Ignatian Year

From May 2021-July 2022, the Society of Jesus around the world joins together to celebrate an “Ignatian Year” during this 500th anniversary of the “cannonball moment” of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits.

Together with our friends and the whole Church, the universal Society [of Jesus] wants to remember that privileged moment when the Holy Spirit inspired Ignatius of Loyola in his decision to follow Christ, and to deepen our understanding of this pilgrim way in order to ‘draw fruit’ from it.
- Superior General of the Jesuits, Arturo Sosa, SJ

In honor of this most special occasion, the Jesuit ministries of the Inland Northwest are partnering to celebrate our shared identity and heritage through a variety of offerings. In addition to regional opportunities, this page also features resources from the around the world honoring this Ignatian Year.

Looking for more? Access Ignatian Year content and resources from around the globe.

The Cannonball Moment

Inland Northwest Jesuits 

The Inland Northwest is blessed to have a number of Jesuit institutions, or “apostolates,” operating in our region. Sharing a long history of ministry, accompaniment, and service to the people of our area, these apostolates live out the Jesuit mission and charism in unique ways. Representatives and leaders from each of these entities, along with the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, have worked together to imagine a vision for the local celebration of this Ignatian Year. Click on the name of each apostolate to learn more about its distinctive work:

Calendar of Events

  • May 20, 2021 - Ignatian Year Begins
  • July 31, 2021 - St. Ignatius Day
  • August 1, 2021 - Celebration of St. Ignatius Day at St. Al's
    • Ice Cream Social following all Sunday Masses
  • March 4-12, 2022 - 95th Annual St. Al's Novena
  • July 31, 2022 - St. Ignatius Day - Ignatian Year Closing Party

Community Examen Prayer Services

Please join us for the Community Examen Prayer Services. Open to all, these four prayer services will feature reflections and storytelling based on the four Universal Apostolic Preferences which guide the ministry of the Society of Jesus and all Jesuit institutions.

Can’t join us in person? Be welcome to participate via livestream or recording on the St. Al’s YouTube Channel.

Monday, October 18, 2021

6:30 PM in St. Aloysius Church
Caring for our Common Home
Featuring reflection and storytelling by Fr. Peter, Byrne, SJ of the Desmet Mission Community

Monday, December 13, 2021 

Journeying with Youth with speakers from Gonzaga Prep

Monday, March 21, 2022

Showing the Way to God with speakers from Gonzaga University

Monday, May 23, 2022

Walking with the Excluded with speakers from St. Aloysius Parish