Francis meets Ignatius Loyola in Paris (1529-1534)

In his early years in the University of Paris, Francis tended to put more effort into sports and the night life of the city than into his studies.

A turning point in his life was his encounter with a fellow Basque, Ignatius of Loyola. As a mature student of 38 years, Ignatius was beginning his studies at the University of Paris. He was assigned to the same student quarters as Ignatius Loyola and Peter Faber. At first Francis was not attracted to Ignatius. He saw him as a middle-aged religious enthusiast. He even made fun of him in public.

After five years of patiently encouraging and supporting Francis, Ignatius finally broke through Francis’ mask of self-sufficiency. He challenged him with the question Christ put to His disciples, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Reflection

Do I try to give the impression to others that I ‘have it all together’, that I do not need the support of others?

Do I recognise the need for God in my life?

Am I open to the encouragement and support of friends?

Prayer

O most kind and loving saint, in union with you I adore the Divine Majesty. The remembrance of the favours with which God blessed you during life, and of your glory after death, fills me with joy, and I unite with you in offering to God my humble tribute of thanksgiving and of praise.

I implore of you to secure for me, through your powerful intercession and the all important blessing of living and dying in the state of grace. I also beseech you to obtain the favour I ask in this novena…

but if what I ask is not for the glory of God or for the good of my soul, obtain for me what is most conducive to both.

Amen.