Ignatian Heritage Month celebrates the living legacy of St. Ignatius Loyola and LMU’s Ignatian identity. “St. Ignatius of Loyola is more than a remote figure in history,” according to Eddie Siebert, S.J., the rector of the Jesuit Community. “He remains a contemporary witness to faith and justice and the role of the intellect in building a just society.” Ignatius encouraged his followers to seek God in all things, serve those in need, and become people with and for others.
Ignatian Heritage Month kicks off Nov. 1 and will be celebrated many different ways across campus:
- On Sunday, Nov. 13 at the 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Masses in Sacred Heart Chapel, prayer cards will be distributed in commemoration of the Jesuits martyred in El Salvador in 1989.
- On Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. members of LMU’s Jesuit Community will be handing out donuts on Palm Walk. Get to know our Jesuits while enjoying a morning snack.
- On Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Campus Ministry will host Cannonball Moments. St. Ignatius’ life was changed by a cannonball and the epiphany that followed. Come by Campus Ministry’s table and learn about Ignatius and his legacy.
- On Friday Nov. 18 from noon – 3 p.m. faculty and staff are invited to “wander in wonder” by joining a contemplative walking tour of campus sponsored by the Center for Mission and Identity. This exploration of LMU’s peaceful places departs from the Collins Center and concludes with a reception at the Jesuit Community. Learn more and register here.
The goal of Ignatian Heritage Month is to bring a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, Ignatian heritage to the entire LMU Community. “Contemplation, reflection, and even silence, are often overlooked virtues in our daily life,” said Siebert. “Ignatian spirituality helps the LMU community to deepen our awareness of God in the world and our contribution to something bigger than ourselves.”
Click here for a list of additional activities taking place this month and to download Ignatian themed Zoom backgrounds.