Schools’ Ignatian Week 2021.

Portuguese Jesuit schools, Colégio das Caldinhas and Colégio S. João de Brito, work together Every year and devote a week to celebrate the life and work of Saint Ignatius Loyola.

Inspired by the theme of the year of the Iberian Peninsula Jesuit Schools “Acolher-Te, um fogo que acende outros fogos” (Embrace You, a fire that kindles other fires), this year’s Semana Inaciana (Ignatian week) made the light of God shine in the hearts and souls of their students, educators, families, and alumni.

In such challenging times as the ones we are going through, both Pastoral teams decided it was the moment to spread the fire that ignited the life of Ignatius: the Love of God. A Love that impels men and women to be in love with the world, to be moved by the joy of believing, by the enjoyment of learning and make learning, by the desire of caring and healing others.

Brilhe a Vossa Luz (May Your Light Shine) was the motto of this week which purpose was to help the schools’ communities to be light to others, both in words and actions, and let God’s inner fire shine within their hearts. (Mt 5,16)

Putting all their creativity at work, the Pastoral teams were able to reach all students from kindergarten to 12th graders (seniors), as well as all educators, families, and alumni, involving them in a variety of tasks, challenges and suggestions where they had to make their presence and light fill the life of others within their school. From the grand opening of the week to the audio pilgrimage proposal, all activities were thought taking in consideration the present times of physical distancing and online teaching. The highlight of the week was the online Saint Ignatius Mass, in which all students and educators participated with great enjoyment and delight.

In this Semana Inaciana each student, educator, family, and alumni found the strength and courage to let God’s inner light shine and were a fire that made the light of others shine better and stronger. May this Light keep dwelling among us – may your light shine.

Sara Freitas
Pastoral team member - English teacher