The Ignatian Year

500 years ago, St. Ignatius of Loyola was severely injured by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona, against the French. After excruciating surgeries to his damaged leg, Ignatius lay in bed for weeks recovering. He asked for stories of chivalry or bravery to pass the time; he was offered books about Christ and the saints. Faced with the end of a courtly, military career that he had been groomed to pursue, this rock-bottom moment for Ignatius sparked a conversion of heart. He gave up prideful and vain pursuits to instead follow a life lived for Christ. His “cannonball moment” ignited a series of events that led Ignatius to ultimately write The Spiritual Exercises  to help each person uniquely choose how to respond to Christ and God; to establish the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), and inform a spirituality that continues to inspire millions around the world.

The Cannonball

Watch how a single cannonball (and a long time recovering) changed Ignatius’ life.

Toward Deeper Relationships

An “Ignatian Year: To See All Things New in Christ” will be celebrated worldwide from May 20, 2021 – July 31, 2022, culminating on the Feast of St. Ignatius. The Jesuits believe that God continues to invite each of us into a deepening relationship, toward our own personal and ongoing conversion. By embracing this invitation, we embrace our God who calls us to act in new, bold ways that reconcile our world, bringing about justice, peace and compassion. During this Ignatian Year, we ask for the grace to see all things new in Christ. Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, superior general of the Society of Jesus, explains below.

Events

Prayerful activities will be offered by Jesuit organizations around the world from May 20, 2021 – July 31, 2022 to mark the 500th Anniversary of St. Ignatius’ conversion. Enrich yourself and your spiritual life with knowledge of prayer practices. Special events are offered by Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center and St. Thomas More Church in metro Atlanta. Other global events are included below.

Ongoing: In Atlanta

Click here to view the full listing of local events (updated as more are added).

Celebrations Worldwide

Join the global Society of Jesus in celebration of this year with resources and reflections.

Stay Connected

Receive updates from Ignatius House and discover more from Office of Ignatian Spirituality for enrichment that draws us into the heart of St. Ignatius of Loyola and closer to God.

Subscribe to the monthly People of Hope podcast. This year our pastoral team will be discussing pearls of wisdom drawn from the Ignatian tradition.

Explore other celebrations, stories, and videos from around the world at the global Ignatian Year website.  Use #Ignatius500 to discover more on social media.

Atlanta Jesuit Community