While studying at Barcelona, Ignatius was in doubt whether, after completing his studies, he should enter some Religious Order, or go from place to place, according to his custom. He decided to enter upon the religious life. – Saint Ignatius
Be generous to the poor orphans and those in need. The man to whom our Lord has been liberal ought not to be stingy. We shall one day find in Heaven as much rest and joy as we ourselves have dispensed in this life. – Saint Ignatius
The principal end both of my father and of myself in the conquest of India… has been the propagation of the holy Catholic faith. – Saint Ignatius
Among the many signs of a lively faith and hope we have in eternal life, one of the surest is not being overly sad at the death of those whom we dearly love in our Lord. – Saint Ignatius
God our Lord would have us look to the Giver and love Him more than His gift, keeping Him always before our eyes, in our hearts, and in our thoughts. – Saint Ignatius
The safest and most suitable form of penance seems to be that which causes pain in the flesh but does not penetrate to the bones, that is, which causes suffering but not sickness. – Saint Ignatius
It is a great delusion in those whose understanding has been darkened by self-love, to think that there is any obedience in the subject who tries to draw the superior to what he wishes. – Saint Ignatius
Spiritual infirmities such as tepidity are caused, not only by chills but also by fevers, that is, by excessive zeal. – Saint Ignatius
We should love the body insofar as it is obedient and helpful to the soul, since the soul, with the body’s help and service, is better disposed for the service and praise of our Creator and Lord. – Saint Ignatius
Experience proves that in this life peace and satisfaction are had, not by the listless but by those who are fervent in God’s service. And rightly so. For in their effort to overcome themselves and to rid themselves of self-love, they rid themselves of the roots of all passion and unrest. – Saint Ignatius
May the perfect grace and eternal love of Christ our Lord be our never-failing protection and help. – Saint Ignatius
Considering that the blessed life we so long for consists in an intimate and true love of God Our Creator and Lord, which binds and obliges us all to a sincere love. – Saint Ignatius
Above all, remember that God looks for solid virtues in us, such as patience, humility, obedience, abnegation of your own will – that is, the good will to serve Him and our neighbor in Him. His providence allows us other devotions only insofar as He sees that they are useful to us. – Saint Ignatius
To have prevented one single sin is reward enough for the labors and efforts of a whole lifetime. – Saint Ignatius
Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent. – Saint Ignatius
So with that will prompt and prepared to serve all those whom I perceive to be servants of my Lord, I will speak of three things with simplicity and love as if I were speaking to my own soul. – Saint Ignatius
Concerning the harsh treatment of the body for our Lord’s sake, I would say, avoid anything that would cause the shedding even of a drop of blood. – Saint Ignatius
It is certain that, because the negligent do not struggle against self, they never achieve peace of soul or do so tardily, and never possess any virtue in its fullness, while the energetic and industrious make notable advances on both fronts. – Saint Ignatius
It is not the soul alone that should be healthy; if the mind is healthy in a healthy body, all will be healthy and much better prepared to give God greater service. – Saint Ignatius
It is proper to ask for sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, tears and deep grief because of the great affliction Christ endures for me. – Saint Ignatius
I have no doubt concerning that Supreme Goodness, who is so eager to share His blessings, or of that everlasting love which makes Him more eager to bestow perfection on us than we are to receive it. – Saint Ignatius
For those who love, nothing is too difficult, especially when it is done for the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Saint Ignatius
If God has given you the world’s goods in abundance, it is to help you gain those of Heaven and to be a good example of sound teaching to your sons, servants, and relatives. – Saint Ignatius
It is one thing to be eloquent and charming in profane speech, and another when the one speaking as a religious. – Saint Ignatius
Even in the angels there is the subordination of one hierarchy to another, and in the heavens, and all the bodies that are moved, the lowest by the highest and the highest in their turn unto the Supreme Mover of all. – Saint Ignatius
Remember that bodily exercise, when it is well ordered, as I have said, is also prayer by means of which you can please God our Lord. – Saint Ignatius
Man was created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord and in this way to save his soul. The other things on Earth were created for man’s use, to help him reach the end for which he was created. – Saint Ignatius
