In 2024 I was fortunate to visit the Cova de Sant Ignasi (Cave of Saint Ignatius) in Manresa, Spain. This is where Ignatius spent hours in prayer during his time there in 1521-1522. It is regarded as the space where the seeds of the Spiritual Exercises were sown.

The cova is one of many natural limestone rock cavities spread along the Cardoner River. These cavities were carved out over time by the forces of wind and rain. There is something about the Cova and its geology that reminds us, in the words of Teilhard de Chardin SJ, ‘to trust in the slow work of God.’ Like the Cova in which he sat and prayed, Ignatius was exposed to spiritual rains and winds that shaped a space within him enabling him to entrust his life to God.

As we celebrate the Feast of Ignatius on 31 July, may we be open to the action of God in the winds and rains of life and allow ourselves to be hollowed out that we may receive God’s abundant grace.

Rob Morris SJ, Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia