March 12 was a big day for the Society of Jesus. Everywhere it is present, Eucharists and other celebrations marked the 400th anniversary of the canonization of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier, who were raised to the altars on that day in 1622, together with the Italian St. Philip Neri and two other well-known Spanish saints, Teresa of Jesus and Isidro Labrador. Here is a summary of what was done in different Jesuit Provinces in Europe. 

Spain 

In the Spanish province, each of the Apostolic Platforms dedicated a Eucharist to their memory, together with retreats or meetings, in some cases. They were acts of joy, community and celebration, as the chronicles sent to us tell us, which can be read in this report.

Portugal  

The Ignatian Family Day gathered in Fátima more than 2500 people linked to the Society of Jesus in Portugal. Jesuits, laymen, Ignatian-inspired religious sisters, families, children and young people from schools from all over Portugal gathered in Fátima to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier. 

In this time in which we celebrate the Ignatian Year - which marks the 500th anniversary of Ignatius' conversion - this day was an opportunity to experience and share the enthusiasm of this common mission and to get to know and recognise ourselves as part of an apostolic body that is vast and diverse. It was also an invitation to live with joy the mission to which we are called. 

Read more

France  

After the gathering "Au large avec Ignace", which took place on All Saints Day 2021 in Marseille, the Jesuits organised a special event for this anniversary: on 12 March, Jesuits under 50 years of age and all those in mission with young people met in Paris for "Together, let us hope for more".  

"In these somewhat gloomy times for the world and for the Church, we wanted to live fully the third Universal Apostolic Preference which guides the mission of the Society of Jesus: "To accompany young people in the creation of a hopeful future". In order to render this service to other young people, we wanted to start by cultivating this hope among ourselves, young Jesuits", explained Fr Manuel Grandin sj, delegate of the Provincial for the young adults' apostolate. 

Coming from all over France, Belgium, Luxembourg, students or in the apostolate, all were invited during this day to find the roots of their vocation and to nourish hope. 

Read more

Slovakia 

On Saturday, 12 March, the Jesuits commemorated the 400th anniversary of the canonization of their founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, as well as the patron saint of missions, Saint Francis Xavier, at the Exercises House of Saint Ignatius in Prešov. 

The anniversary was also marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in gratitude to Pope Francis, who unexpectedly visited the house of exorcism in Prešov during his visit to Slovakia. 

The solemn Holy Mass was celebrated at 5 p.m. by the Greek Catholic Archbishop of Prešov, Ján Babjak, with his fellow Jesuits from the House of Exercises. 

Read More