Inspired by St. Ignatius, the Jesuits, the Congregatio Jesu sisters and all Ignatian communities from all over Slovakia met again after a year as friends in the Lord at the second Ignatian Family Day, which took place in the beautiful surroundings of the Trlenska Valley, on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

The meeting began with a celebration of the Holy Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, celebrated by the Provincial, Father Jozef Šofranko SJ. In his homily he spoke about what it means to be friends in the Lord as St. Ignatius and his first companions were, whose friendship was formed by the mutual communication of Ignatius' ideas, his vision of truth, of love. They all discovered in their hearts the law of love inscribed by the Holy Spirit, and they all identified with it. This is the challenge and our mission. In the communities of friends in the Lord, to share what we are passionate about together and to reflect together on what God is calling us to, and to be a support and encouragement to one another.

The Mass was followed by presentation of the various communities that live Ignatian spirituality and what helps them grow as friends in the Lord. In addition to the Jesuits and the sisters of Congregatio Jesu, these communities include the CVX Community of Christian Life, the MAGIS, and others.

The program also included sharing in groups, which was a mutual enrichment of how Ignatian spirituality helps us to build relationships and grow as friends in the Lord. Pleasant conversations continued over a good meal, looking for the beautiful and precious things that bring us together. The whole meeting ended with an adoration.

Info: Peter Buša

Photo: Peter Buša, Martin Halčák