The Jesuit Pilgrimage:
“Go and do everything for the greater glory of God.” These words by Saint Ignatius Loyola inspire the Jesuit Pilgrimage in Indonesia with Rich Tour. It invites participants to deepen their relationship with God through the life of the Society of Jesus’s founder. Organized by the Society’s Development Office, this pilgrimage focuses on spiritual growth and on discovering one’s life mission.
Over 14 days, 66 Indonesian pilgrims from various cities visited significant historical sites related to Ignatian spirituality, including locations in Loyola, Manresa, Montserrat, Paris, Venice, and Rome, fostering opportunities for reflection and connection with God. All financial contributions support the education of future Jesuit priests.
Learning Humility and Finding God in Simplicity
The pilgrimage starts in Barcelona and moves to Montserrat, where the group reflects on Saint Ignatius Loyola’s decision to let go of his old self. He left his sword and pride at the feet of the Virgin Mary, beginning a new life as a seeker of God. This simple act symbolizes courage and humility.
In Manresa, at the Sanctuary of the Cave of Saint Ignatius, the group feels a deep silence that leads them to think about their own struggles with worldly desires, such as the need for recognition, comfort, and fear of loss. Letting go is challenging, but in the stillness of Manresa, they sense that God is always ready to welcome those who return with sincere hearts.
The pilgrimage teaches them that being a disciple of Christ means gradually shedding the old self. They aim to carry Ignatius’s spirit into their daily lives by walking lightly, surrendering, and seeking God in everything. At the Hospital of la Magdalena in Manresa, where Ignatius cared for the sick, they learned about humility. Once a proud knight, he chose to serve with love, reminding them of their own sometimes self-serving attitudes.
The experience highlights that God often speaks in quiet moments and simple things. In Loyola, where Ignatius was born, they see how God can work through weakness. Ignatius’s transformation began in his small room, where he was healing, showing that, through pain and difficulty, God teaches us profound lessons.
The journey through Montserrat, Manresa, Loyola, and Venice becomes an inspiration to let go of ego, serve sincerely, and find God in simplicity, reminding them that every small step towards God is valuable when taken with a willing heart.
A Price That’s Worth It
At first, we thought the pilgrimage was expensive, and our family and friends agreed. However, after experiencing it ourselves, we realized the price was worth it. Every visited place, prayer, and meeting made the journey valuable and unforgettable. We returned with more than just photos; we gained a peaceful heart and gratitude for the experience. We also made new friendships and even found a new family through this pilgrimage, reminding us that it was about supporting each other in faith and love, not just traveling together.
Faith that Continuously Grows
This pilgrimage included Montserrat, Manresa, Loyola, Venice, Lourdes, and Rome, where we passed through the Porta Sancta and visited four holy doors. In Rome, we were amazed by the grandeur of the churches and realized how small we are in the face of the great history of faith. The magnificent basilicas were built through a long process, reminding us that God’s work requires patience and perseverance. We learned that faith might grow slowly but firmly, and we are called to be part of this great history through simple steps and hearts ready to be moulded.
Contributors: Maria Noverita and Fr. Windar Santoso, S.J.
