Simple Ways to Celebrate the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

July 24, 2024

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Feast day: July 31
Patron saint of Retreats

The founder of the Jesuits and mystic St. Ignatius of Loyola initially had no intention of being a follower of Christ, preferring military success and fortune. But when he was bedridden after a cannonball shattered his leg, he read the life of Christ and the saints, was deeply moved, and began his long, painful conversion to Christ. Known for writing Spiritual Exercises, his spirituality can be summed up in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam—“For the greater glory of God.”

We have a few simple ways to celebrate:

1. Pray the Suscipe Prayer

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

2. Pray the Daily Examen

Tonight before bed, pray the Examen, a contemplative prayer led by memory that St. Ignatius wrote:

Give thanks to God for all the ways he has blessed you today.
Ask for the grace to see where you’ve sinned today and for the strength to reject your sins.
Examine the day by reviewing your morning, midday, afternoon, and evening. What were your thoughts, words, and deeds during these times?
Ask God to forgive you for your sins and shortcomings of the day.
Out of love for Jesus, determine to do better with the help of the Holy Spirit.

3. Make an AMDG Keychain

Supplies:
Raw Leather
Leather Hole Puncher
Leather Stamping Tools
Brass Key Ring
Solid Brass Button
Hammer
Fabric Scissors

Ad majorem Dei gloriam or AMDG (For the greater glory of God) is the motto of the Society of Jesus, which Ignatius founded. Trace the keychain template on the back of your leather with a pencil. Carefully cut it out. Fold it over the key ring and mark where you want to position your rivet; make sure to mark it on both sides of the fold. Open it up and punch a hole on both sides with your leather punch. Fold it over around the key ring, then screw in the rivet. Grab the letters A, M, D, and G from your metal stamps and a hammer. Place the piece of tape along the line where you want your letters to align them. If you want them to be exact, you can measure the spaces out and mark with a pencil. Place your letters on the leather and hammer to indent it.

Not up for making one? You can purchase an AMDG keychain here!

4. Have a Cannonball Contest

Ignatius talked about his “cannonball moment” when his whole life changed. Have a cannonball contest at the swimming pool!