Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  St. Ignatius Loyola was born in 1491 in northern Spain. As a young man Ignatius Loyola was inflamed by the ideals of courtly love and knighthood and dreamed of doing great deeds.  But in 1521 Ignatius was gravely wounded in a battle with the French. While recuperating, Ignatius Loyola experienced a conversion. Reading the lives of Jesus and the saints made Ignatius happy and aroused desires to do great things. Ignatius realized that these feelings were clues to God’s direction for him. Ignatius goes on to establish a new religious order the “Society of Jesus” also known as the Jesuits.  Today, the “Society of Jesus” is known for its work in educating the youth around the world. Several universities have been founded in the name of Ignatius and in the traditional Jesuit spirit. The Jesuits also perform many other important works around the globe.  Ignatius' passed away on July 31, 1556, at the age of 64. He was beatified by Pope Paul V on July 27, 1609 and canonized on March 12, 1622. His feast day is July 31. He is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education.

It’s a well-known fact that we need exercise to maintain our physical health. St. Ignatius recognized the need for exercise in order to maintain our spiritual health as well.  He wrote Spiritual Exercise which is a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices to help people deepen their relationship with God.  From this, the Daily Examen developed as a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. Below are the 5 steps for the Daily Examen for us to reflect on:

1. Give thanks to God for all the things that I am grateful for today

2. Request the Spirit to lead me through my review of the day

3. Review your day and recognize my failures

4. Ask for forgiveness and healing

5. Resolve, in concrete ways, to do better tomorrow

 

Deacon Joe Trevino

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX