Was St. Ignatius de Loyola always so serious? Here at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School, the St. Ignatius de Loyola statue portrays him in a thoughtful pose. Today, let’s delve into the story behind this memorial. The St. Ignatius de Loyola statue stands as a testament to the founder of the Society of Jesus. It’s a fitting tribute located at a Jesuit-run institution. Ignatius wasn’t always a saint. He was a soldier before his spiritual conversion at age 30. This explains the statue’s depiction of him with a coat of mail, breastplate, and sword. Interestingly, the sword on the St. Ignatius de Loyola statue has been replaced multiple times. Apparently, graduating students had a tradition of stealing it as a souvenir. The current sword is welded and chained to prevent further thefts. The statue isn’t just a historical artifact. It represents the spirit of the Ateneo, blending history with a touch of student mischief. The St. Ignatius de Loyola statue reminds us that even saints had a past. It invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the transformations we undergo in life.
Asian Social Institute
Deep within Manila stands the Asian Social Institute. It is more than just a school. It’s a crucible of social