From castles to cathedrals, a journey across Spain became a life-changing experience for Patricia Ferrer, one of our Spanish teachers, who participated in a pilgrimage retracing the path of St. Ignatius of Loyola this semester. Traveling from Azpeitia to Barcelona, she followed the route that shaped his spiritual transformation and legacy as the founder of the Jesuits.
“Following in his footsteps has been one of the greatest gifts I have been given lately, and one of my best experiences so far,” Ferrer shared.
The pilgrimage included visits to key locations in the life of “San Ignacio,” beginning at Loyola Castle and continuing to Pamplona, where Ignatius was injured and began his conversion to a life of faith. The group also visited the castle of St. Francis Xavier, as well as Montserrat, Manresa, and Barcelona.
Ferrer joined the pilgrimage at the invitation of Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, with support from President Preston Kendall. The group included 11 members of the Loyola Academy community and a guest from Christ the King Jesuit College Prep. “I feel absolutely privileged, not only for the opportunity to visit these landmarks, but also for the group of people I went with,” she said.
Among many highlights, three places stood out. In Montserrat, where Ignatius laid down his sword before the Black Madonna, she found peace and hope. In Manresa, at the Cave of St. Ignatius, she experienced a meaningful Mass and reflected on the origins of the Spiritual Exercises. In Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia exceeded expectations, offering a space that “naturally invites you to reflect and pray.”
“I will always be grateful for this wonderful experience,” Ferrer said, noting that the shared moments and even the meals made the journey unforgettable.