General Superior Of The Jesuits Announces An Ignatian Year: "To See All Things New In Christ"

TWO MOMENTS OF THE IGNATIAN YEAR

In 2018, Fr General Arturo Sosa announced that between 2021 and 2022 the Ignatian Year will be commemorated, to commemorate two important moments in the life of this religious Order.

The first is the 500th anniversary (Quincentenary) of the conversion of St Ignatius of Loyola after he was wounded at the Battle of Pamplona (1521-2021). The second moment, the 400th anniversary (Quadricentennial) of the canonization of its founder, together with St Francis Xavier (1622-2022).

This jubilee year, Fr Arturo Sosa mentioned, will be the right occasion to discuss fundamental themes of the life and mission of the Society of Jesus, such as Ignatian discernment and spirituality.

“We want to celebrate this Ignatian year not as a self-referential triumphalism, but as a special opportunity for service to the Church. To offer her the best of what is ours in the genuine spirit of Contemplation to attain Love, in that communication of the two standards...,” he said.

LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE ENTIRE SOCIETY OF JESUS ON 27TH SEPTEMBER 2019

In a letter circulated to the entire Society of Jesus on 27th September 2019, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, declared that this Ignatian Year will last 14 months, from 20th May 2021, the date of Ignatius’ injury during the Battle of Pamplona, to 31st July 2022, the feast of Saint Ignatius in the liturgical calendar.

Linked to the experience of the founder of the Society of Jesus to undergo a long convalescence during which he was able to reflect on his life, on the meaning that his life had until then and on the meaning that it could have afterwards. Fr General writes, “It is my desire that at the heart of this Ignatian Year we would hear the Lord calling us, and we would allow him to work our conversion inspired by the personal experience of Ignatius.”

IGNATIAN YEAR AND THE UNIVERSAL APOSTOLIC PREFERENCES

Fr General makes the connection between the Ignatian Year and the spirit of the Universal Apostolic Preferences. He writes "The Universal Apostolic Preferences (2019-2029) have confirmed the call to our personal, community, and institutional conversion, which is necessary for our greater spiritual and apostolic freedom and adaptability. Let us take this opportunity to let God transform our life-mission, according to his will."

In line with the theme of conversion, the motto chosen for the celebration is "To see all things new in Christ." A specific dimension is highlighted by Fr Sosa, that of poverty which, he insists, includes personal friendship with the poor and help for the poor. The Ignatian Year should be a privileged opportunity to hear the cry of the poor, the excluded, and those whose dignity has not been respected.