University Pilgrims Travel in the Footsteps of St. Ignatius (PHOTOS)

In its Footsteps of Ignatius Pilgrimage, The University of Scranton draws from a rich heritage that dates back to 16th century Spain when a visionary young man, Ignatius of Loyola, responded to God’s call. On the journey guided by the Jesuit Center, a select group of University faculty and staff travel together on the path of St. Ignatius and the early Jesuits. 

The most recent pilgrimage for 18 members of the University community from May 25 to June 4, began in northern Spain at the birthplace of St. Ignatius.

Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., Vice President for Mission and Ministry at the University explains the purpose and preparation for the trek from the Spanish countryside to the urban center of Rome.

"The Ignatian Leadership Program meets over the course of the entire academic year preceding the pilgrimage. During that time, the pilgrims read many classic Jesuit texts. The very first thing we read, however, is St. Ignatius' autobiography, which traces his conversion experience and his own pilgrimage.

Our pilgrimage, then, places University staff and faculty in the very same places that St. Ignatius lived, worked, convalesced and died. So, the pilgrimage is the very capstone of the program."

University of Scranton pilgrims shown at Javier Castle in Spain, the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier. (Photo Courtesy Bryn Schofield)

Dr. Cosacchi said the journey based on the spiritual life of St. Ignatius serves as much more than a complement the program.

"This program is at the very heart of what we do in Mission and Ministry at the University. Thanks to the resources of the Jesuit Center, we are able to make this pilgrimage a possibility for interested faculty and staff who apply, are chosen, and then participate in the months-long program," he said.

"It is so valuable because we trace our heritage as a Catholic University to the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. Specifically as a Jesuit university, we treasure the life and creative work of St. Ignatius of Loyola. We see both of these influences wherever we look on this campus. But to have the opportunity to walk in the very steps of St. Ignatius makes this treasure feel all the more tangible to our colleagues here at the University."

The pilgrims visit locations of great historical and religious significance – such as Loyola, Xavier, Montserrat, Manresa, Barcelona and Rome. There, the program's sixth cohort experienced a "happy coincidence," a Jubilee Mass with Pope Leo the XIV.


University of Scranton faculty and staff attend a Jubilee Mass celebrated by Pope Leo the XIV at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in Rome. (Photo Courtesy Bryn Schofield)

Dr. Cosacchi, a scholar of the papacy, added another layer of meaning to the Jesuit connection.

"This was a happy coincidence of the Jubilee schedule that was prepared last year by Pope Francis. It doesn't always work out that our groups are able to see and pray with the Pope, but when it does, it only adds to the experience," he said.

"Part of the reason for that is that St. Ignatius himself had a particular devotion to the papacy, so much so that he placed the Society of Jesus at the pope's disposal (regardless of who was occupying that office). So, we as a Jesuit, Catholic university have a special love for Pope Leo. Being able to see him at only the second papal Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square was a special blessing for us."

Interested in An Upcoming Pilgrimage?

Dr. Cosacchi suggests that interested faculty and staff should apply early in the fall.

"Please be on the lookout for the opportunity to apply early in the fall semester; and we look forward to seeing how this pilgrimage will thrive under the direction of the new Executive Director of the Jesuit Center, Dr. Tim Dulle."  

University of Scranton faculty and staff shown near a statue of St. Paul outside the papal basilica in Rome. (Photo Courtesy Bryn Schofield)