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IGNATIUS – THE SPIRITUAL PATHFINDER

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/31

By: Shenal Fernando

Early Life· Ignatius De Loyola was born in the Basque region of Gipuzkoa in northern Spain in the year 1491 to a family of 13 and was the youngest child of a noble and wealthy family. When Ignatius was seven years old, he lost his mother. At the age of 16, he was appointed as a page to Juan Velazquez, the Kingdom of Castile’s treasurer. He was regular in the court as a member of the Velazquez household and tasted everything it had to offer.

Ignatius was a gambling addict, a thorn in the side, and not beyond participating in swordplay on occasions. When he was 30 years old in May 1521, he eventually found himself as an officer defending the castle of Pamplona against the French, who claimed the province as their own against Spain. Nevertheless, Ignatius persuaded the leader of the Spanish soldiers to fight for the dignity of Spain despite even losing. However, being injured severely, Ignatius was brought home by French troops rather than being in prison due to his bravery.

Conversion

It was Ignatius’ second phase of life when he began to live a saintly existence. He asked for some romantic literature to pass the time during the protracted weeks of his recovery because he was bored. Fortunately, there was none at Loyola’s house but there was a book about the life of Jesus Christ and the saints. Ignatius began reading them out of desperation. The more he read, the more he thought the saint’s deeds were worthy of imitation. Meanwhile, he continued to dream about recognition and triumph, as well as about winning the heart of a specific noble lady of the court.

Later, Ignatius discovered that by reading and reflecting on the books about the saints and the life of Christ, he realized a sense of peace and comfort in his life. However, he felt anxious and unfulfilled whenever his lengthy daydreams about his royal lady were through. This encounter marked not just the start of his conversion but also the beginning of spiritual awareness.

Meanwhile, Ignatius made up his mind to relocate to Jerusalem, where our Lord had lived throughout his time on earth. He started his journey from Barcelona and traveled to the Benedictine Shrine of our Lady of Montserrat where he made a general confession and kept vigil before the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary through Chivalric customs. On February 2, 1528, he arrived in Paris, where he studied until 1535. Ignatius rapidly attracted a new group of followers in Paris, but their way of life led to many issues to the religious authorities that he was forced to defend himself. He was finally persuaded by this incident that he should delay engaging in any public religious activity until he was ordained.

Company of Jesus

Ignatius left Paris in the early months of 1535 before finishing his theology studies because of his health. After spending more than six months in Spain, he traveled to Bologna and Venice to continue his studies. His Parisian companions joined him in Venice on January 8, 1537. On June 24, 1537, Ignatius and most of his friends were ordained. They spent a lot of time praying throughout the subsequent 18 months and gained experience in the ministry.

Ignatius celebrated his first mass at Rome’s Church of St. Mary Major on Christmas Day 1538. In the third phase of his life his studies which were far from a formality ended. Ignatius had disabilities, but Diego Laynez, a co-founder of the Society of Jesus and an excellent observer, thought he showed as much diligence as any of his classmates. During the season of Lent in 1539, Ignatius requested his companions to join him in Rome to discuss the future.

They had started forming a religious order, but due to travel concerns, they had to consider how life could be continued together. Ignatius and his friends agreed in establishing a society with the Pope’s blessing in which they would swear loyalty to a superior general who would hold office after spending weeks in prayer and deliberation. A vow to this effect was added along with the customary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The First General and The Expansion

·The plan of the new order was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540. His friends chose Loyola to hold the position of general. With the blessing of Pope Paul III, Ignatius of Loyola established the Society of Jesus in 1540. He had formed a vibrant group of intelligent men who wanted nothing more than to aid others in their search for God. Jesuits originally intended to be mobile missionaries preaching and performing sacraments to achieve good according to Ignatius. The number of Jesuits worldwide began to mushroom from the initial 10 to large numbers up until the present day. As of January 1, 2022, there were 14,439 Jesuits in the world. The total figure can be categorized as follows: 583 novices, 2,587 scholastics, 837 brothers and 10,432 priests, respectively.

Death of a noble leader

· Loyola was the superior general of the order, yet he was often ill. He was so ill in January 1551 that he urged his coworkers to accept his resignation from the position of superior. He managed the order despite his health till his passing in July 1556. Loyola had been praying in a way that was ultimately recorded in ‘The Spiritual Exercises’ and seems to have been on par with the greatest mystics ever since his time at Manresa.

Spiritual legacy tendered

St. Ignatius Loyola created a collection of prayers, meditations, and contemplative practices called ‘The Spiritual Exercises’, to aid lay people, in developing a closer relationship with God. He always valued that getting closer to God is most important. All the exercises were traditionally taught as a ‘long retreat’ lasting roughly 30 days of isolation and silence. Spiritual Exercises have received increased attention as a lay or religious program and further, anyone who seeks to build a lasting relationship with the divine.

A ‘retreat in daily life’, which entails a months-long practice of daily prayer and meetings with a spiritual director, is currently the most popular method of completing the exercises. Ignatius received the exercises from God, but what we truly mean is that he paid constant attention to how God guided him, like a gentle teacher, to develop faith and freedom. He showed the way to the Kingdom of God through Joy and Pardon given by Jesus Christ.

Ignatius became convinced that his experiences should be shared for the benefit of others while reflecting on and writing about his spiritual journey. He also realized that specific practices of prayer, imagination, and self-denial would help others travel a similar spiritual path toward God and experience a profound sense of joy, serenity, and peace.

Ignatian Discernment in vogue

St. Ignatius throughout his spiritual journey explains that it’s important to be free from attachment to a specific decision or result. Ignatius also suggested that people discuss their considerations with a trusted friend or confidante; he took this counsel into account when coming to judgments. He also encouraged people to act in ways that will advance ‘the greater glory of God’. Ignatius taught people to make decisions based on reason, secure in the knowledge that they have put in the necessary time and effort to do so. He does, however, add that people ought to look for further evidence to see if reason supports their decision. If they experience feelings of peace, freedom, joy, love, or compassion after deciding, that could be a sign that they made the right choice.

The legacy continues

Ignatius did not order Jesuits to start schools, but he immediately realized how the lives of people could be improved by a well-rounded education system that was grounded in both the Renaissance’s humanistic renewal and Christian ideals. He started to believe that one of the most crucial methods to encourage ‘the betterment of souls’ is through the mission of education. The Jesuits immediately established themselves as respected academics and teachers.

European students flocked to the expanding schools, and Jesuit missionaries established schools where none had previously been. The Jesuits committed to educating everyone they could, and many of these institutions catered to pupils who might not obtain a formal education. In his later years, Ignatius largely devoted his life in obtaining money for these institutions so that students who couldn’t afford the tuition wouldn’t be turned away. Ignatius developed 35 schools before he passed away in 1556, and the Society of Jesus had 1,000 members at that time.

Conclusion

Pope Paul V beatified Ignatius Loyola in 1609, and Pope Gregory XV canonized him in 1622. St. Ignatius of Loyola is the patron saint of troops/soldiers and was named as the patron saint of all spiritual retreats by Pope Pius XI in 1922. The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola is celebrated on July 31.

I wonder whether there is a better way in ending this exercise than quoting a beautiful song I came across as I was praying, pondering, and preparing. A Jesuit priest ,who is a friend of mine shared it with me. This song has been initially based on the life and legacy of St. Francis Xavier, and I am confident that the same sentiments can be explicitly explained about Francis Xavier’s companion, St. Ignatius of Loyola as well. This song was initially named as ‘AMDG: A World is not enough’, hymn of St. Francis Xavier, by Cristobal Fones, S.J.

Let us pray that the fire which kindled the hearts of these saints will kindle our hearts as well.

“When the world shuts the sun in darkness,
when all dreams are swallowed,
deep beneath the sea;
When no one is so caring to dare crossing the ocean
that corners the poor and the broken;
Rise my light, my Jesus;
Set me soaring, flying;
Let me trust your promises;
Let me do your will.

Jesus, Fire in my heart;
My heart, aflame in love for the world;
Feel No limits, sees no boundaries, only God, my hope;
Feel No limits, sees no boundaries only God, my hope.

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Attorney At Law S K Sangakkara pasess away

Published

11 hours ago

2026/03/3

Priyan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. S. K. Sangakkara, Attorney-at-Law. He was the loving husband of Kumarie, beloved father to Thusharie, Vemindra, Saranga, and Kumar, loved father-in-law to Sanjay, Nipuni, Ru, and Yehali, adored grand father to Thehan, Methvan, Nethya, Vinaya, Kaya, Seth, Kavith and Swyree.

His remains will lie at his residence in Kandy for relatives and friends to pay their last respects. We also ask that the privacy of the family be respected.

The funeral will take place on the 4th of March 2026 at 6.00 p.m. at the Mahaiyawa Cemetery, Kandy. The cortège will leave the residence at 4.30 p.m.

He will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.

News

Socialist Alliance expresses concern over GoSL’s growing military ties with US

Published

21 hours ago

2026/03/3

Thilina Walpola

The Socialist Alliance, comprising the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, the Democratic Left Front and the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, in a statement issued yesterday (02) strongly and unequivocally condemned the US and Israel for killing the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the latest acts of military aggression carried out by those two countries against Teheran.

“These attacks represent a grave violation of international law, an assault on the sovereignty of a United Nations member state, and a threat for uncontrollable conflict, which may escalate into a third World War,” the Socialist Alliance said.

Text of the statement: ‘The Socialist Alliance is alarmed with the growing military contacts between Sri Lanka and United States in evolving geo-political developments in the context of middle – east war and beyond.

“The Socialist Alliance condemns strongly the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s deepening military cooperation with the United States. The recent transfers of US naval and aviation assets and operational integration into US-led commands represent a dangerous abandonment of the country’s longstanding non-aligned foreign policy. It may lead to Sri Lanka being involved in US President Trump’s illegal aggression against Iran.

“According to the Ministry of Defence the United States has now provided a total of four former US Coast Guard cutters and 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). These acquisitions have transformed Sri Lanka into one of the largest operators of former US Coast Guard vessels in the Indo-Pacific. While the government frames the transfers as enhancing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, the vessels’ operational history and specifications are evidence of a darker purposes.

“The two high endurance cutters of the Hamilton class are offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) most suited for deep-sea surveillance and high-seas operations. They are not merely for coastal defense, the type being commonly deployed with US Navy carrier battle groups. They are designed for power projection and are being used to integrate Sri Lanka into U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations in the Middle East.

The operational deployment of these assets has already begun. The Sri Lanka Navy has committed an OPV to the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian” in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, operating under Combined Task Force 153 (CTF 153). This task force falls under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), which is commanded by a US Navy Vice Admiral who simultaneously serves as Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the US Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.

“This means Sri Lankan naval officers and ships now operate directly under US-led command structures. It provides the US with a Navy that can operate within its command framework, freeing US assets for higher-end missions, effectively making our forces a subordinate component of the American war machine.

“In a significant escalation of this integration, Sri Lanka assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) in January 2025. This multinational maritime training task force, operating under the US Fifth Fleet, is responsible for training personnel across the Middle East. This is not as a sign of national prestige, but a mechanism that gives the US-led coalition greater legitimacy and deepens Sri Lanka’s entanglement in American strategic objectives.

“This must also be seen in context of the recent signing of a Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the State Partnership Programme (SPP) between the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the Montana National Guard in November 2025, which is a pretext for embedding US military structures within Sri Lanka.

“This is not non-alignment. This is alignment. It is a complete subservience to the US Indo-Pacific strategy, making a mockery of the principles of sovereignty and peaceful coexistence that once defined our foreign policy.

“This alignment with the US poses an immediate danger, Sri Lanka risks being dragged into the illegal US–Israeli aggression against Iran, our long-standing friend.

“The Socialist Alliance calls for,

1. The immediate disassociation of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Armed Forces from the illegal US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

2. The immediate cessation of all joint military operations with US forces, including the withdrawal of Sri Lankan personnel from US-led commands in Bahrain and the Red Sea.

3. A full public disclosure of all agreements, including the India-Sri Lanka defence MoU and the recent US State Partnership Programme agreement, whose contents remain secret.

4. A parliamentary inquiry into whether these military pacts will lead to a full Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), potentially granting US forces access to Sri Lankan ports, airports, and military infrastructure.

5. A return to a genuine non-aligned foreign policy that serves the interests of the Sri Lankan people, not the geopolitical ambitions of foreign powers.

“The NPP government was elected on a platform of change, yet it is presiding over the most significant erosion of our sovereignty in decades. We call upon all anti-imperialist, patriotic, and democratic forces to unite in opposition to this drift toward war and the surrender of our national independence.”

News

FSP proposes self-governing regions, bicameral legislature to address national issue

Published

21 hours ago

2026/03/3

Thilina Walpola

Duminda Nagamuwa addressing the gathering

Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Propaganda Secretary Duminda Nagamuwa has said that establishment of self- governing regions, bicameral legislature consisting of two Houses and recognition of upcountry Tamils as Sri Lankans would be necessary to solve the national issue. Nagamuwa declared that the FSP was ready to spearhead the fight to achieve those objectives.

Nagamuwa, a senior member of the breakaway faction of the JVP, said so at the fourth annual convention of the party held at the Sugathadasa Indoor stadium on Sunday (01). Nagamuwa stressed that a bicameral legislature was necessary to prevent the passage of laws targeting a particular community.

Alleging that the JVP had disregarded the FSP’s advice not to pursue UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s strategy, Nagamuwa emphasised that the national problem couldn’t be resolved under the present system.

Declaring that daunting challenges couldn’t be addressed by pursuing neo-liberal policies, the FSPer reiterated their commitment to, what he called, a people-centric economic agenda.

At the onset of his speech, Nagamuwa said that the FSP launched political activities, under extremely difficult circumstances, more than one and half decades ago. Referring to the abduction and the disappearance of Lalith Kumar Weeraraja and Kugan Muruganandan, in Jaffna, on Dec, 9, 2011, Nagamuwa said that they wouldn’t give up their struggle, regardless of the continuing threats.

Commenting on its role in the Aragalaya protest that forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of office, in July 2022, Nagamuwa said that the FSP joined the people at a time some declared their inability to participate in a leaderless campaign. Nagamuwa was referring to the JVP’s initial reaction to the protest campaign. According to Nagamuwa, Ranil Wickremesinghe, having received the presidency through illegal means, sought to proscribe the FSP as he resented their role in Aragalaya.

Nagamuwa also found fault with the JVP for backing Maithripala Sirisena’s candidature at the 2015 presidential election. The ex-JVPer said that his former party simply joined the group that declared that Sirisena’s victory would pave the way for the abolition of the executive presidency. The FSP Propaganda Secretary accused Anura Kumara Dissanayake of following Wickremesinghe’s harmful IMF policy that may cause significant damage to the EPF and ETF funds.

The FSP also attacked the JVP-led NPP government over the ongoing moves to introduce a new anti-terrorism law, in place of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). That move was meant to suppress democratic rights of the people and right to dissent, Nagamuwa said, while questioning, what he called, the incumbent government’s undisclosed agreements with the US and India. Nagamuwa also pointed out that those who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform were now struggling to cope up with such accusations regarding the coal procurement deal.

Nagamuwa said that either the government should take tangible measures against corruption or the crooks will take hold of the current dispensation. Anti-corruption actions wouldn’t be on political platform at any future election, Nagamuwa predicted.

Nagamuwa said that the NPP had been fragmented and it was only a question of time the current dispensation faced public protests over its policies, particularly giving in to IMF demands and India. The SJB’s Sajith Premadasa and SLPP’s Namal Rajapaksa couldn’t fill the political vacuum caused by the disintegration of the NPP, Nagamuwa said that their move was to empower the people.

Nagamuwa said that those who propagated racism to grab power couldn’t succeed again. According to him such projects couldn’t achieve political objectives, Nagamuwa said while referring to several incidents, including the burning of the Jaffna library and violence in Darga town.

By Shamindra Ferdinando