I love living in Massachusetts. The weather, the sports teams, the beach, the history–it’s got it all. I am constantly trying to lure my friends who have moved away to come back to Boston. Why would they want to live anywhere else? And more importantly,
We asked a number of students to reflect on their #JourneytoSTM through a unique path. Since no path is ever the same, we decided to share three individuals who came to the CSTM after teaching to briefly share their story.Ok, ok, I know that they don’t want to leave me. But how can they leave the Bay State?
I have been abundantly blessed with great friendships. Many of my closest friendships formed during my theological studies at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. During this time I was introduced to some remarkable people who are doing amazing things. They are spiritual directors, priests, teachers, parents, spouses, chaplains, physical therapists, professors, rectors, vocation directors, immersion coordinators, and more. But most importantly, they are great friends.
As we were introduced and formed at the CSTM, it is fitting to say that Ignatian spirituality is interwoven into our friendships. I can see it in the selfless giving of my friends, both in our relationship and in the way they give themselves to their ministries. They love abundantly and they invite me into a deeper relationship with God and others. Of course, we have a great model of friendship in our dear friend, Ignatius.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, whom we celebrate on the 500th anniversary of his conversion this year, knew what friendship was. While recovering from a cannonball injury to his leg, Ignatius experienced a conversion of heart and mind, experiencing a deep desire to know and serve Jesus the Christ. But he did not keep this desire to himself–he shared it with those closest to him.
In time, Ignatius began the Society of Jesus, or the Compañía de Jesús, with his friends. Even the name of the religious order, “the companions of Jesus,” signifies the importance of friendship within the order. Ignatius was a true friend, supporting and relying on his Jesuit brothers as they weathered the ups and downs of the early years of the Order as they faced obstacles and inevitable personality differences that came with community life.
Perhaps the most touching friendship that Ignatius had was with his best friend, St. Francis Xavier. These two were close since college so it must have been heartbreaking to part ways when St. Francis Xavier was missioned to India. Both knew that it was unlikely that they would ever see each other in this world again. Indeed, St. Francis Xavier passed away while fulfilling his missionary work abroad. In one of his last letters to Ignatius, Francis Xavier wrote,
God our Lord knows how much my soul was consoled on receiving news of your life and health, which I cherish so highly…Your Holy Charity has written to me that you have a great desire to see me before you leave this life. God knows what an impression these words of great love made upon my soul, and how many tears they have cost me whenever I recall them…
(The Letters and Instructions of Francis Xavier, translated and introduced by M. Joseph Costelloe, SJ)
What great love between friends.
This love is a manifestation of the God who is love. The Christ who embodies love. And the Holy Spirit who moves us to love and be loved.
As we celebrate the Ignatian year, may the friendships of the early founders of the Society of Jesus serve as an example to us of what it means to be a true friend in Christ. May we have a continuous conversion of heart to be mindful of the needs and wants of our friends. May we treasure the gift that friendship is and seek always to develop new friendships with open hearts and minds.
And may we be open, like Ignatius, to being parted with one’s friends, especially when the parting is for the greater good of the friend and the community.
And may our friends be open to returning to Massachusetts, the greatest of all the lands.
Ok, maybe not that last one.
St. Ignatius, pray for us!