July 31, 2025, Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Holy Rosary (Luminous Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary,Today, July 31, is the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556).With nine companions—Francis Xavier, among them—Ignatius formed the Jesuits, a society for the service of Jesus, that embarked on missionary activities, the establishment of colleges and universities, and counter-Reformation preaching.The motto of the Company of Jesus: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—“For the greater glory of God.”Born in the Kingdom of Navarre, in Spain, after a wayward youth, Ignatius converted in his early thirties. He sought penance and solitude in Manresa, Spain, near Barcelona, where he began to compose his Spiritual Exercises.While he was convalescing, after a cannonball fractured his left leg at the siege of Pamplona, Ignatius read about Christ and His saints and thus turned wholly to God. He then equipped himself for Christ's service by acquiring a good classical and theological education.The members of the Society of Jesus became the shock troops of the Church in the battle against the spread of Protestantism in Europe, as well as one of the greatest foreign mission organizations that the world has known.Ignatius ever desired to suffer far more for the glory of his Lord.According to several pontiffs, God raised up Ignatius and the Society founded by him to oppose Luther and the heretics of his time.He devoted himself unweariedly to gaining souls for God. His power over the demons was wonderful. St. Philip Neri and others saw his countenance shining with heavenly light.He was celebrated for miracles and for his great services to the Church.Pius XI, in response to the prayers of the episcopate, declared him the heavenly patron of all Spiritual Exercises.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play