Book Reviews and More: Ignatius of Loyola - J.A. Philips SJ

Monday 20 April 2020

Ignatius of Loyola - J.A. Philips SJ - CTS Great Saints

Ignatius of Loyola
CTS Great Saints
J.A. Philips SJ
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 978860823671
eISBN 9781784692971
ASIN B071WFQFMM
CTS Booklet B687

Over the last few years I have read and reviewed over 100 books from the Catholic Truth Society. There have been many excellent reads, both standalone and from series. And I love the biographies that are broken down into serveral sub-series. I have several series on the go from the Catholic Truth Society. First this series the CTS Great Saints Series. I have also read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved almost all of them. Lately I have been focused more on this series, and a couple of others, almost alternating books in each series, and still have over a dozen in this series I want to read. On top of finishing all the books written by Midgley. This volume was published in in 1946 and then rereleased in 2006 and the eBook edition was released in 2017. I can easily that this is a great book an amazing series!

The description of the book is:

“This classic biography, first published in June 1946, was reissued to mark the 450th anniversary of the death of St Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. Fr Phillips presents Ignatius life in vivid terms that demonstrate its heroism and variety. This is the story of the striking journey Ignatius made in exchanging the pursuit of worldly pleasure and power for spiritual combat, thus becoming one of the most intriguing true contemplatives in action.”

And the chapters in the volume are:

The Standard of Christ
From Loyola to Montserrat
Years of Preparation
Companions of Jesus
Workers in the Vineyard

I have read much on both Ignatius and the Jesuits over the years. In fact 12 years ago I wrote an essay entitled ‘Why The Jesuits?’ And to be honest the vitriol directed towards the Jesuits since then, especially during the pontificate of Pope Francis. It seems that both within the church and without people either typically love or hate the Society of Jesus. And this book goes into some of that.

I myself am not a Jesuit fan boy. But I do appreciate their rich history of service. My son has decided that he wants to take Ignatius as his confirmation name and patron. We read Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God by Donna Giaimo and Patricia Edward Jablonski part of the Encounter the Saints Book 8. After reading this book, I plan to reread it with him.

It is an excellent read. I was not able to find any other books by Rev. J.A. Phillips SJ. And no matter what your opinion of the Jesuits you owe it to yourself to give this book a read, to find out about the beginnings. And this truly holy man of God. And of the holy men who gathered around him and followed him over time.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books in the CTS Great Saints Series:
Antonio Rosmini - J.B. Midgley
Bernard of Clairvaux - J.B. Midgley
Benedict Patron of Europe - J.B. Midgley
Charles Borromeo - J.B. Midgley
Dominic - J.B. Midgley
Elizabeth of the Trinity The Great Carmelite Saint - Jennifer Moorcroft
Francis de Sales - J.B. Midgley
Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ John Paul Kirkham
George: Patron of England - J.B. Midgley
John Baptist de La Salle - J.B. Midgley
John of the Cross - Jennifer Moorcroft
John Vianney - J.B. Midgley
Louis Marie de Montfort His Life, Message and Teaching - Paul Allerton SMM
Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Patrick Missionary to the Irish - Thomas O’Loughlin