Saint Peter’s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., his wife AnnMarie and Rev. Michael Braden, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, joined alumni and friends for an unforgettable eight-day journey through Spain to walk “In the Footsteps of Ignatius” earlier this month.
“The places we visited gave the group an opportunity to experience St. Ignatius’ life and spirituality and gain an appreciation for what gave birth to the Society of Jesus,” said Gloria Mercurio, executive director of alumni engagement, who also attended the trip. “It was enlightening in many ways as we explored not only Jesuit heritage, but the cultures of a beautiful land.”
The program combined guided visits, liturgies in historical sites and cultural and culinary activities all within the breathtaking Spanish countryside. The group also visited places of great historical and religious significance, such as Loyola, Xavier, Monserrat, Manresa and Barcelona.
Participants traveled to experience the life of St. Ignatius during his time in Spain. Highlights included a trip to Loyola to visit the 15th century castle where Ignatius was born; a tour of the Hospital of Magdalene in St. Sebastian, where he stayed and healed from wounds incurred at the battle of Pamplona; an excursion to Manresa, the site where St. Ignatius arrived in 1522 from Monserrat and spent 10 months in a cave on retreat while writing The Spiritual Exercises; and a visit to the Sacred Heart Church, built by the Jesuits to hold the sword of St. Ignatius, which he relinquished in Monserrat in the 1500s.
“It was wonderful for me to see how well and eagerly the people on the trip embraced the early travels of St. Ignatius,” said Fr. Braden. “Everyone had a wonderful time.” As an added bonus, Fr. Braden celebrated two Masses during the trip, one in the Conversion Chapel in the castle where St. Ignatius was born and the other in a chapel within the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, where a statue of Our Lady, created around 40 A.D., resides and was visited by St. Ignatius.
Missed this event but are interested in becoming reacquainted with alma mater? Visit alumni.saintpeters.edu for upcoming events, the alumni online community and more!
