Prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola Patron of Soldiers

Prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Suscipe)

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess.

You have given all to me; to You, Lord, I return it. All is Yours—dispose of it wholly according to Your will.

Give me only Your love and Your grace; that is enough for me.

Amen.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, born Íñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola in 1491 in Spain, is widely recognized as the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. His life underwent a profound transformation from a military-focused nobleman to a dedicated spiritual leader.

Ignatius's early life was characterized by a pursuit of military glory and worldly success, serving as a page and soldier. This path dramatically shifted in 1521 when he was severely injured by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona, shattering his leg. During his recovery, confined to bed, he read the only available books: a life of Christ and a collection of saints' live. These readings sparked a deep spiritual conversion, leading him to abandon his military ambitions for spiritual ones. He observed that worldly thoughts left him feeling "dry and sad," while thoughts of Christ and the saints inspired and enthused him.

Following his recovery, Ignatius embarked on a pilgrimage to the Montserrat shrine and spent a year in Manresa, engaging in intense prayer, penance, and spiritual exercises. It was during this period that he began to formulate the spiritual practices that would later become the foundation of the Jesuits' Spiritual Exercises. These exercises are designed to deepen one's relationship with God through meditation, contemplation, and discernment. He also experienced significant spiritual insights and trials, including struggles with scrupulosity, which ultimately strengthened his resolve to follow God's will.

Ignatius later pursued studies in theology and philosophy at the University of Alcalá, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Paris, where he earned his master's degree. In Paris, he gathered a small group of like-minded men, including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber, who would become the first members of the Society of Jesus. In 1534, they took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, committing themselves to the greater glory of God and the service of souls.

The Society of Jesus received official recognition from Pope Paul III in 1540. Under Ignatius's leadership as the first superior general, the Jesuits became a significant force in the Counter-Reformation, emphasizing education, missionary work, and the spread of Catholicism. They also took a fourth vow of "obedience with regard to mission," pledging to accept any mission God, through the Pope, called them to. Ignatius served as superior general until his death on July 31, 1556, at the age of 64.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. His feast day is celebrated on July 31. He is recognized as the patron saint of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), soldiers, and spiritual retreats. His legacy endures through the global influence of the Jesuits in education, social justice, and spiritual formation, and his Spiritual Exercises continue to inspire individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God.

One of Ignatius's most famous sayings and the motto of the Jesuits is "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," meaning "for the greater glory of God" He also authored several prayers, including the prayer for generosity and the "Suscipe" (Receive) prayer.

Prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Patron of Soldiers: "Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give, and not to count the cost, to fight, and not to heed the wounds, to toil, and not to seek for rest, to labor, and not to ask for reward, except that of knowing that we are doing your will."