Ad majorem Dei gloriam is the Latin motto of the Society of Jesus. Shown above, a 10-foot bronze sculpture on the Boston College campus portrays St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, as a teacher. Created by Bolivian-born artist Pablo Eduardo, the statue is set atop a five-foot granite pedestal on the Higgins green. (Gary Wayne Gilbert)
July 31 is the feast day of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.
Boston College's Jesuit Community, Intersections program, and Center for Ignatian Spirituality invite members of the BC community and their families to celebrate the feast day on Friday, July 29, with Mass at St. Mary's Chapel at 11 a.m., followed by a BBQ and games for all ages on Bapst Library lawn from noon-3 p.m. RSVP for either event here.
A Basque courtier and soldier, Inigo de Loyola was gravely wounded during the battle of Pamplona in 1521. During his convalescence, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion that began his lifelong commitment to God and service.
From his personal experience and prayer, he articulated a guide for finding God and self called the Spiritual Exercises that for centuries has enabled individuals to grow in faith and willingness to work for the greater glory of God, the motto of the Society of Jesus.
Under his direction, the Society of Jesus established schools throughout the continent beginning in Messina, Sicily, in 1548. The Jesuits became known as the schoolmasters of Europe, and over time emerged as the largest religious order in the Catholic Church and one of the greatest influences in Western civilization.
Ignatius died on July 31, 1556.
True to their heritage, Jesuits remain contemplatives in action who, like their founder, engage critical challenges of the world. Their students and alumni are encouraged to develop their God-given talents and use them in the service of others to help make the world a more just and humane place.
Learn more about St. Ignatius and the University's Jesuit tradition at BC's Jesuit, Catholic website.
University Communications | July 2022