The Ignatian Year - what is it and how can you get involved?

October 1, 2021

The Ignatian Year marks the 500th anniversary of the religious conversion of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

As a young man, Iñigo, as he was then known, was vainglorious. He took up dancing, fencing, gambling, duelling, and pursuing women. He was driven by a desire for fame.

At the Battle of Pamplona in 1521, Iñigo’s dream came to a shattering end when he was horrifically injured by a cannonball. He barely survived, enduring months of torturous surgeries without any form of anaesthetic. While convalescing, he had a spiritual awakening which would change him forever, and indeed the world.  

The story of Iñigo’s conversion and journey to sainthood serves as an example for all time. It begins in a moment of terrible crisis, but ultimately leads to a lifetime of profound self-knowledge.

We will be celebrating this journey through events, activities, exhibitions, blogs, and a sense of unity in Christ (all the details will be here on this page). We hope you will join us and find something in yourself along the way.

To check out Ignatian Year events please click here

Jesuits participate in historic ecumenical service to mark 400th anniversary of Queen's Chapel

June 5, 2025

The service was attended by His Majesty King Charles III

Reflections on the Ignatian Year and what it all means

June 23, 2022

As we approach the end of the 'Ignatian Year' next month, Fr Ladislav Šulik reflects

Staff and pupils at Faith Primary Academy bid parish priest a fond farewell

April 3, 2023

Fr Denis Blackledge is retiring after 7 happy years serving the Everton parish of St Francis Xavier

Heythrop Library offers new membership options for 2025

December 2, 2024

New membership options will be available for our specialist theology and philosophy library