On Thursday 31 July, Jesuit parishes around the UK will mark the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. It’s a day to honour the legacy of a saint whose spiritual vision continues to inspire Jesuit education, worship, and service, as well as Catholics around the world.

The feast invites us to reflect on Ignatius’s call to “find God in all things” — the practice of recognising God’s presence in every part of daily life, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises are the foundation of Ignatian spirituality, shaping how many people pray to this day. As we celebrate the Feast of St Ignatius this week, we’re invited to explore his distinctive approach to prayer — using the imagination and senses to encounter God more deeply through the Gospels. This method is reflected in Pray As You Go’s imaginative contemplations and daily Examen — a practice that helps us recognise where God has been at work in our day. Perhaps this week, you might take a moment to ask: how might I go deeper in my prayer life?

Also launching this week on Thursday 31 July is the second series of Thinking Faith’s podcast, Things I Wish I Knew. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition of reflective discernment, each episode features guests sharing personal stories of growth, challenge, and unexpected grace. It’s a companionable and accessible way to engage with Ignatian insight — just in time for the founder’s feast.

Celebrations across Jesuit-run parishes this Thursday 31st July

At the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, London, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated at 6.00pm, with Fr Provincial Peter Gallagher SJ, leader of the Jesuits in Britain, preaching about the Society's founder. More information can be found at www.farmstreet.org.uk.

At St Ignatius Church, Stamford Hill, the Feast of Saint Ignatius will be celebrated at 10.00am with Mass followed by a reception in the parish hall. All are very welcome to attend. More information is available at stignatius.co.uk.

At St Anselm’s, Southall, a Feast Day Mass will be celebrated at 9.15am. More details can be found on their website: stanselmchurchsouthall.com.

St Wilfrid’s in Preston will hold a Feast Day Mass at 6.00pm, followed by a parish barbeque with members of the local Jesuit parishes of St Peter’s, Stonyhurst, and St Joseph’s, Hurst Green. Details are available at www.stwilfridschurch.org.uk.

At St Aloysius, Glasgow, the Feast will be marked at both Masses with prayers from the liturgy of St Ignatius. After Mass, all are warmly invited to a parish lunch in the Ogilvie Centre, The Auditorium on the second floor (lift available). Visit www.staloysiusglasgow.org for more information.

Although there is no special Mass scheduled at Sacred Heart, Edinburgh, the parish is praying the Novena to St Ignatius in the lead-up to the feast day. Daily videos are being posted on their social media channels, including their Facebook and Instagram pages. Visit edinburghjesuit.org.uk for more information.

Elsewhere, Jesuit parishes have been participating in a nine-day Novena to St Ignatius, shared via parish channels and social media.