Blue Sapphire Jubilee of P. Nigel JOHNSON who celebrates 65 years since professing Final Vows today.
On this day in our Jesuit history...
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus. Feast.
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS (Feast)
On 22 April 1541, the Founding Fathers of the Society of Jesus made their solemn profession of vows in the newly instituted Order, during the celebration of Mass at Our Lady’s altar in the basilica of St Paul Outside-the-Walls in Rome. It was a crowning event in the history of the Society of Jesus. Today’s feast commemorates the birth of the vowed Society and its dedication to Mary as its Mother.
1541
St. Ignatius is unanimously elected General. But he refuses. 1595. St. Henry Walpole, S.J. is martyred at York.
1581
At the close of the Fourth General Congregation, Pope Gregory XIII received the new General, Father Claude Acquaviva, and promised to provide a foundation fund for the Roman College.
1585
(Day uncertain.) Discontent of certain Spanish Fathers at Father Claude Acquaviva's election: they wanted a Spanish general. Such a state of things requiring great firmness, Father General Acquaviva expelled a number of Professed Fathers.
1952
A Letter of Fr. General Janssens "On Continual Mortification."
1972
Rene Arnou, S.J. dies. He was a professor at the Gregorian, a scholar on spirituality and philosophy.
1995
Engelbert Mveng, S.J. is killed in his bed in the Cameroons. He was a theologian, artist, and scholar and writer on the history and culture of West Africa. He also founded the community of the Beatitudes.
