Manresa
14. Helping in the Hospitals of Manresa
Iñigo didn’t continue his journey to Barcelona; probably because he felt he would meet too many people who knew him from the court, as there were many travelling to Rome at that time to attend the coronation of a Spanish Pope. And surely if he met his rich friends they would pressure him to live his former comfortable life. He probably felt too that he had more to learn about the spiritual life which would have been available from the many religious people in Manresa. So from Montserrat, Iñigo turned back and went down to stay for a while in the industrial town of Manresa.
Iñigo begged for food, much of which he gave away again to poor people.
He also began to help the sick in the town’s two small hospitals.
Lyrics
Down from the heights above, through valleys deep
to dark black caves he leads.
And when I think I’ve reached the furthest depths,
there’s more to go,
I write his lessons in a book,
So I can always take further looks,
To trace the way he’s leading me, by valleys, peaks and dreams,
From peaks to caves, through crypts, through graves,
Down routes that reach to waters deep.
From peaks through graves, in crypts he saves,
through caves he’ s leading me.
A thought to ponder
No one can change the world single handed.
However, we can all have a particular cause or person we do our best to care for.
How do you make the world a better and more caring place?
Scripture for the Day
As a way of praying today’s Scripture we suggest, Lectio Divina
Sirach 4 1-10 NRSVACE
My child, do not cheat the poor of their living, and do not keep needy eyes waiting.
Do not grieve the hungry, or anger one in need.
Do not add to the troubles of the desperate, or delay giving to the needy.
Do not reject a suppliant in distress, or turn your face away from the poor.
Do not avert your eye from the needy, and give no one reason to curse you;
for if in bitterness of soul some should curse you, their Creator will hear their prayer.
Endear yourself to the congregation; bow your head low to the great.
Give a hearing to the poor, and return their greeting politely.
Rescue the oppressed from the oppressor; and do not be hesitant in giving a verdict.
Be a father to orphans, and be like a husband to their mother;
you will then be like a son of the Most High, and he will love you more than does your mother.
Music for Today
Bread for the World sung by the Thomas More Group written by Bernadette Farrell
Purchase more of the music of Bernadette Farrell
Manresa
The ancient cross, bridge and church known as the Seo, all of which had been built on the banks of the river Cardoner at the time of Ignatius.
Photo: DWB Ignatian Pilgrimage