What Staff and Students are Learning About

This week the whole school is focusing on God in All Things. We are looking at St. Ignatius. Sarah Collins, has also led the staff in prayer based on his life and work, deepening our connection and understanding of God in the every day.

St. Ignatius' life was quite interesting. If you get a chance to have a look into it, I encourage it. He was a Spanish soldier, who was actually quite the ladies man. He wanted to marry well to gain a position in society. He spent a lot of time thinking about how to woo women! He was also a bit of a risk taker on the battlefield too. It was on the battlefield where his leg was shattered by a cannonball. His recovery time was long, with complications as the broken leg was not properly set. He insisted on having the leg re-broken and re-set; there was, of course, no anaesthetic. In the end one leg was still shorter than the other. He limped the rest of his life.

It was through his recovery that he spent most of his time reflecting on his experiences and became closer to God. He recorded his experiences in a notebook and would soon find his jottings helpful in guiding others. These notes which he continued to revise and expand over time as he listened to people became his Spiritual Exercises. It was St Ignatius who said, “We can find God in all things.” He reflected on ways we can become closer to God and strengthen our spirituality.

Why are we learning about St Ignatius?

He, alongside St Francis Xavier, founded the Jesuit order. The Society of Jesus. Pope Francis is a Jesuit. In fact the first Jesuit Pope in history.  

Understanding the formation and background of the Pope helps us to understand his approach to leading our church. In his actions we can clearly see the spirituality of St Ignatius.

Catholic Life and Reflection

Last night for the first time in a long time, my youngest climbed into bed with me and let me run my fingers through his hair like I did when he was tiny. I relished it.  He was calm and snuggly. He is taller than me and no longer a baby by any means but it took me back to those moments when he fit on my lap and would fall asleep with a bottle.

I am embracing the quiet and the small at the moment. Finding God in all things.  Where do you see God each day?

God bless, stay safe and well.