The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

We know already that most liturgical memorials do not necessarily correspond to exact historical dates. One obvious reason is that our way of reckoning time is significantly different than in the past. Moreover, it does not really matter in liturgy to mark significant dates as to celebrate important mysteries in the life of the Church.

However, the plotting of dates in the liturgical calendar is also not arbitrary, most if not all of the time. We know for example that the date of Christmas was strategically juxtaposed to the pagan feast of the Sol Invictus to make a fine theological affirmation about Christ, the True Sun that never dies and gives eternal life. The same also seems to be true for today's memorial of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.

Historically of course, the first martyrs were martyred 'in the same batch' as Peter and Paul during the persecution under Nero. The Solemnity of Peter and Paul is, as it were, 'sandwiched' between the memorials of two early bishops and doctors of the Church (St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Irenaeus of Lyons) and the celebration of the first martyrs of the Roman Church. As in life, and indeed in death, they preached and witnessed to Christ together, so in the liturgy they are honored together.

But more than that, the actual placing of the Solemnity of the Two Great Pillars of the Church in the middle of these celebrations seems to be key to understanding the full meaning of this particular juncture in the Church's Sanctoral. As in the 'intercalation' technique used by the Gospel writers, the middle enhances the meaning of the frame as the frame sheds light on the meaning of the middle.

Saints Peter and Paul witnessed to Christ not only by their leadershiop as pastors and teaching as bishops, they also proclaimed the Gospel by giving their lives in witness to the certain triumph of the Crucified Christ who is Risen from the dead and lives forever. The bishops and doctors not only spoke and taught about the truths of the faith, they also had to endure many hardships to stand for their convictions, even if they did not have to undergo a literal death in confessing their belief. At the same time, a martyr cannot give true witness to Christ by simply dying for him. Indeed, an authentic martyr's death is only made possible by many small dyings to self in living the demands of discipleship, confessing their faith in the grind of the everyday.

And so let us pray on this memorial of the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome, for the strength to live our faih and the grace to endure many little dyings to self in order to follow Jesus. By the way we live our lives, may we always proclaim the meaning of his death; and by our constant dying, the glory of the Risen life he has won for us.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is, in essence, an ecclesial feast celebrating at once the origins of the Church, as well as the mystery of the Church at present.

It is comforting to note that the holy Church traces its origins to two sinners. One, a middle-aged man, probably in his midlife crisis, at once strong willed but lacking courage to stand for his convictions; who promised to stand by Christ even unto death, but threatened by death, folded in denial and fled into hiding. Another, a man at the prime of life, apparently at the peak of his energy and his career; of great zeal but began in the wrong path and was intent to massacre the very people he was destined to serve.

Both of them however were tranformed radically by a profound experience of the Risen Christ. Peter was embraced by forgiving Love along the lakeshore of Tiberias when the Lord gave him the chance to renew his commitment to him and trusted him again with the leadership of the Church. Paul was met personally by Christ, who dawned on him along the road to Damascus, and was led by Light, from blindness into light.

This is the foundation of the Church. Had Peter gone into hiding forever, had Paul let loose his rampant persecution, we wonder whether the Church would still be what it is now.

But they were sinners, weak and feeble men, who allowed grace to enter their lives and transform them completely. Because of his experience of forgiving love, Peter became a shepherd full of compassion. Because of meeting Jesus, Paul went out to all the world with new zeal to proclaim the love that has found him.

And so are we, men and women full of conviction yet sometimes lacking in courage, full of passion yet sometimes misguided in our motivation.

We pray that we, as a Church built on the foundation of the apostles, may be like Peter and Paul. Sinners though we are, if only we let the Risen Christ meet and transform us, we truly shall be living stones on which his Kingdom is built.


PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Let us pray to God, on this great feast of the apostles Peter and Paul, for the needs of the Church and for the needs of all people:

Lord, hear your people.

For the holy Church, built on the rock of Peter's faith, and spread by the fire of the apostle Paul, that she may persevere in faith and charity, breaking bread until the Lord comes. We pray.

For the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, successor of the apostle Peter, that he may lead the Church with compassion and care and gather Christ's people in the communion of love. We pray.

For our bishop, Honesto, who shares in the ministry of the apostles, that he may be zealous in the proclamation of the Gospel, and build the Church by his teaching and service. We pray.

For our leaders in society and in the community, that they may be imbued with the Peter's love for the flock and Paul's dedication to ministry, and build a people pleasing to the Lord. We pray.

For all of us, here gathered, that the power of the Risen Christ may touch and transform us, that by our compassion, we may passionately proclaim the saving love of Christ to all. We pray.


God our Father,
hear the prayers of your people
who venerate the memory of your blessed apostles, Peter and Paul.
Touch and transform us
as you would the bread and wine that we are about to offer
and make us your living presence in the world,
firm in faith and burning in charity

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Novena in Honor of the First Companions

In The Spirit of the First Companions
Nine Prayer Themes Honoring the Jesuit Pioneers

Foreword

This prayer guide is so structured as to allow greater space for flexibility and adaptation. It may be done as a complete Novena within nine consecutive days, or as a triduum of three chosen themes over three days, or even with each theme taken individually, as it may suit the needs of specific communities and/or persons.

The recommended format, essentially liturgical in pattern, and intended for group celebrations, may be shortened or extended as needed. The readings, the music (All suggested hymns are found in Bayan Umawit. Quezon City: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc. and Claretian Publications, 2003.) the daily grace etc. may also be replaced as deemed helpful and fit. Tantum quantum.

**This novena is also in print, having been included in the official Jubilee guidebook for the Philippine Province: "In the Spirit of the First Companions", available at Jesuit Communications outlets.


Day 1 - Called to be Companions
Day 2 - Companions in the Spiritual Exercises
Day 3 - Companions in Holy Desires
Day 4 - Companions in Poverty
Day 5 - Companions Laboring in the Vineyard
Day 6 - Companions, A Union of Minds and Hearts
Day 7 - Companions, Grace in Persecution
Day 8 - Companions in the Fellowship of the Son
Day 9 - Companions for the Greater Glory of God
Solemn Blessing at the Conclusion of the Novena or Triduum

Also from this blog:
A Reading of the Icon of the Three Companions

Other sites:
Jubilee 2006 Official Website
The Jubilee of the First Companions (Circular from the General Superior SJ)
The Year of the First Companions (Philippine Province Jubilee Guide)




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Day 1: Called to be Companions

Day 1 Called to be Companions

OPENING HYMN

Sino Kayo? (Rene Javellana, SJ – Nemy Que, SJ) or So the Love of God (Dan Schutte)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit .
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

Today we honor the first Companions, Ignatius, Francis and Peter, whom the Father gathered, in a wonderful design of his Providence, to be friends in the Lord Jesus, to begin what is now our least Society, scattered in mission around the world but united as one Company for the greater glory of God.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
A. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life for evermore. (Ps 133)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace to be rooted in God’s desire for us to grow in his love and service in companionship with Christ and with one another.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the Holy Gospel according to John 13: 34-35

Love one another.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

MEDITATION SONG

Pagkakaibigan (Charlie Cenzon, SJ – Bong Abad-Santos, SJ) or
Wherever You Go (Gregory Norbet, OSB)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

In fact, it was at Sainte-Barbe that (he) Ignatius met up with Peter Faber and Francis Xavier, and a deep friendship was to grow up between these three. Faber had been in Paris since 1525. In January 1529 he had gained his B.A. and by Easter of that year, the licentiate as well, under Doctor Pena. For three and a half years he had shared an apartment with Xavier, and the two were very close friends. Doctor Pena placed Ignatius in the same apartment with Faber and Xavier.

Faber was given the job of ‘repeater’ to Ignatius (to see that he had learnt his lessons), while for his part Ignatius was slowly becoming Faber’s spiritual father. The process of exchange which would later be a feature of the tiny community of ten was thus initiated; each one gave what he had to the others. ‘Conversation on material things swiftly gave way to spiritual conversation; living together in the same apartment sharing the same table and the same common purse, in the end they were one in their desire and will and firm intention to choose a similar way of life’. (Javier Osuna, SJ [Nicholas King, SJ, trans.], Friends in the Lord. Exeter: Catholic Records Press, 1974. p.48)

DAILY PRAYER

We turn to you in this year of Jubilee, O first companions of our least Society. And we ask you to obtain for us, the grace to truly be: companions to one another, companions in mission, companions in loving and serving the Lord.

Fueled by the love of God which you found in the Exercises, your hearts burned with zeal for the Kingdom of Christ. Obtain for us a blazing passion for the glory of God and the good of souls: unquenched by trials, unexhausted by difficulties. Yours was a holy union of minds and hearts, teach us to accompany one another, and to work together with one accord, in the fellowship of the Son.

Desire for the service, the greater service, the greater glory of God consumed you, lend us also that fire which burned in your hearts, ad Majorem Dei gloriam. Amen.

INTERCESSIONS

The love we bear for one another is our distinguishing mark as disciples of the Lord. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Lord, unite us in love.

1. For the Holy Father, N., given the ministry of gathering in charity, all believers around the world. That the Lord may bless with abundant fruit, his mission of unity and communion in the Church. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our Superior-General, N., who leads the Society as one Company, in the love and service of the Lord and his Church. That the Lord may give him strength, sustain him with grace and preserve him in his ministry. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our Province, branched in its various ministries and apostolates and yet gathered in brotherhood around our father, Ignatius. That the Lord may bless us with ever greater unity to work harmoniously for his greater glory, the good of his people, and our own sanctification. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For an increase of priestly and religious vocations especially to the Society of Jesus. That the Lord may gather into his service young men of holy and noble desires and of loving and generous hearts. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For our own community. That we may live and work in deep fellowship with each other; loving one another and serving the Lord together. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, you gathered your servants Ignatius, Francis and Peter, into the Company of Jesus your Son. By the help of their prayers, help us to grow in fellowship with one another and to serve you with one accord.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 2: Companions in the Spiritual Exercises

Day 2 Companions in the Spiritual Exercises

OPENING HYMN

Prayer for Generosity (Jandi Arboleda) or
Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas-Palad (Manoling Francisco, SJ)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

We gather to honor Ignatius, Francis and Peter, who, through the Spiritual Exercises, found a common root and friendship in Jesus, in whose Company they united themselves for the building of his Kingdom.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
A. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3: 14-21)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.


GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace to relish the love of God and be rooted in a deep and intimate friendship with Christ.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the letter of Paul to the Romans 8: 22-30. 35-39

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

MEDITATION SONG

In My Heart (Manoling Francisco, SJ) or Now We Remain (David Haas) or
Here in This Place (David Haas)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

Faber dedicated himself to the service of the Church; and having gone through the usual course of theological studies, with the advice of Ignatius, he embraced the clerical state. Before, however, receiving orders, he performed the Spiritual Exercises, with a loftiness of soul and generosity of purpose which are rarely to be met with. During the winter, which, that year, was so tensely cold that coaches might safely cross on the frozen waters of the Seine, he undertook this career of penance. Glowing with fervor while all was cold and bleak in nature, he spent hours in the open air rapt in sublime contemplations; and several days without tasting any food. After this, in the twenty-eighth year of his age, he was ordained priest, A.D. 1534,—the first-born as it were, of the great parent of the Society. (Rev. Chas. Constantine Pise, D.D. Saint Ignatius and His First Companions. New York: P.J. Kennedy and Sons.p.78-79)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

Ignatius initiated his first companions through the Spiritual Exercises and thus established the Company of Jesus, born from and grounded firmly in the awareness of God’s merciful love. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Lord, keep us in your love.

1. For the Holy Church of God, redeemed by Christ with an everlasting love. That she may be sincere, eloquent and steadfast in proclaiming the saving mercy of Christ our Lord to all people. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our nation, especially the poor and the needy among us. That our people may know and experience truly and deeply the living reality of Christ and heed the call of his kingdom of truth, justice and love. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our Society, in its ministry and privilege of sharing the legacy of our Father Ignatius. That the Lord may continue to touch and bless with consolation and grace, light and guidance, all who commit themselves to the Spiritual Exercises, waiting for his love and mercy. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For Jesuits on tertianship. That they may rediscover the love of Christ and be renewed in the foundation of their calling. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For a renewal of the spiritual life. That in the middle of the hustle and bustle of modern living, the men and women of our time may listen to the call of God in their hearts and live in his love. Let us pray to the Lord.
6. For all of us gathered here. That we may always live in deep and sincere contemplation of God’s love and offer our lives in his service. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, you reveal your mercy to us in the self-giving love of Jesus your Son. Increase your love in us even as you inflamed the hearts of Ignatius, Francis and Peter with love of your Son and united them in zeal for his kingdom.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 3: Companions in Holy Desires

Day 3 Companions in Holy Desires

OPENING HYMN

One Thing I Ask (Jandi Arboleda) or
Saan Kami Tutungo (Ando Macalinao, SJ – Eddie Hontiveros, SJ)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

Together with Ignatius, Francis and Peter dreamt dreams for God. Desire for his greater glory possessed them, inspired them and moved them to work together for the Kingdom. We gather today, asking God to give us that same fire which blazed in the hearts of the first companions, that we too may burn with zeal for his Name.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.
A. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, what you know that breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
P. Fall in love, stay in love.
A. And it will decide everything. (Pedro Arrupe, SJ)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace to root and center our passions and desires on Christ and his Kingdom.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the letter of Paul to the Romans 12: 1-11

Serve the Lord.

I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself or herself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned.

For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

MEDITATION SONG

How Shall I Sing to God? (David Haas) or Pastorale (Manoling Francisco, SJ)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

(Ignatius) was obsessed by it, obsessed by the service of God, the greater service of God, the greater glory of God. The number of times he wrote that phrase in the Constitutions of his Order has been counted. It occurs 259 times: once to every manuscript page.

It was his one approach to every problem. Not simply ¿Que haremos?—but ¿Que haremos a Dios? Not what course of action was customary; or convenient; or popular; or profitable; or safe; but what course of action shall serve God best? Not even: What is possible? Not even that. No; it must be: What does God want done? For with God, all things are possible. (Horacio dela Costa, SJ, ¿Que haremos a Dios?. Homily, Feast of St. Ignatius, 1955)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

God inflamed the hearts of the First Companions with holy and ardent desires for his greater glory and for the Kingdom of Christ. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Lord, ravish us with your love.

1. For God’s ordained and consecrated ministers. That the Lord may keep them faithful and zealous in his service for the good of his holy people. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our government leaders and all public servants. That they may always aspire for the common good and not seek their personal gain. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our Society. That we may continue to respond to the needs of the Church and of humankind and serve the Lord where there is greatest need. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For those experiencing hardship in their apostolates. That they may not lose hope in difficulties, but fix their eyes always on God’s greater glory. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For all of us gathered here. That we may continue to dream and work for God’s holy Kingdom, giving of ourselves generously without seeking respite, return or reward. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, the more you want to give us, the more you make us desire.
Let us dream you in our longings and place our passions in the service of the Kingdom of Christ after the example of your devoted servants, Ignatius, Francis and Peter who dedicated themselves to your greater glory

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 4: Companions in Poverty

Day 4 Companions in Poverty

OPENING HYMN

Sa Diyos Lamang Mapapanatag (Danny Isidro, SJ – Nemy Que, SJ) or
Tanging Yaman (Manoling Francisco, SJ)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

Ignatius and his companions willingly decided to embrace poverty, in desiring to follow Christ faithfully and freely, after the counsel of his holy Gospel. As we honor their blessed memory, we ask for the grace to learn and imitate their holy example.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
A. As for the saints in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their libations of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.
P. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage.
A. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
P. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your godly one see the Pit.
A. You show me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace always to rely, not on ourselves but on God’s grace and gracious providence.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians 6, 1-10

Having nothing yet possessing all things.

Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says: "In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We cause no one to stumble in anything, in order that no fault may be found with our ministry; on the contrary, in everything we commend ourselves as ministers of God, through much endurance, in afflictions, hardships, constraints, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, vigils, fasts; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, in a holy spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech, in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness at the right and at the left; through glory and dishonor, insult and praise. We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful; as unrecognized and yet acknowledged; as dying and behold we live; as chastised and yet not put to death; as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing and yet possessing all things.

MEDITATION SONG

Ang Mabuhay sa Pag-ibig (Bienvenida Tabuena – Eddie Hontiveros, SJ) or
How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place (Arnel Aquino, SJ) or Taste and See (Norman Agatep)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

In order to imitate and be in reality more like Christ our Lord, I desire and choose poverty with Christ poor, rather than riches; insults with Christ loaded with them, rather than honours; I desire to be accounted as worthless and a fool for Christ rather than to be esteemed as wise and prudent in this world. Christ was treated so before me.
(Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, 167)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

The first companions sought to imitate the poverty of Christ that enabled him to rely totally on the Father’s care, to submit himself fully to the Father’s will, and by his life and death and rising to new life, to give full glory to the Father. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Father, teach us to rely on you.

1. For our Holy Father, N., in union with the sacred college of bishops, and all those in ministries of leadership and authority among the people of Christ. That they may not be taken over by pride, vanity or ambition, but exercise their duties with sincerity in a spirit of humble service. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our nation. That those in positions of greater material affluence or political power may reach out to aid the poor towards attaining a dignified living with sincerity, consistency and determination. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our least Society. That we may be faithful to our vows of evangelical poverty for the fruitfulness of the apostolate, for our own sanctification, and to give witness and glory to God our Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For the poor. That Christ who humbled himself to share in their distress may lift them up: by his grace, their own persevering efforts and the aid of all followers of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For all of us gathered here. That we may learn, always to depend on God, whether in abundance or in poverty. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, you sustain us in love and guard us as the apple of your eye. Make us always rely in your goodness and teach us to desire only you, after the example of your servants Ignatius, Francis and Peter who found blessedness in embracing hardships and lowliness for the sake of following Christ.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 5: Companions Laboring in the Vineyard

Day 5 Companions Laboring in the Vineyard

OPENING HYMN

Sing of Him (Bob Dufford, SJ) or Panginoon ay Purihin (SIlvino Borres, Jr., SJ – Nemy Que, SJ) or Sing of Him (Dan Schutte)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit .
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

We recall today how the first companions began in their missionary labors, sowing the first seeds of our apostolate that has now spread throughout the world, asking that we may also have some share in their passion for the greater glory of God.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
A. The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
P. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb! May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy!
A. He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace always to strive to give glory to God and cooperate with Christ in establishing his Father’s Kingdom.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the Holy Gospel according to John 15: 1-8

My Father is glorified by your bearing much fruit and becoming my disciples.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

MEDITATION SONG

Prayer of Rupert Mayer or Your Heart Today (Manoling Francisco, SJ)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

Our old friend, Diego de Gouvea had suggested to the King of Portugal, John III, that he send to India the Parisian Masters he knew so well. “Either all of them or at least some of them,” he had said. The choice fell on Bobadilla and Simão Rodrigues. But Bobadilla was preaching a mission in Calabria; he arrived on March 14, but he was so ill that he could not leave with the ambassador the following day, as the latter was insisting. Only one of the Masters of Paris—Master Francis—was left and in those days he was the secretary of the Society. Ignatius, who himself was ill, called him and said to him: “Master Francis, you know that by order of His Holiness two of our men must go to India and we have chosen Master Bobadilla to be one of them, but he is unable to go on account of his illness, nor can the ambassador wait till he recovers. It is your task now.” Francis’ reply was immediate: “Well then, here I am.”

With these words he accepted his mission. Then he began to repair “some old socks and I do not know what little else,” and after that he went to the Vatican to ask for the Pope’s blessing. (Ignacio Echaniz, SJ, Passion and Glory: A flesh-and blood history of the Society of Jesus. Vol 1: Spring, 1529-1581. India: Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, 1999. p. 39)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

In doing their work with joy and zeal for the glory of God and the Kingdom of Christ, the first companions gave us a most eminent example of magnanimity in the Lord’s service. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Lord, teach us to serve you.

1. For our Holy Father, N. the bishops, the clergy and all God’s holy people. That we may tirelessly preach the Good News of Christ in joyful proclamation of the Gospel and by loving service to others. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our government leaders and all public servants. That they may seek always to serve and not to be served. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our Society. That following the example of the first companions, we may burn with fervor for the glory of God and do our work in the Lord’s vineyard with generosity and gladness. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For missionaries. That they may be strengthened and sustained in the task of integral evangelization and make the saving love of Christ truly known and felt, Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For those who work for the welfare of others. That they may cling to Christ as branches to the vine and be sustained in their commitment to loving service of their needy brethren. Let us pray to the Lord.
6. For our community and all of us gathered here. That we may always do our work conscientiously, bearing in mind the call of the magis, ad majorem Dei gloriam. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, you call us to serve you and to give glory to your Name in Jesus your Son. Grant us the strength to do your will. By the prayers of Ignatius, Francis and Peter, help us to persevere in your service and in the service of your people.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 6: Companions, A Union of Minds and Hearts

Day 6 Companions: A Union of Hearts and Minds

OPENING HYMN

Dakilang Pag-ibig (Eddie Hontiveros, SJ) or Diyos ay Pag-ibig

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

In this year of Jubilee, we honor the first companions, who, bound by the shared experience of the Spiritual Exercises, united themselves under the standard of Christ as a holy and apostolic company in a blessed union of minds and hearts. We pray that we too may have some share in their spiritual fellowship, with one another in the Lord.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. We are the Body of Christ raised from the dead.
A. We belong to him and to one another so we may give glory to God. (Rom 7: 4)
P. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
A. Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. (1 Cor 10: 16-17)
P. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
A. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. (Eph 4: 11-13)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace to be united to Christ and to one another, in a holy union of minds and hearts; that we may bear together the mind and heart of Christ our Lord.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the letter of Paul to the Colossians 3: 12-17

Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

MEDITATION SONG

Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Tim Ofrasio, SJ – Eddie Hontiveros, SJ) or
Love is the Answer (Raymond Hannisian)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

It is by being sent that a Jesuit becomes a companion of Jesus. Moreover, it is in companionship that the Jesuit fulfills his mission. He belongs to a community of friends in the Lord, who, like him, have asked to be received under the standard of Christ the King. A communitas ad dispersionem but also a koinonia, a sharing of goods and life, with the Eucharist as its center: the sacrifice and sacrament of the Death of Jesus, who loved his own to the end.

And each member of every Jesuit community is ever mindful of what Saint Ignatius says about love, that it consists in sharing what one has, what one is, with those one loves. When we speak of having all things in common, this is what we mean. (Horacio dela Costa, SJ. Jesuits Today. Rome, 1974-1975.)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

As friends in the Lord, the first companions united under the standard of Christ in brotherhood and fellowship for the service and glory of his Name. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Lord, gather us in your love.

1. For our Holy Father, N. in his ministry of solicitude for all the Churches. That he may gather in fellowship all believers around the world and engage in sincere dialogue with people from other faiths. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our Father General, N., successor of Saint Ignatius. That he may lead the Society in love and service to God our Lord with clarity of discernment, fidelity to the Church and the Roman Pontiff, and care for all our members. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For all our political leaders. That they may work together for the good of our people and put an end to all ill-motivated and self-centered opposition of one another that so hinders our national growth. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For our universal Society “widely dispersed over the face of the earth”. That we may always be united in the love and service of God our Lord in a plurality of gifts and tasks but unity of purpose. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For our community. That transcending our differences, we may attain in the Lord, a genuine union of minds and hearts “in a close sharing of goods and of life, with the Eucharist as our center.” Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, your Son prayed that all may be one in your love unto fullness of life. By the example and merits of Ignatius, Francis and Peter, gather us in a holy union of minds and hearts, to serve you and bear fruit for the glory of your Name.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 7: Companions, Grace in Persecution

Day 7 Companions, Grace in Persecution

OPENING HYMN

Only This I Want (Dan Schutte) or Sino’ng Makapaghihiwalay (Sr. Anunciata, SPC)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit .
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

Ignatius saw a vision of windows closed to them in Rome. In fact, the first companions underwent many hardships, even persecution, from the very beginnings of our Society. Yet they went on, sustained by the Lord’s assurance, “I will be propitious to you in Rome” and by the reassuring company of one another.

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?
A. My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me continually,
"Where is your God?"
P. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
A. Deep calls to deep at the thunder of thy cataracts;
all thy waves and thy billows have gone over me.
P. By day the LORD commands his steadfast love; and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
A. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. (cf. Psalm 42)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace to imitate Christ who bore our sufferings and carried our infirmities, by his faith and perseverance, to eternal glory.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians 4, 5-15

Afflicted for the glory of God.

What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in our bodies the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

MEDITATION SONG

Earthen Vessels (John Foley, SJ) or Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Manoling Francisco, SJ)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

When he (Ignatius, the pilgrim) returned to Rome, he kept himself busy helping souls, and while still living at the vineyard he gave the Spiritual Exercises to several individuals at one and the same time. One of these lived near Santa Maria Maggiore, and another near Ponte Sisto.

Then the persecutions began. Miguel started trouble by speaking ill of the pilgrim and had him summoned before the governor. The pilgrim first showed the governor one of the letters in which he enthusiastically praised him; the governor then interrogated Miguel and outcome was that he was banished from Rome.

Then Mudarra and Barreda began their persecution, alleging that the pilgrim and his companions were fugitives from Spain, from Paris, and from Venice. In the end, both of them confessed in the governor’s presence and that of the legate, who was then in Rome, that they had nothing bad to say about them, nor about their lifestyle, nor about their teaching. (Saint Ignatius of Loyola, A Pilgrim’s Journey: The Autobiography of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Joseph N. Tylenda, SJ, trans. Delaware: Michael Glacier, Inc., 1985. no. 98)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

Ignatius and his companions persevered in following Christ in the midst of difficulties and persecution. Their friendship and union with and in the Lord gave them strength in trial and patience to endure. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Lord, strengthen us in your love.

1. For our Holy Father, N. the bishops, the clergy and all God’s holy people. That we may be strong and courageous in proclaiming the Gospel, preaching and living its radical demands. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For our government leaders and all public servants. That they may be firm in their resolve to be honest and righteous and keen to resist the prevailing culture of corruption and injustice in public office. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our Society. That we may continue to battle, with apostolic daring, the evils that threaten our present time and work bravely under the standard of Christ the King. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For Jesuits working in the service of justice. That they may be supported in the promotion and defense of truth, integrity and the dignity of persons, and not be daunted by oppressive worldly powers. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For all of us gathered here. That in the many problems confronting each one and those that challenge us as a community, we may find our strength in each other and our certain hope in the love of the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, in your arms we are secure; in your embrace we need not fear. Teach us to trust like Ignatius, Francis and Peter, in you and in one another, and to persevere with strength and joy even in the midst of trial and difficulties.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.

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Day 8: Companions in the Fellowship of the Son

Day 8 Companions in the Fellowship of the Son

OPENING HYMN

Take and Receive (Manoling Francisco, SJ or Fruto Ramirez, SJ) or
Panginoon ay Purihin (Silvino Borres, SJ – Nemy Que, SJ)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

P. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
A. Amen.

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

The first companions, Ignatius, Francis and Peter, united themselves under the standard of Christ and embraced his Name as their own. As the Apostle exhorted, whatever they did, whether in word or in action, they did in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3: 17)

A moment of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God,
something to be grasped at.
A. Rather he emptied himself, and took the form of a slave,
Being born in the likeness of men.
P. He was known to be human estate,
and it was thus that he humbled himself
obediently accepting death, death on a cross!
A. Because of this, God highly exalted him
And bestowed on him the name above every other name.
P. So that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens,
on the earth, and under the earth
A. And every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! (Philippians 2: 6-11)

P. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
A. As it was in the beginning is now and will be for ever. Amen.

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg for the grace always to remain united in Christ, serving under his banner, bearing the saving Name of Jesus to all.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians 1: 4-10

Called into the fellowship of the Son

We give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him with all speech and all knowledge -- even as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you --so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

MEDITATION SONG

In Him Alone (Manoling Francisco, SJ) or Hesus ng Aking Buhay (Arnel Aquino, SJ) or
Pagsibol (Arnel Aquino, SJ)
The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

There was another question that was also the subject of their debate and its outcome would mark the group’s history. What would they answer if someone asked them who they were? They would say that they were the Society of Jesus. “Since they did not have anyone among them as their head, and no other leader except Jesus Christ, whom alone they wished to serve, it seemed good to them that they should be named after the one who was their head, by calling themselves the Society of Jesus.” (Ignacio Echaniz, SJ, Passion and Glory: A flesh-and blood history of the Society of Jesus. Vol 1: Spring, 1529-1581. India: Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, 1999. p. 28)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

Christ our Lord promised that the Father would grant all that we ask in his Name. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Father, hear us for the love you bear your Son.

1. For our Holy Father, N., Vicar of Christ. That his life and ministry may announce to all the salvation and compassion of Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord.
2. For all world leaders. That they may work together for justice and peace and come to the aid of the poor and the destitute. Let us pray to the Lord.
3. For our Society that bears the name of Jesus. That we may follow in the example of Christ our Lord who became a humble servant and laid down his life for the salvation of the world. Let us pray to the Lord.
4. For aged Jesuits. That the Lord may comfort and ease them in their old-age with the grace and consolations of his Holy Name. Let us pray to the Lord.
5. For departed Jesuits. That the Lord may claim them as his own before the throne of his heavenly Father. Let us pray to the Lord.
6. For those who do not believe in Christ or have not yet received the Good News. That the witness and example of believers everywhere may help them see and feel his saving love that they too may believe. Let us pray to the Lord.
7. For all of us gathered here. That we who bear the name of Christian may be configured to Christ in charity and justice. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, you placed your servant Ignatius with Christ your Son and honored our least Society with the saving Name of Jesus. May we who serve under the standard of Christ, persevere in holiness and merit a place in your Kingdom.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.


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Day 9: Companions for the Greater Glory of God

Day 9 Companions for the Greater Glory of God

OPENING HYMN

So the Love of God (Dan Schutte) or
Sino Kayo? (Rene Javellana, SJ – Nemy Que, SJ)

INTRODUCTION TO THE CELEBRATION

If the presider is a priest or deacon:
P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

We have before us Ignatius, Francis and Peter and their companions in glory, Jesuits of every time and place, so great a cloud of witnesses leading and surrounding us; let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. (cf. Hebrews 12: 1-2)

A brief period of silence is observed.

PRAYER OF PRAISE

P. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. (Eph 1: 3-5)
A. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. (1 Chr 16: 36)

P. Blessed be Christ, in whom we, though many, form one Body, and individually, members one of another, with mutual concord, having the same care for one another; suffering together, glorified together. (Rom 12: 5; 1 Cor 12: 25-27)
A. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. (1 Chr 16: 36)

P. Blessed be the Spirit, who dwells in us and gives us life, bearing witness to our being children of God who cry “Abba! Father”, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, through our suffering with him that leads to eternal glory. (Rom 8: 11, 16-17)
A. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. (1 Chr 16: 36)

GRACE OF THE DAY
We beg to fall in love again with Christ, to be renewed in the fire of his love, to be rekindled in our zeal for the greater glory of God.

SCRIPTURE READING

From the first letter of John 1: 1-4

Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life -- the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us -- that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.

MEDITATION SONG

Like Cedars They Shall Stand (Dan Schutte) or
Pag-ibig Mo, Yahweh (Marius Villaroman)

The meditation song may be preceded or replaced by a homily or sharing, or a period of silent prayer.

REFLECTION

Since from the words of many we have often gathered that you, of your own free choice, poor priests of Christ from various parts of the world have joined together into one body, and with the Holy Spirit as we believe impelling you, have conspired together in this one desire, that, having abandoned the snares of this world, you would dedicate your lives to the perpetual service of our Lord Jesus Christ and of his vicar on earth;

Since I say, we kept hearing these reports about you, we began to rejoice as is only right, and fervently to desire, that many people, even all if possible, and especially the clergy, would renew the models of the ancient Christian way of living as you are doing;

Press on, therefore, beloved sons in Christ, follow your call, withersoever the Holy Spirit leads you, and in the vineyard of the Lord from now on, under the protection of this Holy See, work with all your heart like good vinedressers, with our Lord Jesus Christ on your side, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit God forever and ever. Amen. (Cum Ex Plurium, no. 1, 8)

and/ or

The exhortation that the first companions put in the mouth of the Pope and addressed to themselves in Cum ex plurium is an exhortation to the Society of every time and place, and to every person of good will of every time and place: “Agite, igitur: Get moving! Follow wherever the Spirit leads you.” The Spirit leads where no human being has ever gone; the Spirit leads into darkness; the Spirit leads into light; the Spirit leads into the unknown; the Spirit leads wherever the children of God are in deeper need. La Storta is the Society’s never ending experience. At the side of Christ carrying his cross in the service of the Father, the companions of Jesus are called to follow the Spirit, to move forward when the Spirit moves forward, to turn when the Spirit turns, to stop when the Spirit stops, to wait when the Spirit waits, to move on when the Spirit moves on. The Spirit leads even into death, but in the Spirit there is no death: in the Spirit death is life. (John F. Conwell, SJ. Impelling Spirit, Revisiting a Founding Experience: 1539 Ignatius of Loyola and His Companions. Chicago: Loyola Press, 1997. p.421)

DAILY PRAYER

Please refer to First Day.

INTERCESSIONS

Ignatius, Francis and Peter now live in glory with Christ our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the whole heavenly court, interceding on our behalf, leading and guiding us still by their holy example. Let us pray to the Father of Jesus, confident that he will give us all that we ask in His Name:

R. Father, place us with your Son.

1. For our Holy Father, N. around whom the Society gathers in its commitment to serve the Church where there is greatest need, and our bishop N., in whose communion we serve the local Church. That they may lead the people of God in discerning the signs of the times and direct us along the paths of mission and evangelization for the people of our time. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. For our General, N., in his particular task of leading and governing our Society. That the Lord may bless him with wisdom, strength and zeal so that under his care and leadership, we may serve the Church and our mission may spread and bear fruit in the world. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. For the Society of Jesus in our own nation. That this Jubilee may be an effective summons to renewal and greater commitment in the service of truth, justice and the poor; an occasion of grace and renewal for all of ours and all of our apostolates and ministries. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. For an increase of priestly and religious vocations, especially to the Society of Jesus. That Christ may call to his Company, willing and generous men, to serve the Church in companionship with each other. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. For all of us gathered here, called to give greater glory to God our Lord. That the Lord may transform us in our weakness and unite us in Christ; frail and powerless through we are, may we give greater glory to the Father and to the holy Name of Jesus, his only Son. Let us pray to the Lord.

Our Father…

CLOSING PRAYER

God our Father, give glory to your Name and to the Name of your Son in whom we are saved and brought to fullness of life. By the prayers of Ignatius, Francis and Peter, unite us in serving you under the banner of Christ and send us to proclaim his saving love to the world, for your greater glory.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus the Lord.

A. Amen.

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Solemn Blessing at the Conclusion of the Novena or Triduum

Solemn blessing at the Conclusion of the Novena or Triduum
(From the Supplement to the Missal and Lectionary for the Society of Jesus)


If the presider is a priest or deacon.

P. The Lord be with you.
A. And also with you.

P. God brought together our Father Ignatius and his companions in this least society honored by the name of Jesus, to serve the Church under the banner of Christ the King, and to go on mission throughout the world in obedience to the vicar of Christ. May God bless you all, and the whole Society of Jesus.
A. Amen.

P. May God enable you to free yourselves as far as possible from love of all created things, and to seek him in all things, so that you may direct all your love to the Creator of all, loving him in all things and all things in him, in accordance with his holy and divine will.
A. Amen.

P. When you have completed your earthly course, may he unite you with your brethren already in heaven, where they praise him for ever, and in so many ways encourage us to build up the Church, the body of Christ.
A. Amen.

P. May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son + and the Holy Spirit.
A. Amen.

P. Ite et annunciate! Go in peace and in fire-with renewed vision, passion and compassion-to announce the saving News of Christ the Lord to the world.
A. Thanks be to God.


CLOSING HYMN

San Ignacio, Kawal ni Kristo (Tim Ofrasio, SJ – Eddie Hontiveros, SJ) or
Sanlibong Buhay or Humayo’t Ihayag (Manoling Francisco, SJ)

Ad Majorem Dei gloriam. (2006)

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A Reading of the Icon of the Three Companions

A Reading of the Icon of the Three Companions

This icon is visibly patterned after Rublev’s Trinity. Ignatius takes the place of the Father; Xavier, the Son; and Faber, the Holy Spirit.

Ignatius is the Father of the Society of Jesus. It is his guiding hand raised in blessing that established the Society in its firm foundation and guides it even now by his shining inspiration. To his apostolic spirituality the Society owes its being and identity.

Xavier is the Son of Saint Ignatius. He carried out the dream of Ignatius of going and announcing (Ite et Annunciate) the Good News of Christ. His right hand touches the globe symbolizing his direct labors for the apostolate in his efforts to evangelize Asia and the Pacific. His left hand holds aloft the Cross of Christ, recalling his zealous proclamation of the Kingdom. He embodies the Society’s missionary impetus.

Faber is the Consoler of that First Company. In his hand, he bears the Spiritual Exercises, which embody the spirit of the Society of Jesus, of which he is the first to be born. He accompanied Ignatius and Xavier with a comforting presence as a quiet pillar of strength and encouragement. He is shown sitting in a listening stance, keenly devoted to the needs of his brethren. He embodies the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis.

In the background, we see the University of Paris to the left and the Church of the Gesu on the right, reminding us of their movement, from being Friends in the Lord to being the Society of Jesus, from companionship to mission; not without the hardships embodied by steep rocks, tumultuous waves and freezing snow but also not bereft of the consolations signified by the sheltering Tree and soft grass.

One may simply ask, Where is God in this icon? According to the mind of Ignatius, we see God in all things—in the golden light of glory that enfolds the whole image and indeed the whole life of Ignatius and his first companions: moving in their deepest cores, seizing their hearts with burning passion, drawing them through each other to union with himself. As in Rublev’s original, the three persons are shown in deep spiritual intimacy. The icon is an invitation to enter into the communion of the First Companions and rediscover in their school of apostolic spirituality, missionary impetus and cura personalis, especially in this year of Jubilee, our Jesuit meaning and character.


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Immaculate Heart of Mary

The memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary gives way this year to the Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist.

And yet on this Saturday, what keeps us from honoring the heart of our Mother, so closely united to the heart of the Son, whose heart was formed from her virgin flesh and humanly nurtured by her maternal love and care. Saint Augustine says that before Mary bore Jesus in her womb, she bore him first in her heart.

Let us ask Our Lady that she may form us after the Heart of her Son, so that we who bear him in our flesh in the Eucharist, may bear him also in our hearts. Let us ask Our Lord that we may have a heart like Our Lady: always treasuring God's words, bearing the sword of sorrow with faith and hope, rejoicing in God with great love and confidence!


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