This past weekend, I started reading a terrific new book by Jim Manney. God Finds Us is all about the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, something near and dear to my heart.
As it turns out, early this morning I was reading the chapter entitled “It’s Supposed to Be Hard,” and the focus is on what Ignatius had to say about humility.
Today, I had the chance to visit the nearby shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first canonized saint born in the United States.
About a twenty-minute drive from my house, I enjoy travelling down the country road to the sleepy town of Emmitsburg, where Mother Seton founded both a religious order and a girl’s school in the early 1800’s.
I love the fact that Mother Seton would have traveled on the same road I drove on all those years ago, except she was traveling in a carriage pulled by horses, and the road unpaved.
Last night, I went to a big celebration at my church honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast day comes from the Mexican culture, and over the years, I try to make at least one of the events surrounding December 12th.
One of the things I love most about this day is the joy that is so evident on many in the Hispanic culture.
Today is the first Sunday in Advent, a time of waiting and longing for our remembrance of Jesus’ birth at Christmas.
Traditionally, Advent wreaths have four candles, one lit each week as we get closer to Christmas. The four candles represent hope, peace, joy and love.
Anyone who reads this blog know’s that the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola has been a big influence on my life.
Over three years ago, I took many of the principles and began applying them to my life, especially in the area of health.
We started our Freshmen Retreat today in the little chapel to the left of this photo. Known as Little Baker Chapel, people have been praying here since the late 1800’s, and today was our chance to continue the tradition.
The place was packed as our new participants in Campus Ministry joined with their parents and a small group of student leaders who will be responsible for the retreat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the place so crowded. It was great.
Today, July 31st, is the Feast of St. Ignatius. I’ve gotten to know this great saint over the last several years, and I’ve also come to understand that, even though he lived nearly 500 years ago, his teachings still have an impact on us today.
Instead of a long post highlighting some key points of Ignatian Spirituality, I thought I’d just provide you with a link to Ignatian Spirituality.com, where you’ll find a great list of ten elements of this form of spirituality.
Lastly, if you click the link above today (July 31st), check out the free eBook (see top right box on the linked page) Loyola Press is giving away FREE today ONLY. Recently published, Just Call Me Lopez was written by Margaret Silf. She’s a great writer, and I’ll be reading through my own copy in the next few days. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Thanks to Loyola Press for making this book available to everyone 🙂
I heard a really good sermon yesterday preached by our newly ordained priest. He’s from Columbia, and his messages are simple and practical.
He talked about the necessity of taking vacations, of being quiet, the need for relaxation and recharging. How true.
He also talked about the importance of not taking a vacation from God. So often, we do just that. We don’t think much about God while we’re relaxing and re-charging. How true.
So, that’s the message for today. If you’re planning to take your vacation soon, make God a part of your plans. Bring your Bible, find a church to go to, intentionally make time for prayer. As St. Ignatius would reminds us, we can find God in all things, even while we’re on vacation. Seek Him out. “When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
Sorry for the delay in posting. I’m just about done with my first semester as a doctoral student, and am now in the midst of finishing my final three papers. I will be marking a second, more personal “independence day” when they are done 🙂
I’m really excited about something I learned earlier today. The folks at Loyola Press are getting ready to celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius on July 31st, and they want us to join them.