July 10, 2009

The first 'black pope'

This is the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) which stands inside the main campus of the Ateneo de Manila University. Ignatius (also Iñigo or Ignacio) is the Basque founder of the Society of Jesus. The sculpture depicts an important moment in his life, when he decided to turn his back on his military past and dedicate the rest of his life to following and serving God. He went to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat where he left his sword and military vestments before an image of Mary. If you look closely, you'll notice that the sword is chained to Ignatius' wrist. It's an almost-irresistible temptation for graduating students who want a special memento of their Ateneo years. It's still the rainy season in the Philippines and our skies in Metro Manila have been this dreary almost everyday this past week.

statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Visit the Sky Watch Friday home page and tour the skies of our beautiful world.
Sky Watch Friday

29 comments:

  1. JamesJuly 10, 2009 at 2:34 AM

    Cool statue, I like his pose.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DinaJuly 10, 2009 at 4:11 AM

    I didn't know this about Ignatius.
    It is a statue to remember , but hopefully not by way of having the sword as your souvenir. :)

    Had a good read at your links and at the monastery website. What a place!
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. OlivierJuly 10, 2009 at 4:36 AM

    merci pour cette belle histoire. La statue est très belle.

    ReplyDelete
  4. VPJuly 10, 2009 at 5:45 AM

    Beautiful statue, great man. You mean that some swords have been stolen in the past?

    ReplyDelete
  5. u.c.July 10, 2009 at 6:25 AM

    Well, this is such an interesting part of history. The posture in the picture is very impressive and your commentary is so meaningful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Photo CacheJuly 10, 2009 at 6:28 AM

    Very interesting information. I miss those gray wet days.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LouiseJuly 10, 2009 at 6:38 AM

    Nice post; very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  8. JimJuly 10, 2009 at 6:52 AM

    Good subject for skywatch.
    Sydney - City and Suburbs

    ReplyDelete
  9. DantonJuly 10, 2009 at 9:51 AM

    A bit of info can lighten up the sky, specially about a saint!

    ReplyDelete
  10. LowellJuly 10, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    Beautiful statue, beautiful photograph!

    I wonder how many of those swords they've had to replace?

    ReplyDelete
  11. GreensboroDailyPhotoJuly 10, 2009 at 11:12 AM

    So nice to come to your blog because I always learn something!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sarah A. Galang, Ph.D.July 10, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    Nice photo. Thanks for the visit.

    http://bacolodandbeyond.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Regina July 10, 2009 at 12:16 PM

    Nice one.
    Happy weekend Hilda.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Don and KriseJuly 10, 2009 at 12:25 PM

    What a wonderful statue Hilda. The artist managed to capture emotion in his face. Also a good contribution to SkyWatch Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJuly 10, 2009 at 1:27 PM

    nice shot! interesting statue.

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009 at 6:15 PM

    What a neat sculpture.

    ReplyDelete
  17. SunshineleneJuly 10, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    Interesting sky photo.

    It's also rainy over here in Iligan City, Hilda.

    Thank you so much for the visit at my entry. I love also the sepia one.

    Happy weekend!

    Arlene
    http://www.midlifedancing.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. AlexanderJuly 10, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    Nicely titled. The post of the statue is really cool!

    Have a great weekend.

    Alexander
    Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex

    ReplyDelete
  19. B SQUAREDJuly 10, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    Would there were more Ignatius's in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousJuly 10, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    This is an interesting post and great info. I've heard of the saint but never got into details. Thanks for the visit Hilda.

    ReplyDelete
  21. HalcyonJuly 10, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    I didn't know that story about St Ignatius. Loyola is very popular down here in the south. There's a Catholic school named after him in New Orleans. It's nice to know a little more about his legend.

    Hope you skies clear up for a fabulous weekend! Happy Friday!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. LoisJuly 10, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    It's a beautiful statue Hilda! It's funny that the sword has to be chained to his wrist. I'm never surprised at what students will attempt.

    ReplyDelete
  23. pennyJuly 10, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    What a wonderful lesson, Hilda. I always enjoy learning something new from you. Thanks for all you efforts, I and others do appreciate it...
    Your skies look just like our today. I guess its true when they say 'unto each life a little rain must fall' but not to worry.. soon the sun will shine again :D

    ReplyDelete
  24. luvmyboysJuly 11, 2009 at 4:23 AM

    Great photo! I like how he's looking up toward the heavens.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This Is My Blog - fishing guyJuly 11, 2009 at 4:38 AM

    Hilda: Neat shot of the Pope in the sky.

    ReplyDelete
  26. BaruchJuly 11, 2009 at 7:44 AM

    Great point of view and interesting info

    ReplyDelete
  27. HildaJuly 11, 2009 at 11:37 PM

    Vogon Poet:
    Yes, definitely.

    Jacob:
    I have to ask campus security. I hope they keep records! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. GeorgeJuly 14, 2009 at 2:49 AM

    I like this statue! I can imagine what a temptation that sword is for students. Our skies here have been cloudy as well, but not much rain.

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousJuly 18, 2009 at 5:59 AM

    The statue has so much important message with it.Every good person definitely should follow god.LORD JESUS CHRIST.

    peter

    ------------
    Free Satellite TV

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and letting me know!