TODAY is the 400th anniversary of the canonization of St Ignatius of Loyola and St

Francis Xavier, two of the founders of the Society of Jesus. Later today, Pope
Francis himself will mark this milestone by celebrating the Eucharist at the Vatican
in honor of these two great saints. For Jesuits, today is the high point of the Year-
long celebration of the Ignatian Year, which marks the 500 th year of Ignatius’
conversion. We offer this mass for the intentions of the Society and the Universal
Church. Let us begin then by offering a prayer for blessings during this Ignatian
Year.

In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of all people,

You were there when the cannonball shattered the leg of St.
Ignatius, shattered his dreams, and shattered what he assumed
his life would be. Even in a moment of pain and uncertainty, doubt
and darkness, you spoke to Ignatius a word of peace and light.
You showed him the path to you and the person he might become.

We may not be soldiers, standing in the path of a literal

cannonball. And yet we've been hit all the same. Cannonballs
shatter our own hopes and dreams and expectations.

Like Ignatius, may we hear the compassionate voice of your Son

in the aftermath of these cannonball blasts. May we seek the face
of Christ even when our dreams are shattered. May we turn and
follow Jesus with the courage it takes to change and grow.

As we journey through this Ignatian Year, may we be shown the

path to you, God of all people, and live our vocation,
becoming the person you have invited us to be. Give us the grace
to work for reconciliation every day: with you, with others and with
your creation. Open our eyes so we might see all things new in
Christ. AMEN.

In the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.