The Gift of Art and St. Ignatius of Loyola

(On Sculptor Pablo Eduardo)

On the heart of Boston College’s campus, one can find this magnificent contemporary sculpture by Pablo Eduardo. Pablo first became exposed to sculpture by modeling clay with his mother and attending sculpture classes with this mother. From Bolivia, Pablo incorporates raw materials of steel, clay, bronze, copper, iron, and glass/crystal into his masterpieces.

Pablo’s sculptures emit truth, authenticity, and struggle, grounded in a gentle humility to reveal the true nature of the figure studied or created. This can be seen clearly in the sculpture of St. Ignatius of Loyola, however, can also be seen among his other works of art.

This specific piece I decided to photograph from different angles and under different lighting to show the different feelings, and emotions the emanate from his artwork. I have included commentary with each of the photographs within this collection to show how this one sculpture shows the life of St. Ignatius in it’s entirety.

For more information on Pablo Eduardo: https://pabloeduardosculpture.com/biography/https://pabloeduardosculpture.com/biography/

Pablo Eduardo was also chosen to sculpt the memorial for the Boston Marathon Bombings - these were installed in April 2020.

For more detail on the sculpture please go to: https://pabloeduardosculpture.com/boston-marathon-marker-memorial/ - for more information on an explanation of the symbolism, please go here: https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/08/19/memorial-martin-richard-lingzi-lu-krystle-campbell

To experience more of Pablo Eduardo’s work, please go to the works tab on his website: https://pabloeduardosculpture.com/

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The Vision

While St. Ignatius of Loyola was a young man, he found in himself on a path to fight others - wanting to be a knight - of chivalry - however, upon being injured a new vision for his life began to emerge

The Prayer

St. Ignatius of Loyola prayed to God he would be healed… but also to Our Lady - to be healed from his illness… while in “quarantine”, and healing, he began to read the lives of the saints and to see a new way of existing or being.

Enlightenment and Journey

Enlightened by the lives of the Saints he began to recover, and his soul was set on a new path — praying to Our Lady, he decides to go on a journey to Montserrat.

The Way 1

Along the Journey, Ignatius is given two different paths he could take, becoming hostile to someone along the path, while also fighting with God along the way, he finds himself on the path to Montserrat and to Our Lady. Having a deep devotion to Our Lady, he continued to ask for her intercession and guidance.

The Way 2

St. Ignatius of Loyola also continued to appeal to Christ, and at some point in his spiritual journey - had a vision of the Christ Child.

Arrival at Montserrat

St. Ignatius of Loyola arrives at Montserrat and sleeps in the church pew. He prays continuously, and comes to the realization that scruples exist. He also confesses all of his sins and begins to go through a deeper conversion.

Time at Montserrat

While experiencing a vision at the church, he turns from his current path, and decides to take vows of poverty and chastity.

Laying down his weapons

St. Ignatius of Loyola lays down his sword and leaves it at the altar and the feet of Our Lady

Journey to Manresa

St. Igantius goes to Manresa - and lives as a hermit, begging for his food - he begins to formulate the foundation of the spiritual exercises.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

St. Ignatius embarks on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land… he then returns to Barcelona

Encountering of the 6

While Studying and teaching, St. Ignatius of Loyola encounters 6 companions who will accompany him in founding the order.

Questioned by the Inquisition

Because of being associated with some women who were interrogated by the inquisition, St. Ignatius was also interrogated by the inquisition and eventually released.

Ignatius Heads to Studies

St. Igantius zealously embarks on his studies… which later leads to deeper discoveries….

Spiritual Exercises

St. Ignatius writes the spiritual exercises ~ creating a way to discern the spirits through the Spiritual Exercises.

Encounter of Nicholas Bobadilla

Encounter of Simao Rodriguez

Encounter of Francis Xavier

Encounter Diego Laynez

Encounter Alfonso Salmeron

Encounter Peter Faber

Humility

Humility was one of the founding principles of the Spiritual Exercises. One is to be grounded in humility.

The Holy Spirit

While St. Ignatius of Loyola guided the 6, it was really the Holy Spirit in the 7 of them - that guided each other and helped each other to grow in their vocations and calling.

Founding the Order

St. Ignatius founds the Jesuit order

The Holy Land Round 2?

St. Ignatius would love to return to the Holy Land if the Pope would let him, or he will do what the Pope asks him….

Founding The First Jesuit College

St. Ignatius founds The First Jesuit College

Spiritual Exercises Questioned

The Spiritual Exercises are brought before the Roman Inquisition eventually the Spiritual Exercises were given papal permission to be published.

Constitutions

St. Ignatius and Polanco write the Jesuit Constitutions

Weariness

St. Ignatius of Loyola has moments of weariness at different times during his spiritual journey. No spiritual journey is complete without trials and tribulations, or even moments of frustration.

Virtue

St. Ignatius grew everyday in his life and walk with virtue…. and giving of himself to help others and be a person for others.