In the Footsteps of Saint Ignatius
May 27 - June 5, 2025
Our pilgrimage begins in Bilbao, the birthplace of Father Pedro Arrupe SJ, the 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Jesuit Faculty and Administrators from Loyola Chicago, Loyola Maryland, Saint Louis University, and the College of the Holy Cross gathered to begin our spiritual journey following the footsteps of Saint Ignatius and the Jesuit tradition.
Visit the Loyola Castle, birthplace of Saint Ignatius in 1491. Here we explore the place of his conversion after being wounded at Pamplona and St. Sebastian Church. This sacred site marks the beginning of Ignatius's spiritual transformation.
At this sacred Marian sanctuary, Ignatius took his vow of chastity and poverty, seeking the Virgin's guidance for his spiritual journey. The Basilica of Arantzazu stands as a testament to Basque faith and Ignatius's deepening devotion to Our Lady.
We travel past Pamplona, where Ignatius was grievously wounded in 1521 during the siege by French forces. Imagining the rugged terrain and his difficult transport back to Loyola Castle after such a devastating injury, we continue our journey to the ancestral castle of Saint Francis Xavier, Ignatius's first companion and the great missionary to the East. We spend the night here, reflecting after some hikes and a nice meal.
We stop at the sacred cave where Ignatius spent months in prayer and penance, receiving the mystical experiences that would become the Spiritual Exercises. Here, beside the flowing Cardoner River, Ignatius experienced his most profound illumination—a mystical vision that opened his understanding of divine truths. This holy site, where river meets cave, represents the heart of Ignatian spirituality and discernment.
We spend two nights at this sacred mountain monastery where Ignatius hung up his sword before the Black Madonna and began his new life as a pilgrim. The monastery's ancient chants and mountain peaks provide the perfect setting for retreat, hiking, and reflection.
In Barcelona, we visit Santa Maria del Mar, the Sagrada Familia, and other significant Ignatian sites. This vibrant city connects Ignatius's medieval journey with our modern pilgrimage, showing how his vision continues to inspire across the centuries.
After an early morning flight, our pilgrimage culminates in Rome, where Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus and died. We visit Paul Outside the Walls, walk the ancient Appia Antica, pray at the Gesu, San Ignazio, and Saint Mary Major. We visit the Jesuit Refugee Service at the Jesuit Curia, witnessing the Society's ongoing mission of service, and then are treated a view of the city and the Vatican from the roof of the Curia. We conclude with Mass in the rooms where Saint Ignatius died, next to the Gesu.
As dawn broke on June 5th, our hearts were full and our suitcases perhaps a little heavier (with gifts, mementos, and maybe a few extra pastries). This was the day we all made our way back across the Atlantic, returning to the United States and, in a way, to ourselves—changed, renewed, and deeply grateful.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Landy, whose masterful organization and tireless spirit guided us, even when illness tried to sideline him. To Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J., for his incredible Masses and for pinch-hitting with grace and humor when Tom was under the weather. To our respective institutions, whose support made this journey possible. To our tour guides, who brought history and spirit to life. And to each other—for the laughter, the deep conversations, the prayers, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
We walked in the footsteps of Ignatius and found, in each other, a community of pilgrims—friends who became family. Until we meet again on new roads and at new altars, may the spirit of this pilgrimage continue to inspire us all. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!