Ignatius the Pilgrim Sculpture
The sculpture of Ignatius Loyola depicts a young man still searching for direction in life. He has no idea what lies ahead. He has made two major life-changing decisions, to lay down his sword and shield, renounce violence, and walk a spiritual path.
Ignatius went on to become a powerful and wise leader, an inspired teacher, and the founder of a religious order which changed history and still has a profound influence and impact 500 years later.
At this point in time, Ignatius is listening, listening for the word of God in his heart. He walks forward yet turns his head as if he is listening to a voice calling to him.
We can see ourselves in Ignatius. We have no idea how our lives will turn out, what our grand plans and growing ambitions will amount to, or where our path will take us.
Ignatius reminds us to listen for God's guiding voice within us, reminding us that violence is not the solution. If we listen carefully, the path will become clear, sometimes only one step at a time.
Ignatius the Pilgrim will be here at John XXIII College for generations to come when our children and grandchildren come to this College.
When we return as adults and sit with Ignatius, when we have lived the adventure of our own unique lives, we will pause with this wonderful enlightened thinker and meditate on our own unravelling path, on the unexpected outcomes of our life, on the long private journey we have taken with God, as Ignatius did, listening to the voice that will continue to guide us.
