Morning mass at the cave of saint Ignatius, Manresa, Spain
Most of places where ascetics practice are small caves with few people. Sometimes they do not permit invasion of light of sun and search for internal light. There, they finally attain enlightenment after harsh asceticism. When he becomes a historical figure, it becomes a sacred but luxurious place, unlike its first small and simple condition. Sometimes this situation is not pleasant. However, it would not be meaningless if many people can cultivate their spirituality and change their life after visiting here with being impressed. It is not the spirituality that comes from poverty, but rather the poverty of mind without greed, anger and foolishness.
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
The series of pictures below show the change of cave of saint Ignatius. (From the year of 1552 to 2017)
year of 1552, St. Ignatius walking by the hermitage of the guide. The lit circle in the middle corresponds with the site where the Cave is now.
year of 1603, The Cave was walled and closed with a gate. An oratory was built on top of it.
year of 1660, A tower with a few bedrooms for retreat makers was built on the walls of the oratory.
year of 1690, Building of the anteroom of the Cave and enlargement of the small Retreat House.
year of 1749, The building of the Sanctuary to the right of the Cave started. The work was completed in 1761.
year of 1862, The Retreat House was extended into three stories all along the sanctuary, on the North side.
year 2017, The Cave of st. Ignatius, the Sanctuary and the International Center of Ignatius Spirituality.
5/21/2019
St. Ignatius followed where he saw the circular light of the illusion, settled there, and began the practice of asceticism. Over the centuries, structures have been added and evolved over the caverns.