Friday, July 31, 2009

July 31: Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola--Jesuits Gather


St. Ignatius Loyola (b. circa 1491 Loyola castle, Spain - died Rome, 31 July 1556)

All over the world on this day, Jesuits gather to celebrate their founder at Mass and in other ceremonies. I joined some 130 Jesuits from Canada, the USA, Hungary, Zambia and some 200 benefactors, friends, collaborators and family of jubilarians for the Eucharist at St. Isaac Jogues Church, Pickering.

Afterwards we took part in a luncheon on the lawns of Manresa Retreat House (whose grounds also host a modern chapel, the LaStorta Jesuit Residence for those engaged in spiritual ministries and St. Rene Goupil House, the Jesuit Infirmary.

This year 12 of the 13 Jesuits (11 priests and two brothers) celebrating their 50th anniversary of entry into the Order attended the events, along with about fifteen jubilarians celebrating 75, 70 and 60 years in the Order or 50 and 60 years of priestly ordination.

Thought I took photos throughout the day's happenings, I forgot my camera in the LaStorta dining-room where I had enjoyed a delicious supper.

Not sure how many photos I will be able to access for the coming days events: Travel to visit friends in Regina tomorrow, the CCO Annual Board Meeting in Saskatoon as the summer evangelization program wrapes up, Sunday and Monday, and the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention in Phoenix, AZ (August 4-6).

Safe travels, everyone!

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