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This 31 July, the diocesan community and the universal Church commemorate the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), one of the most influential figures of the 16th-century Catholic Reformation and founder of the Society of Jesus. His profound spirituality and his model of life continue to be a beacon of faith, culture and service in our own day.
A legacy that transforms the Church
Iñigo of Loyola, after an intense spiritual conversion, developed a unique way of seeking and finding God in all things. This path gave rise to his celebrated Spiritual Exercises, a method of prayer, meditation and discernment that has guided millions of people towards personal conversion.
Today, its members—known as Jesuits—keep this mission alive in key areas such as education, missions and cultural promotion. Moreover, because of his past as a soldier and his method of introspection, Saint Ignatius is universally recognised as patron of the Spiritual Exercises, retreats, and also of those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Art and history in the Main Sacristy
On the occasion of this anniversary, we invite all the faithful and visitors to delve into the rich heritage of our Cathedral. Inside the Main Sacristy, the church safeguards a magnificent devotional and artistic work entitled “Vision of Saint Ignatius of Loyola”.
This painting, dating to around the year 1600, is attributed to the distinguished Renaissance painter Alonso Vázquez, one of the masters who contributed to the transition towards naturalism in the Sevillian school.
The mystical mystery of the work
The canvas depicts with great delicacy one of the most momentous mystical visions of the saint’s life: the heavenly encounter in which God the Father appears to him accompanied by Jesus Christ bearing the Cross. This scene, which evokes the famous mystical episode in the chapel of La Storta, symbolises the profound Christocentrism that defines Ignatian spirituality and the mandate to serve under the banner of Christ.
We invite you to take advantage of this festive day to visit the Cathedral, pause before this artistic jewel, and devote a moment to reflection and inspiration through the gaze of Saint Ignatius.