On the occasion of the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a renowned figure in the history of Christianity, the Gospel’s teachings come alive in a thought-provoking public sculpture. This remarkable artwork celebrates the essence of the Examen, a prayer popularized by Saint Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises, which encourages believers to reflect on God’s presence in their daily lives.
The sculpture, created by two talented artists based in New York for Fairfield University, features two identical figures of Saint Ignatius facing each other, their intense gazes locked in a profound contemplation. One figure is depicted in white, while the other is portrayed in dark shades. This duality symbolizes the Examen’s essence, urging individuals to introspect on both the positive and negative aspects of their day.
Drawing inspiration from the dancer-like pose of the sculptures, the artwork beautifully captures the joyous nature of the Examen. In this prayer of self-examination, believers dance around the events, emotions, and experiences of their day, seeking to notice God’s presence in the mundane and extraordinary moments alike.
The faces of the sculptures were meticulously crafted using casts of Saint Ignatius’ death mask, an exceptional touch that adds an authentic connection to the historical figure. The death mask casts were obtained from the Museum of the Church of the Gesù in Rome, providing a tangible link to the saint’s profound spiritual legacy.
The Examen, as prescribed by Saint Ignatius, comprises five essential steps to foster a closer connection with God:
- Presence: Acknowledging the constant presence of God in one’s life.
- Gratitude: Reflecting on the events of the day for which one is particularly grateful.
- Review: Recounting the day’s events and identifying moments where God’s presence was experienced.
- Sorrow: Examining and seeking forgiveness for any actions or shortcomings that cause regret.
- Grace: Praying for God’s guidance and grace in the coming day.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to deepen their faith and embrace the joy of self-examination through the Examen. On this auspicious day, believers around the world join in prayer, seeking the intercession of Saint Ignatius and remembering his valuable teachings.
As the Feast of Saint Ignatius coincides with the forthcoming World Youth Day, the faithful are called to set aside fear and embark on a joyful journey of faith and solidarity. World Youth Day, a global gathering of young people from diverse backgrounds, offers an opportunity to experience the universality of the Catholic Church and strengthen their spiritual bonds.
Pope Francis, who will be present at the event in Lisbon, dedicates his prayer intention for August to World Youth Day, encouraging young pilgrims to be courageous witnesses of Christ’s love in the world. With their hearts filled with faith and hope, the youth pilgrims embark on a week-long pilgrimage, seeking to deepen their relationship with God and foster a sense of togetherness and unity within the Church.
As the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is commemorated and World Youth Day commences, believers worldwide unite in prayer, reflecting on the teachings of the Gospel, and seeking divine guidance on their spiritual journeys. The legacy of Saint Ignatius continues to illuminate the path of faith, inspiring generations to come.