Society of Jesus: Life and History: NOVENA TO ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA IN THE LIGHT OF THE YEAR OF HOPE

The Commission for ‘Service of Faith’ is happy to share with you the Novena to St Ignatius of Loyola based on the theme of the Jubilee Year, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The booklet proposes a theme for each day, drawing matter for reflection and prayer from the writings of St Ignatius. Links are also provided to YouTube for some relevant hymns with easy access. They will be useful for small communities that do not have at hand the resources or time to adapt them. We are very grateful to Frs. Ajay D’Silva for preparing the novena prayers, Jossie D’Mello and Jerome D’Souza for the roof reading and editing, and Sch. Denver Pushpam for adding hymns and appropriate pictures.

“Man can live forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air, but only one second without hope.”

Hope never disappoints. Optimism disappoints, but hope does not! We have such a need, in these times which appear dark. We need hope! We feel disoriented and even rather discouraged, because we are powerless, and it seems this darkness will never end. We must not let hope abandon us, because God, with his love, walks with us. “I hope, because God is beside me”: we can all say this. Each one of us can say: “I hope, I have hope, because God walks with me.” He walks and he holds my hand. God does not leave us to ourselves. The Lord Jesus has conquered evil and has opened the path of life for us.

Christian hope is expressed in praise and gratitude to God, who has initiated His Kingdom of love, justice, and peace. … It will truly be a celebration if we welcome Jesus, the seed of hope that God sets down in the furrows of our individual and community history. Every “yes” to Jesus who comes, is a bud of hope. Let us trust in this bud of hope, in this “yes”: “Yes, Jesus, you can save me, you can save me.” If we are to become the people and the Church God dreams of us becoming, this must change. We need hope. After all, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. Hope is the one thing you can’t buy, but that will be given to you freely if you ask. Hope is the one thing people cannot live without. What we read today walks and talks with us tomorrow. We truly do become what we read. I hope this book walks and talks with you so much that God fills your whole mind, your whole body, and your whole soul with hope. I hope you feel proud to be Catholic. We are a people of hope. And our future is even brighter than our past. How will you bring hope to others today?

The Commission for ‘Service of Faith’ has prepared this brief Novena to St Ignatius based on the theme of the Holy Year, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The booklet proposes a theme for each day, drawing matter for reflection and prayer from the writings of St. Ignatius. Links are also provided to YouTube for some relevant hymns for easy access. They will be very useful for small communities that do not have at hand the resources or time to adapt them for use.

HOPE IN THE SPIRIT OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

Day 1: Hope That Heals

Introduction: St. Ignatius referred to himself in his autobiography as ‘the pilgrim’. ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ is the theme of the Holy Year, suggested by Pope Francis. We are all called to be ‘pilgrims of hope’. In a world beset with violence, hatred, strife, suffering and despair, the Lord invites us to be witnesses of hope and bearers of hope, even ‘hoping against hope’ as Abraham did. Through the intercession of Ignatius, let us pray for this grace for ourselves and for the whole Society and for the Church at large.

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that heals’…

Hymn: In the Lord is my Hope (WJL A 53)

Scripture: Romans 5:3 – 5

Psalm:

The Lord is my salvation, He is my light

1. The Lord is my light and my help,

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life,

before whom shall I shrink?

2. When evil-doers draw near

to devour my flesh,

it is they, my enemies and foes,

who stumble and fall.

3. Though an army encamp against me

my heart would not fear;

though war break out against me,

even then would I trust.

A reading from the Autobiography of St. Ignatius:

[2] Here he felt quite unwell. All the doctors and surgeons who were summoned judged that the leg ought to be broken again and the bones reset, saying that because they had been badly set the other time, or it had gotten broken on the road, they were out of place, and this way he could not mend. And once again this butchery was gone through; during it, as in all the others he underwent before or after, he never said a word nor showed any sign of pain other than to clench his fists tightly. [3] Yet he kept getting worse, not being able to eat, and with the other symptoms that usually point to death. When St. John’s day came, because the doctors were far from confident about his health, he was advised to confess; he received the sacraments on the eve of St. Peter and St. Paul. The doctors said that if he did not feel any improvement by midnight, he could be taken for dead. It happened that this sick man was devoted to St. Peter; so Our Lord deigned that he should begin to get better that very midnight. His improvement proceeded so well that some days later it was judged that he was out of danger of death. [4] And his bones having knit together, one bone below the knee was left riding on another, which made the leg shorter. The bone protruded so much that it was an ugly business. He could not bear such a thing because he was set on a worldly career and thought that this would deform him; he asked the surgeons if it could be cut away. They said that it could indeed be cut away, but that the pain would be greater than all that he had suffered, because it was already healed and it would take a while to cut it. And yet he chose on his own to be tortured, though his elder brother was shocked and said that he himself would not dare to suffer such pain but the wounded man bore it with his wonted endurance. [5] After the flesh and excess bone were cut away, remedial measures were taken that the leg might not be short; ointment was often applied, and it was stretched continually with instruments that tortured him for many days. But Our Lord kept giving him health; and he felt so well that he was quite fit except that he could not stand easily on the leg and had perforce to stay in bed.

Reflection: St. Ignatius' healing from a battle wound led him to a profound spiritual awakening. In his autobiography, he describes how during his convalescence, he experienced deep interior movements that led him to choose a life of service to God. This transformation exemplifies how God's grace can heal and redirect our lives.

Moments to Ponder:

As pilgrims of hope, our interior pilgrimage is from darkness to light and from death to life. Could you recall any one experience of inner healing or transformation in your life in the recent past? What was your inner disposition while working towards inner healing?

Prayers:

Lord, we pray for Your holy Church throughout the world. May the Church, inspired by the spiritual legacy of St. Ignatius, always seek the “greater glory of God.” As Ignatius reformed his own life and founded a missionary order, may we too be part of the Church’s constant renewal. Help Church leaders embody the humility and discernment Ignatius showed after his conversion. May the Spirit continue to guide the Body of Christ in faith, hope, and love.

We pray for Pope Leo XVI that he may continue to shepherd the Church with wisdom and compassion. Inspired by St. Ignatius’s teachings, may he always seek to “find God in all things” and lead with discernment. Grant him the strength to remain faithful to Christ’s mission in the face of worldly pressure. Bless all bishops, priests, and deacons with humility; may they serve with a heart rooted in prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Loving Father, we pray for all religious orders, especially the Society of Jesus. May their members reflect the zeal and discipline of St. Ignatius, who formed a company of men on fire for Christ. Just as Ignatius and his companions took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, may today’s religious renew their commitment to holiness and service. Give them the grace to be contemplatives in action—serving the world while grounded in deep prayer. Strengthen their fraternity and mission for Your glory.

Concluding Prayer: O God, who for the greater glory of Your name, by means of Blessed Ignatius, did reinforce Your Church militant with a new army, grant that by his aid and through his example, we so fight on earth as to be worthy to share his crown in heaven. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Noble Knight or It’s all about a cannonball (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF4dHgstOSw)

Day 2: Hope That Perseveres

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that perseveres’…

Hymn: Just like a Child (WJL A 74)

Scripture: James 1: 8 –12

Psalm:

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,

Make known his deeds among the people.

1. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him,

Tell of all His wonderful, wonderful works.

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him,

O give thanks to the Lord.

2. Glory in His holy name,

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice...

Seek the Lord and seek His strength,

Seek His presence continually.

3. He, the Lord, is our mighty God,

Ever keeping His covenant.

Israel their land He gave,

That His people may keep His commands.

A reading from the Spiritual Exercises:

12 The Twelfth. The one giving the Exercises should insist strongly with the person making them that he or she should remain for a full hour in each of the five Exercises or contemplations which will be made each day and further, that the recipient should make sure always to have the satisfaction of knowing that a full hour was spent on the exercise-indeed, more rather than less. For the enemy usually exerts special efforts to get a person to shorten the hour of contemplation, meditation, or prayer.

13 The Thirteenth. This too should be noted. In time of consolation it is easy and scarcely taxing to remain in contemplation for a full hour, but during desolation it is very hard to fill out the time. Hence, to act against the desolation and overcome the temptations, the exercitant ought to remain always a little longer than the full hour, and in this way become accustomed not merely to resist the enemy but even to defeat him.

Reflection: In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius speaks of spiritual desolation as a trial permitted by God. He encourages us to view such desolation as an opportunity for growth and to persevere with hope, trusting that God's consolation will return.

Moments to Ponder:

When you went through desolation in your life, what were you going through: an attitude of giving up of perseverance? If you persevered during desolation, what was the source of that perseverance?

Prayers:

Gracious God, we pray for all young people in the world. May they, like the young Ignatius, come to realise that true joy is found not in vanity but in serving You. Inspire them with Ignatius’s courage to dream big—not for their own glory but for the building of Your kingdom. When faced with confusion and temptation, may they seek clarity through prayer and discernment. Lord, guide their hearts to You as their ultimate purpose and peace.

Heavenly Father, we ask for the grace of discernment in all areas of our lives. St. Ignatius developed a powerful method of spiritual discernment that continues to help countless souls. Help us listen carefully to Your gentle promptings and distinguish between spirits. Like Ignatius at Manresa, may we learn to see how You work through our consolations and desolations. Give us wisdom, peace, and courage to choose what leads us closer to You.

God of truth and knowledge, bless all educators, students, and academic institutions. May they be inspired by St. Ignatius, who pursued education not for personal advancement but to serve Your Church better. As he studied theology and philosophy in Paris, he invited others to deepen their understanding of You. May today’s teachers and learners grow in faith, knowledge, and love. Let learning always be a path toward encountering Christ.

Concluding Prayer: O God, who for the greater glory of Your name, by means of Blessed Ignatius, did reinforce Your Church militant with a new army, grant that by his aid and through his example, we so fight on earth as to be worthy to share his crown in heaven. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Yedeyalada pisumaatugala (Kannada) (youtube.com/watch?v=PvtcVH8Bg6o)

Day 3: Hope That Inspires

Introduction: St. Ignatius referred to himself in his autobiography as ‘the pilgrim’. ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ is the theme of the Holy Year, suggested by Pope Francis. We are all called to be ‘pilgrims of hope’. In a world beset with violence, hatred, strife, suffering and despair, the Lord invites us to be witnesses of hope and bearers of hope, even ‘hoping against hope’ as Abraham did. Through the intercession of Ignatius, let us pray for this grace for ourselves and for the whole Society and for the Church at large.

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that inspires’…

Hymn: Come let us Go (WJL A101)

Scripture: Philippians 4: 10 –13

Psalm:

How great is the Lord, our God,

Sing and bless his name.

1. O sing a new song to the Lord,

O sing to the Lord, all the earth,

O sing to the Lord, bless his name,

Proclaim his help day by day,

Tell among the nations his glory.

And his wonders among all the peoples.

2. The Lord is great and worthy of praise,

To be feared above all gods.

The gods of the heathens are naught.

It was the Lord who made the heavens.

His are majesty and state and power.

And splendour in his holy place.

A reading from the Autobiography of St. Ignatius:

[7] Nevertheless Our Lord assisted him, causing other thoughts, that arose from the things he read, to follow these. For in reading the life of Our Lord and of the saints, he stopped to think, reasoning within himself, "What if I should do this which St Francis did: and this which St Dominic did?" Thus he pondered over many things that he found good, always proposing to himself what was difficult and burdensome; and as he so proposed, it seemed easy for him to accomplish it. But he did no more than argue within himself, saying, "St Dominic did this, so I have to do it; St Francis did this, so I have to do it." These thoughts also lasted a good while; then, other things coming in between, the worldly ones mentioned above returned, and he also stayed long with them. This succession of such diverse thoughts lasted for quite some time, and he always dwelt at length on the thought that turned up, either of the worldly exploits he wished to perform or of these others of God that came to his imagination, until he tired of it and put it aside and turned to other matters.

Reflection: St. Ignatius found inspiration in the lives of saints. He aspired to emulate their virtues and dedication to God's service. This imitation of Christ and the saints inspired him to found the Society of Jesus, a community dedicated to the service of the Church and the promotion of justice.

Moments to Ponder:

What / who is the source of your inspiration in your daily life? What inspires you and draws you to this source? In what way, this source has made a difference in your life-mission? Do you see the face of God in the poor and the marginalised? Do you feel at home in the company of the weak and downtrodden?

Prayers:

O Lord, You taught us to serve the least among us. We remember how Ignatius, after his conversion, gave up his fine clothes to a beggar and embraced a life of simplicity. May we too shed our lukewarmness and draw near to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. Let our compassion be active and generous, like Ignatius’s service among the sick at Manresa. May we see the face of Christ in those in need and respond with love.

Loving Healer, bless those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Just as You spoke to Ignatius during his long convalescence from battle wounds, speak to us in our moments of weakness. Help us find purpose even in our pain, and grace in our waiting. May the sick encounter You in their trials and find consolation through faith. Lord, bring them comfort and healing through Your presence.

God of mercy, we pray for all who are imprisoned, physically or spiritually. St. Ignatius himself faced imprisonment for preaching and was no stranger to confinement. Even in chains, his heart remained free in Christ. May those in prison today encounter Your mercy, forgiveness, and hope. Inspire us to offer compassion and not judgment, and help them see that no one is beyond the reach of Your love.

Hymn: Noble Knight or The Prayer of Generosity (youtube.com/watch?v=kY7hQVQ6DA4)

Day 4: Hope That Empowers

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that empowers’…

Hymn: Great indeed are your works (WJL CC 6) or Christ be our light (youtube.com/watch?v=ZJq3bhdgQoc)

Scripture: Acts 1:5-8a

Psalm:

Great is your name, Lord,

Its majesty fills the earth.

1. Your majesty is praised above the heavens;

On the lips of children and of babes.

You have found praise to foil your enemy.

To silence the foe and the rebel.

2. When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,

The moon and the stars which you arranged,

What is man that you should keep him in mind,

Mortal man that you care for him?

Readings from the Spiritual Diary of St. Ignatius:

I had very many intuitions about the blessed Trinity, my mind being enlightened with them to such an extent that it seemed to me that with hard study I would not have known so much [Feb 19, 52]

During the prayers to the Father, it seemed that Jesus was presenting them, or accompanied those that I was saying, before the Father: and I felt or saw in a way that cannot be explained in those terms [Feb 25, 77]

Reflection: St. Ignatius' encounter with the risen Christ empowered him to dedicate his life to God's service. In his letters, he often speaks of the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and of empowering others to live out their faith.

Moments to Ponder:

The Holy Spirit is the protagonist of our life-mission. Where is the Holy Spirit calling you and your community at this point of time keeping in mind both our internal and external context? Recall some of the moments when you were attuned to the Holy Spirit and as a result you led a life of consolation and joy. Be grateful to the Spirit for such grace-filled moments in your life.

Prayers:

God of peace, bring reconciliation to our world and into our hearts. Just as Ignatius chose forgiveness over vengeance after his injury, help us to choose healing over hatred. Give us the courage to reconcile with those who have hurt us and to seek forgiveness where we have caused pain. May we become peacemakers in our homes, communities, and nations. Let your peace reign where violence and division persist.

Lord, humble our hearts and free us from the chains of pride. Ignatius once sought glory on the battlefield and the favour of nobility, but he learned that true greatness lies in surrender to You. Teach us to place our worth not in worldly praise but in Your love. Let our ambitions be purified by grace so that we may seek to serve rather than to be served. May humility open our hearts to Your will.

Jesus, Lord of the harvest, call forth workers into Your vineyard. As You once inspired Ignatius and his companions to form the Society of Jesus, raise up young men and women with generous hearts. May they listen for Your voice with openness and trust. Strengthen seminarians, novices, and those in formation with zeal, purity, and perseverance. Let the witness of Ignatius inspire many to give their lives fully to You.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Ad majorem Dei gloriam (Latin)

Day 5: Hope That Unites

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that unites’…

Hymn: Prayer for Unity (WJL D3) or Companions on a journey (youtube.com/watch?v=zfYZCQXFm0Q)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 – 6

Psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd;

There is nothing I shall want

1. My shepherd is the Lord;

There is nothing I shall want,

Fresh and green are the pastures

Where he gives me repose.

2. Near restful waters he leads me.

To revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path:

He is true to his name.

A reading from the letter of St. Ignatius to Fr. Simon Rodrigues [Rome, March 18, 1542]:

I wish to remind you of all this because if you there and we here have one and the same end of always serving our Creator and Lord in all respects ever more and more, and are faithful and grateful to those to whom under the Divine Goodness we owe so much, we shall try with all the strength that heaven gives us to carry our share of the spiritual and corporal labours and trials, many of which the enemy of our human nature for quite the contrary end has endeavoured to sow between these great and important personages.

Reflection: St. Ignatius emphasised the importance of unity within the Church. He founded the Society of Jesus to promote the greater glory of God and the good of souls, fostering unity through shared mission and purpose.

Moments to Ponder:

When we are united with the Lord, we also experience union with our fellow human beings. Are you a source of division or unity in your community and work place? Today recall those people with whom you find difficult to relate and allow God to enter into that relationship and ask for forgiveness and healing.

Prayers:

O Holy Spirit, guide those who are discerning a major decision in life. Like Ignatius, who spent months discerning whether to serve God as a priest or continue his pilgrimage, teach us patience and clarity. Help us to listen with open hearts and surrender our own preferences. Lead us along the path that brings us closer to You and allows us to serve others generously. May our choices reflect Your will and not merely our desires.

God of wisdom, we pray for leaders in all walks of life—the Church, government, education, and business. May they serve with justice and humility, as Ignatius led the Jesuits not through domination but through spiritual wisdom and cura personalis, care for souls. Give them the grace to resist corruption and to place the common good above personal gain. Inspire them to lead not with ego but with service. Let their leadership reflect the Gospel values You taught us.

God of grace, help us to have inner sensitivity to the least manifestations of Your love, so that we could instinctively discern what would be truly pleasing to You in every little detail of our life and work. Grant us the grace to discern your will in our daily life.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Dheera yodhare (Kannada) (youtube.com/watch?v=S8I2CihFEgk)

Day 6: Hope That Transforms

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that transforms’…

Hymn: Christ's Love for us (WJL DD 36) or Great things happen when God mixes (youtube.com/watch?v=dfHrlBCxb78)

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14 – 17

Psalm:

All you who wait in hope for the Lord,

Be strong, let your heart be bold.

1. In you, Lord, do I ever seek for help;

my plea, you will not spurn.

In your care, in your justice,

set me free and quickly rescue me.

2. Take me out of the net concealed for me;

my refuge, Lord, you are.

Into your hands I commend my spirit, Lord,

for you are my Redeemer.

A reading from the Autobiography of St. Ignatius:

[21] But soon after the temptation noted above, he began to have great changes in his soul. Sometimes he felt sorts that he found no relish in saying prayers nor in hearing Mass nor in any other devotion he might practise. At other times quite the opposite of this came over him so suddenly that he seemed to have thrown off sadness and desolation Just as one snatches a cape from another's shoulders Now he started getting perturbed by the changes that he had never experienced before, and he said to himself, “What new life is this that we are now beginning?” At this time he still conversed occasionally with spiritual persons who had regard for him and wanted to talk to him, because even though he had no knowledge of spiritual matters, yet in his speech be revealed great fervour and eagerness to go forward in God's service.

Reflection: St. Ignatius' transformation from a soldier to a servant of Christ is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. His Spiritual Exercises guide individuals to discern God's will and to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Moments to Ponder:

St Ignatius experienced inner transformation after going through several hours of prayer, fasting and penance at Manresa. What has been the role of spiritual activities in your life? Have you become today more loving, more caring, and more service minded because of your spirituality? If not, what has impeded the inner transformation?

Prayers:

Lord, your ways are mysterious, sometimes beyond our comprehension. Sometimes we feel disheartened and sad. Help us to see your loving hand in the various happenings of our life – joyful or painful.

We pray for all those working in remote places for your kingdom with the aim of transforming the world. Lord, be with them and help them in their difficulties so that they may experience your presence and work tirelessly to bring your peace and love to those oppressed by society.

That those who wrongly accuse us of making forceful conversions, may be enlightened to look at facts with unbiased eyes and recognise the truth and they may support our good work.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Arivagide yenna ee baalige (Kannada) (youtube.com/watch?v=EXgu5ojix-M)

Day 7: Hope That Liberates

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that liberates’…

Hymn: Make me a Channel of Peace (WJL D 51) or The world stands in need of liberation (youtube.com/watch?v=izh-pUoFpbs)

Scripture: John 8:30 –36

Psalm:

O glorify the Lord with me,

And let us exalt his name together.

1. I sought the Lord's help and He answered me,

He set me free from all my terrors.

Look towards Him and shine with joy:

No longer hang your head in shame.

2. Here was a poor wretch who cried to the Lord.

He heard him and saved him from his troubles.

The angel of the Lord is on guard

Round those who fear Him and rescues them.

A reading from the Spiritual Exercises:

178 The First Point is to put before myself the matter about which I wish to make an election, for example, an office or a benefice to be taken or relinquished, or any other thing which falls under the heading of a changeable election.

179 The Second Point. It is necessary to keep as my objective the end for which I am created, to praise God our Lord and save my soul. Furthermore, I ought to find myself indifferent, that is, without any disordered affection, to such an extent that I am not more inclined or emotionally disposed toward taking the matter proposed rather than relinquishing it, nor more toward relinquishing it rather than taking it. Instead, I should find myself in the middle, like the pointer of a balance, in order to be ready to follow that which I shall perceive to be more to the glory and praise of God our Lord and the salvation of my soul.

Reflection: St. Ignatius' concept of "indifference" involves being free from inordinate attachments, allowing one to choose freely the path that most serves God's will. This freedom leads to true liberation in Christ.

Moments to Ponder:

Inner Freedom is one of the non-negotiables for any discernment. Recall some of your decisions made in the recent past: were you inwardly free while making such decisions? What are some of your disordered affections? Share your consolations and desolations with the Lord in the area of disordered affections.

Prayers

God of our labour, bless all who work and strive to earn their daily bread. Ignatius, though deeply spiritual, valued education and excellence in one’s vocation. May all workers find dignity in their tasks and offer their labour as a form of prayer. Teach us to work with integrity and purpose, mindful of those who are unemployed or exploited. Through Ignatius’s example, may we find balance between action and contemplation.

Our aim in life should be to help others. We have a model who went about doing good. As we contemplate the Christ of the Spiritual Exercises – Christ who is a tireless herald of the Father's love, constantly on the move, and constantly with people – give us abundant zeal for the mission of making Jesus known, loved and followed by everyone everywhere.

For millions of refugees uprooted from their homes, often lodged in the poorest of countries, wandering from place to place in pitiful conditions, unwanted by everyone.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Soul of my Saviour (youtube.com/watch?v=pKxfIpVH-lo)

or Anima Christi (Latin) (youtube.com/watch?v=mQ1myt4-gX4)

Day 8: Hope That Sustains

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that sustains’…

Hymn: You be my Light, O Lord (WJL G 52)

Scripture: Isaiah 40:25 – 31

Psalm:

All you peoples, cry out to God.

Clapping your hands with songs of joy.

1. All you peoples, clap your hands,

Cry to God with shouts of joy!

For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear

Great king over all the earth.

2. He subdues peoples under us

and nations under our feet.

Our inheritance, our glory, is from him

given to Jacob out of love.

A reading from the Spiritual Exercises:

317 The Fourth, about spiritual desolation. By [this kind of] desolation I mean everything which is the contrary of what was described in the Third Rule; for example, obtuseness of soul, turmoil within it, an impulsive motion toward low and earthly things, or disquiet from various agitations and temptations. These move one toward lack of faith and leave one without hope and without love. One is completely listless, tepid, and unhappy, and feels separated from our Creator and Lord. For just as consolation is contrary to desolation, so the thoughts which arise from consolation are likewise contrary to those which spring from desolation.

318 The Fifth. During a time of desolation one should never make a change. Instead, one should remain firm and constant in the resolutions and in the decision which one had on the day before the desolation, or in a decision in which one was during a previous time of consolation. For just as the good spirit is chiefly the one who guides and counsels us in time of consolation, so it is the evil spirit who does this in time of desolation. By following his counsels we can never find the way to a right decision.

Reflection: St. Ignatius teaches that hope is a source of spiritual consolation, providing strength and peace. Even in times of desolation, he encourages us to trust that God's grace will sustain us.

Moments to Ponder:

What has kept you going in times of desolation, pain and suffering? What has helped you to fix your gaze on the Lord in times of struggles and what has not helped you? Let your gaze be fixed on the Crucified Lord for a while. Listen to his whispering: Fear not, I am with you. May these words of console and strengthen you.

Prayers:

Lord, you kindled in the heart of Ignatius a deep desire to offer his life for your service; so too kindle in us an ardent desire to serve you, setting aside all selfish tendencies, and becoming truly men for others as Ignatius and his first companions were.

Lord, we pray that when we are discouraged or impatient, that things change so slowly in ourselves and in our people, in our communities, in our institutions, in the Church and in the world, may your fidelity and loving kindness stir up in us a strong and living hope.

O Lord, we pray for an experience of the Holy Spirit, which you gave to Ignatius. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, his understanding was elevated, and the effects of it. May we, too, receive the gifts of the Spirit.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Thou whose grand heroic story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBR0qCzltRA)

Day 9: Hope That Rejoices

Today, let us reflect on ‘Hope that rejoices’…

Hymn: Rejoice in the Lord (WJL A 54)

Scripture: Romans 15: 9 –13

Psalm:

My soul, give thanks to the living God:

All my being, bless his holy name.

1. My soul, give thanks to the Lord,

All my being, bless his holy name.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord

And never forget all his blessings.

2. But the love of the Lord is everlasting

Upon those who hold him in fear;

And age after age, he will do justice

To those who keep his covenant in truth.

A reading from the Autobiography of St. Ignatius:

29 SECOND. Once, the manner in which God had created the world was presented to his understanding with great spiritual joy. He seemed to see something white. from which some rays were coming, and God made light from this. But he did not know how to explain these things, nor did he remember too well the spiritual enlightenment that God was imprinting on his soul at the time. THIRD. At Manresa too, where he stayed almost a year, after he began to be consoled by God, and saw the fruit which he bore in dealing with souls, he gave up those extremes he had formerly practised, and he now cut his nails and his hair. One day in this town, while he was hearing Mass in the church of the monastery mentioned above, at the elevation of the Body of the Lord, he saw with interior eyes something like white rays coming from above. Although he cannot explain this very well after so long a time, nevertheless, what he saw clearly with his understanding was how Jesus Christ our Lord was there in that Most Holy sacrament

Reflection: St. Ignatius concludes his Spiritual Exercises with the "Suscipe", a prayer of joyful surrender to God's will. This act of trust and surrender leads to a deep and abiding joy in God's presence.

Moments to Ponder:

As pilgrims of hope, let this be your prayer: “Give me love of yourself along with your grace, for that is enough for me.” Repeat this prayer in silence meditatively. As you are on the last day of the Novena to the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, may the pilgrim Saint intercede for you, your community, your family, your beneficiaries and your partners in mission. May all of you joyfully surrender to God’s plan like St Ignatius.

Prayers:

Lord, transform our hearts just as You transformed the heart of Ignatius of Loyola. In his pride, he once pursued worldly fame, but in suffering, he found the love of Christ. May we, too, recognize Your hand in our trials and allow You to redirect our desires. Teach us to surrender our ambitions, letting Your will shape our lives. Through Ignatius’s intercession, help us seek conversion daily with sincerity and resole.

Lord of the harvest, we lift up missionaries and evangelists across the world. May they be strengthened by the example of Ignatius and his companions, who went to every corner of the earth for Your glory. Give them courage to face hardship with joy, knowing You are with them always. Let their witness plant seeds of faith in every culture, every heart. May their lives reflect the same fire that burned within Ignatius for spreading the Gospel.

Loving Father, bless all families and strengthen their bonds of love and unity. In Ignatius’s early life, he received both the values and challenges of family life in the Loyola household. Teach families to be schools of love, forgiveness, and prayer. May they grow together in faith, especially in times of difficulty or division. Guide parents to lead with wisdom, and children to walk in Your light.

Hymn: Noble Knight or Take my heart, O Lord (youtube.com/watch?v=Mxg-qBhZ7M8)

Prayer of Generosity

Lord, teach me to be generous.

Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labour and not to ask for reward,

save that of knowing that I do your will.

Noble Knight

Noble Knight, leader of a brave array,

Lead us on, O lead us on, we will fight

'Neath thy sway, 'neath thy sway.

What tho' foes gather near, we don't fear, We don't fear!

We'll not shun, we'll not quit This our noble career;

We will stand ever true till death to thee;

True to God, to Faith, to thee, true to thee;

Lead us on gallantly, ever on valiantly

'Neath thy banner to fight, For the Church and its right.

All for God's own glory is our cry, battle cry!

Not for gain, nor in vain is our strife in this life,

But for God who is our King, all our hearts to him we bring.

Growing stronger and stronger as fighting lasts longer,

And purer and purer to make heaven surer,

With crosses and trials, and many denials

We'll stop! But to die: true loyal to our King

Who reigns on high.

Ignatius, lead us on, till we die!

It takes courage

It takes courage to answer a call,

It takes courage to give your all,

It takes courage to risk your name

It takes courage to be true.

It takes courage to dare, what no other would share,

To be standing alone, one whom no one will own,

To be ready to stake, to be loyal not fake,

It takes courage to be true.

It takes courage to say what you know will not pay,

To give each one a share though there’ll be less to spare.

To be seeking no more than the neighbor next door.

It takes courage to be true.

It takes courage to leave what good fortune can give,

And to go to a land where the poor need a hand;

To be spending one’s days in less leisurely ways.

It takes courage to be true.

Soul of Christ

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O Good Jesus, hear me.

Within your wounds hide me.

Permit me not to be separated from you.

From the wicked foe, defend me.

At the hour of my death, call me

and bid me come to you

That with your saints I may praise you

For ever and ever. Amen.

Society of Jesus: Life and History

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Thursday, 31 July 2025

NOVENA TO ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA IN THE LIGHT OF THE YEAR OF HOPE

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