more receptive to God’s grace.
The extended hand – yes, he will bake his way through the rest of his life. 
It seems that Ignatius’ first plan was to spend a few days to rest at Manresa and then take the longer road to Barcelona. He took lodging at the Sta Lucia hospital for the poor and at a later time he was given a room at the monastery of the Dominican fathers. In all, Ignatius spent 11 months in Manresa – a time of great spiritual and psychological enlightenment. Although he had lodging, as mentioned above, he spent most of his time in a small cave along the ledge overlooking the river Cardener.
It was a time of great extremes in his experience – of finding God and God finding him. He prayed many hours every day, did penitence and did much fasting. He stopped taking care of his hair and nails and clothing. Happily there were a number of pious women who took pity on him and made sure that he was properly clothed and fed during the cold winter season.
During this time in Manresa Ignatius kept a very careful note of all that was occurring to him – his consolations and desolation’s – his moment of great joy and moments of deep anguish. And then two, he reflected on these and upon the graces that he receive from God. It was, in reality, a time of conversion. God was guiding him as a teacher guides a child.
He wrote that he had many visions, some that were holy in nature and others that he felt came from the evil spirit. He went to confession often as he was very scrupulous. The confessor tried to help him, but it was very difficult. Ultimately, he was healed by the Lord God.
His notes, his reflections, his careful consideration of all that was happening became the material that would ultimately develop into his Spiritual Exercises. These notes he would expand and refine over the years and later use them as his way to guide others into a deeper spiritual relationship with God.
St Ignatius in Manresa
Sometime in August or September while gazing at the flowing Cardener River, Ignatius received a most extraordinary spiritual enlightenment. He would later say that it was one of the most important graces that he had ever received.
At Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University Campus, Philippines.
Sometime in February, 1523, Ignatius finally went on to Barcelona. He would be there only 20 days begging for his daily food and for alms to give to the poor. As was his heart’s desire, he wanted to take no provisions for himself – God will be his provider. It was good that his confessor and friends prevailed upon him to take bread and even gave him some points for the travel. Any remaining coins he had, he left at the dock before he boarded the ship. It was in Barcelona that he told his confessor that he wanted to serve “ . . . for the greater glory of God.”
He was ready to sail.
His ship would bring him to the west coast of Italy and then he would proceed to Rome. From there he would go to Venice in order to get a ship to Jerusalem. Along the way he would bake for his food and for a place to stay. It seems he often stayed in abandoned buildings and even in the fields. (Wonderful and colorful stories in his autobiography.)
A drawing shows that one evening he was found sleeping on the steps of St. Mark’s in Venice. Spanish friends took him home and helped him prepare for the voyage.
Ignatius journeys from Barcelona to Jerusalem March – September 1523
It was on September 4, 1523 that Ignatius and the pilgrims arrived at a point overlooking Jerusalem. They were told to be silent and to fervently pray.
A Franciscan friar carrying a Cross met the group and guided them into the Holy City.
Ignatius was only able to stay a month in Jerusalem. His desire to remain there and bring others to Christ was not allowed by the Franciscan guardians of the city. The last holy place that Ignatius wanted to visit was the place of the Lord’s ascension on the Mount of Olives. He had to go there twice in order to be sure of the position of Jesus’ feet that was impressed into the stone preserved there
Reflection and Prayer
Focus on the grace received
Ignatius, a soldier, a leader – straightway after his convalescence he undertook the pilgrimage that was in his heart to be accomplished. At Barcelona he would tell the priest that he wanted to do everything for the greater glory of God.
Is this possible for us – married, single, religious, priest?
Nothing human is far from God’s glory – he made us in his own image! Can I consider this, how it fits into my own life – How do I bring glory to God – in my home in my work among my friends ?
My Prayer – first, a prayer of thanks for the gift of life – that I might focus on my life created in the image of God; that my life can make a difference for others – and bring greater glory to God.
Strength for Attaining the Goal
Ignatius Had a very difficult time at Manresa – his attempts at an extreme life, the burden of his scruples – terribly tormented! But he kept praying, holding on, confessed his sins, joined the Mass, receive the Holy Communion. He begged that the Lord God would lead him as a father leads a child.
Sometimes we ourselves feel tormented, lost, so confused.
My Prayer – lead me Lord – be with me – it sometimes seems just too much –
Pray Psalm 23 – the Good Shepherd
Let him walk with you, guide you, take care of you.
At the Holy Land
It was a long and difficult trip for Ignatius – how much each of us would like to make the pilgrimage –
- Now imagine yourself at the holy places – which one or ones do you choose – Bethlehem, the Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, Calvary, Holy Sepulcher
- What will you pray – what is in your heart –Joy and thanksgiving, repentance, family needs, peace for the world.
End with – Hail Mary, Anima Christi and Glory Be .
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of studies
Sources: Autobiography; various Ignatian sites; Google Images
