The Ignatius 500, the Ignatian Year, which commemorates the fifth centenary of the conversion of Ignatius of Loyola, began in Pamplona on 20 May last. At the end of July, coinciding with the feast of St. Ignatius, we had another important moment in the celebration of Ignatius 500. This time it was in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, in Barcelona, and in the Sanctuary of the Cova de Sant Ignasi, in Manresa. The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, traveled to these significant places in the biography of Ignatius.

Barcelona

On Friday 30 July, the eve of Saint Ignatius, in Barcelona, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ took part in the Eucharist in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar at 7.30 pm. It was presided over by the Cardinal Archbishop of Barcelona, Juan José Omella SJ, and concelebrated by Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ; the bishops of the Catalan dioceses; the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Spain, Fr Antonio España SJ; and the delegate of the Jesuits in Catalonia, Fr Enric Puiggròs SJ. It was a celebration, with the necessary capacity limitations and security measures, to which the people who form part of the Ignatian family were especially invited: Jesuits and lay collaborators of the Society of Jesus. 

It was in the same place where, during his stay in Barcelona between 1524 and 1526, Ignatius begged for alms to distribute to the poor. As a beggar, with outstretched hand and bare feet, he is represented in the bronze sculpture by Lau Feliu that was installed five years ago in the Chapel of Saint Ignatius in this Basilica. A space for prayer and contemplation that recalls the saint's passage through the city.

Manresa

The following day, 31 July, in Manresa, the celebration of the Eucharist took place at 19:30h, from the Sanctuary of the Cova de Sant Ignasi, and was broadcast online. It was presided by Fr Arturo Sosa SJ and concelebrated by the Assistant of the Society of Jesus for Southern Europe, Fr Cipriano Díaz SJ; the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Spain, Fr Antonio España SJ; and the Superior of the Jesuits in Manresa, Fr Lluís Magriñà SJ. In order to facilitate the participation of all those who wished to attend, the live broadcast could be followed online.

This solemn Eucharist had two very special moments. On the one hand, the official inauguration of the mosaics by the artist Marko Rupnik, which have been installed in the Sanctuary of La Cova since last April. On the other hand, the opening of the Jubilee Door of the Sanctuary, which joins in this way the celebration of the Ignatian Year. This is the door that gave access to the Holy Cave since 1625 and throughout three centuries, until the beginning of the 20th century. It is now located in the reception area that links the Sanctuary and the Cave. Pilgrims will be able to cross it, in a simple but deeply symbolic gesture, as it is a sign of reconciliation, with oneself, with God and with others. During this year, everyone is invited to carry out works of solidarity, to join in the Pope's prayers and to participate actively in the celebration of the Ignatian Year. 

Jesuitas España