Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Jundt Features: Ignatius of Loyola

Gonza University is hosting an amazing exhibit in their gallery of Ignatius of Loyola until December 14. The exhibit is put on by the Jundt's Annual campaign of the 2011-2012 year. Frank Case, S.J., Vice President for Mission at Gonzaga is the head of the event.

 The exhibit features prints taken off of original copper-plate engravings that were prepared at the time of the Spanish Priest's beatification. The Jundt claims that this gives people a glimpse of what Ignatius's relationship with God was like. On each print is an image a various testimonies to faith that Ignatius was said to experience. Below each image is latin text that describes what is happening in the picture.

The exhibit is set up in a hall type fashion with a beautiful cast copper statue of Ignatius at the end of the hall. On the side walls are the prints which are hung in frames. A well organized, and well lit, room causes for a peaceful environment. Additionally, there is a sense of seriousness to the exhibit. This can be explained when you find out why the works are in front of you. Each frame hung signifies a symbol of testimony that this great priest had to share in his time.

Given the setting, and the faith that Ignatius exhibited during his lifetime, there is reason enough for the Jundt to include this exhibit in their gallery. Gonzaga is committed to the advocation given their catholic tradition. Obviously this is something worth looking at. The community of Spokane has an opportunity to view faith in such a way that many may have not thought possible. These prints only scratch the surface of what value lies in the knowledge that Ignatius had to share. His entire life was devoted to faith, and that is remarkable. Especially in such a day as today where faith cannot even be found in the people around us, let alone God.



I find this exhibit to be put in place for a reason, people need faith. Historically speaking, The community is being exposed to one of the most renowned priests ever. In our community, there is a lack of faith that is shown through lying, cheating, and hidden agendas. Gonzaga is trying to show people that the journey of life can be made a lot easier if maybe we were to give each other the benefit of the doubt sometimes. Rather than question, embrace. And pay attention to the details, they are all an engraving that is written on our hearts as a testament to the grand mural disclosed in God's eyes. Maybe we need to give a good deed the same amount of credit as we do a small sin, or a white lie. Maybe then we can live as humbly as this man, just maybe. So I wonder, will folks take the time to realize how fervently significant this exhibit is? Or will we harbor in ignorance pertaining to the poor and strive for idiosyncratic gain? My thought is, if Ignatius can lead a life of faith, so can we.



1 comment:

  1. From your pictures, I find it intriguing the placement of the works. The small Ignatius statue and the small frames seem to make you feel like this is an intimate show. Did you feel small and tiny in the "big theological" theme or did you, yourself feel larger then life, like you should be living up to your faith?

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