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May 11 - St. Ignatius of Laconi 1701-1781

Ignatius, the son of pious peasants at Laconi, Sicily, was born in 1701. As a young man he vowed, during a serious illness, that, if he recovered his health, he would consecrate his life to God in the Capuchin Order. He regained his health, but kept putting off the fulfillment of his vow from day to day. Then, as if to warn him, his life was gain threatened when a horse he was riding became shy. Ignatius called upon St. Francis renewing the vow he had previously made, and again received help. This time even his parents raised no objections.

He asked for admission at the convent at Cagliari, but the superiors hesitated at first because of his delicate health. Then Ignatius looked up an influential friend who interceded for him, and he was received. The ardor of his soul made him so strong that he could attend all the exercises of the community and even excel his brethren in perfect observance of the rule.

After being employed in the community for several years at various occupations, he was appointed quester of alms because of his edifying conduct. The citizens of Cagliari soon realized that Brother Ignatius really gave them more than he took away with him. His modest demeanor was a quiet sermon for all who saw him going about. He seldom spoke; but when charity and the salvation of souls required it, he spoke with exceptional kindness. He would also instruct the children and the uneducated, comfort the sick, and urge sinners to be converted and to do penance. Mockery and contempt he accepted calmly, replying only with kind words.

He punctually obeyed his superiors, also when it required the denial of his own will. The good brother was accustomed to pass by the house of a usurer, because he feared that in accepting an alms from him he would share the guilt of this man's injustices. But when the man complained and the superior commanded the brother to accept alms from him, Ignatius always called on the usurer for his donation. Perhaps this is what caused the man's conversion.

The sister of the servant of God had often written to him asking him to pay her a visit, so she could get his advice in certain important matters. Ignatius had no mind to heed her request, but when his superior ordered him to do so, he at once undertook the journey. But he left again as soon as he had given the required advice.

When his brother was sent to prison, it was hoped that, in view of the reputation of Brother Ignatius, the latter could obtain his brother's release. His superior sent him to speak to the governor, but he asked merely that his brother be dealt with according to justice. Not for anything in the world would Brother Ignatius have kept anyone from doing his duty.

Despite his infirmity, Ignatius persevered in his arduous work until he was 80 years old. Even after he became blind, he continued to make his daily rounds for two years. The veneration of the people increased, and many sick persons were miraculously aided by him.

He died on May 11, 1781, and many miracles occurred at his grave. Brother Ignatius was beatified in 1940, and canonized in 1951.

ON RELINQUISHING OUR OWN OPINION
1. Consider how St. Ignatius gave up his own opinion and serenely followed his superior's orders in instances where at first he feared he would be doing wrong. It is the common teaching of theologians that we not only may but must relinquish our opinion when our lawful superiors prescribe the opposite, as long as their command is not openly sinful. But we should not cling too tenaciously to our opinion even when we deal with other sensible and conscientious people. To persist obstinately in our own ideas is a plain sign of conceit, and it may lead us sadly astray. Thomas a Kempis (3,7) says of it: "If such who are as yet inexperienced will rather follow their own judgment than believe others who have more experience, their end will be perilous, should they refuse to be withdrawn from their own conceits." -- Do you perhaps have to fear such an outcome?
2. Consider that especially in regard to our confessors and spiritual directors we must give up our own opinion. The words of the Apostle apply here: "Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as having to render an account of your souls" (Heb 13:17). -- If you obey your director in a childlike and docile way, he bears the responsibility and not you, and as a conscientious director he will have no fear to give the required account. But insist on sticking to your own course against his advise, and he may now and then let you have your way, but with a sigh he will think of the account he has to render, and that, as the Apostle adds, "is not expedient for you."
3. Consider that, like St. Ignatius, we may not yield to the opinion or accede to the wishes of others if we should thereby fail in duty or cause others to do so. Ignatius did not, therefore, ask the judge to release his brother just as a favor to himself. Justice and duty supersede human preference, and they must not be violated for the sake of any human being. The words of the Apostle again apply here: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). -- May God's grace be with us to help us know when we must relinquish our own opinion, and when we may not follow the opinion of others.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
O God, who enlightenest every man that cometh into this world, shed upon our hearts, we beseech Thee, the brightness of Thy grace, that we may ever think thoughts worthy of Thy majesty and pleasing unto Thee, and ever sincerely love Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.