The rooms of St Ignatius
Hidden beside Il Gesù in Rome, the modest Rooms of St Ignatius hold the story of a man whose Spiritual Exercises reshaped faith, culture and science. I recount my own struggle with will versus God’s will, four failed attempts to visit, and the quiet power of finally standing where he lived and died. (2 min read)
St Ignatius is popularly known as the “saint of will-power”. He is a great example of determination and action but he strived to know and implement God’s will, not his own desires.
His method for discerning God’s will is his great legacy. The application of this method – the Spiritual Exercises – catalysed huge growth in the Jesuit Order, conversions to Christianity and unprecedented influence over culture, science and philosophy.
I constantly struggle with my will/thy will. And, after four unsuccessful attempts to visit St Ignatius’ rooms, I was starting to wonder whether a visit was contrary to thy will! But I finally made it…and was not disappointed.
Ignatius spent the last 15 years of his life as Superior General of the Jesuits, working from two small rooms next to Il Gesu in Rome. From these rooms he directed an international order that grew from 7 to over 1000 in his lifetime.
It is possible to visit the Rooms of St Ignatius which have been lovingly restored.
The room in which he died is now a small chapel and the adjacent room contains a few artefacts from his life, including his humble clothing and shoes. It is a very simple but moving place.
One can see Ignatius handwriting and signature on documents on display and I was pleased to note how much it is like the entity’s signature on one of my triangles from the Casa Dom Inacio.
There is a beautifully decorated foyer with frescos and stained glass illustrating events from Ignatius’ life. This obviously did not exist in Ignatius’ day but it is a display of the great affection and esteem in which he is held.
The Rooms of St Ignatius are not open often (check signage on the front entrance), so care should be taken when visiting. As the rooms abut Il Gesu, there is a great opportunity to make an afternoon of it.
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© Paul McCarthy & Iluminar.au
