Funny name, “Iggy.” Not “Iggy Pop”, but rather, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Great spiritual teacher, champion in service to the poor, leader in social justice. The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola on 31 July.

I remember visiting a friend twenty plus years ago; at the time my friend was a Jesuit (a member of the Society of Jesus, the religious order Ignatius founded and lead, some five hundred years ago).

Somewhere while I was visiting my buddy, somewhere in that Jesuit World I was in, I saw a sign on a wall or pamphlet or something where St. Ignatius referred to as “Iggy”.

At the time I recall thinking, “…that seems pretty ‘familiar’ a reference to the guy who founded / lead your organization…”. But then upon further reflection, it occurred to me that maybe that nickname made Ignatius, and the heady, deep spiritual and service work these men were committed to…maybe that nickname for their founder seem more accessible, more relevant to all the work that is needed, all the service opportunities that exist in all communities, near and far.

I considered that path, the Jesuit path, a long while back, in my twenties. Ultimately decided I would rather live a life of service in the secular world, inspired by faith, spirituality, and people like Ignatius and the Jesuits.

Some Jesuit-related thoughts that have stuck with me these last 40-ish years…

“God In All Things.”

“For the Greater Glory of God.”

“Spirituality rooted in service to others.”

“The Examen.”

“Jesus and his story at the center of spiritual foundation and fortitude.”

That last one, it’s the most dynamic for me; Jesus as the center of the story. But then I think, Jesus himself would not have said, “I am the center of the story…”, though the Gospel of John (and maybe tons of other Christians) would flatly reject that belief…

So be it.

In the end, Ignatius and the Jesuits continue to inspire me, and I honor him, and them, on this Feast Day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 31 July. If you’d like to read more about Iggy, see link below.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-ignatius-of-loyola-549#:~:text=On%20July%2031%2C%20the%20Universal,for%20retreats%20and%20individual%20discernment.