Saint Ignatius of Santhi
A Revered Master, Always in Pursuit of the Lord’s Will
As Master of Novices, Brother Ignatius knew how to instil in his young disciples a passion for the observance of the Rule and Constitutions. As a formator, his genius shone out in his ability to reduce the wide variety of practical aspects of our way of life to one guiding principle, namely the that of charity or love. But such love also involved rigorousness. But such love also involved rigorousness. He was implacable when it came to following the principal of self denial. He knew how to easily enkindle the enthusiasm of the young Brothers for virtue and for sacrifice and, even when imposing penitential practices, he taught that those practices should spring from a loving heart. His education method which. by its extreme discretion and ‘maternal’ gentleness, won over the hearts of the Brother Novices in a way that was irresistible.
“Too much concern for avoiding suffering is unbecoming of those who profess an austere rule since suffering is totally characteristic of one who loves the Lord. If the Supreme Pontiff were to send us from Rome a little piece of the Holy Cross, we would receive it with great reverence and devotion and thank him for such an on honour and favour. The Supreme Pontiff, Jesus Christ, has sent us sent us from heaven part of his own Cross, which is the evils we suffer. Let us carry it out of love for him and endure it patiently and thank him for such a great favour.” – Saint Ignatius of Santhià