The General Curia of the Society of Jesus invites us to “Travel miles with St. Ignatius during Lent”.
“What am I going to do for Lent?” This is a question many of us ask ourselves. We so often end up doing what we did last year or even what we did as kids! Here’s an idea to make this year’s Lent different.
“This Lent, we are offering you an opportunity to connect with Ignatian spirituality and deepenyour faith journey using our new Jesuit Pilgrimage App”, said Fr John Dardis SJ, the Director of the Communications Office of the Jesuit General Curia. “Week by week, you will travel to different Ignatian places on our Travel Miles campaign.”
The “Travel Miles” campaign brings you to a different destination in each of the weeks of Lent: Pamplona, Loyola, Paris, Venice and Rome. From week to week, you can enjoy the user-friendly platform that brings these locations to life, offering stunning audiovisuals and historical content. Let God reach out to you!
“Just now, the app is available in English, French, Spanish and Italian”, said Fr Vivian Richard, SJ, the project director. “We are working hard on the Korean and Vietnamese versions, and who knows how many more will come. The app is not just a tourist experience but a modern spiritual exercise.”
You can take part in 2 ways:
- From your armchair: Download the App, travel in style and then share your experience on social media with the hashtag #TravelMiles.
- If you are lucky enough to be on the spot in any of the places, grab a selfie and share on social media with the hashtag #LentWithIgnatius. If you have been there before, upload your photograph with the hashtag #LentWithIgnatius.
To participate, download the Jesuit Pilgrimage App from the App Store or Google Play. We will send you a special notification every week. You just have to enable your push notifications!
Start your pilgrimage on Ash Wednesday 14 February.
Here’s a rundown of what lies ahead:
• Pamplona: Explore the place where St. Ignatius was wounded by a cannon ball that altered the direction of his life. Where can your life take a turn for the better? How can you dream a new dream?
• Loyola: Immerse yourself in spiritual experiences at the family home of St Ignatius. Let God touch you in new ways.
• Paris: Experience the city where St. Ignatius studied in order to better serve God and the Church. What do you need to learn and how do you need to grow in order to serve better?
• Venice: The first Jesuits met and discerned together here. Who are the friends that youcan trust and discern with?
• Rome: Conclude your Lenten journey by exploring the city from where so many Jesuits were sent on mission. What’s your mission? Where might God be leading you?
