During the travels of St. Ignatius of Loyola, there lived a widow in Barcelona named Agnes Pascual. It happened that the good Saint came to the city, and found assistance in his needs through the charity of this Agnes and her eighteen-year-old son, John. During Ignatius’ stay, the Pascuals benefited greatly from his holy conversations and spiritual direction. Young John especially felt his soul enflamed and strengthened by the holy man's company.
Eventually, Ignatius had to leave Barcelona for Paris. By now, the widow and her son had grown very fond of him. So, out of affection, they accompanied him on his journey for some miles. All too quickly, the time came when the Pascuals had to stop and turn back for home. With heavy hearts, they bid the Saint farewell.
Ignatius, too, felt the separation keenly. Although he had to press on, he was resolved to never spiritually abandon these dear souls that God had put in his life. Before continuing on alone, Ignatius embraced John, and gave him some advice for the remainder of his life. But the young man, his heart torn at the Saint’s departure, pleaded with him.
"You have done so much for others," said John, "that they have embraced a life of perfection, or have at least made great progress in virtue. Why do you leave me so unfinished and imperfect? What will become of me in your absence?" With a glimmer of hope, he gazed searchingly into the eyes of the Saint. "If you allow me, I shall follow you wherever you go."
Ignatius was touched at the young man's request and truly compassionate at his grief. Praying to God for inspiration, the holy man looked earnestly at his devoted follower.
"Take courage," Ignatius replied, and his prophetic voice rang out with confidence. "There will be many opportunities for you to suffer and work for God. When you grow older, you will marry. You will meet with many crosses that will not allow you to give way to the empty pleasures of the world, or neglect imploring the Divine assistance." He foretold these pains and sorrows with a serious and yet hopeful tone. Every life has its sufferings, and it is up to every person to decide both why and how well they will suffer. If endured for the love of God and with patience... the heaviness of the crosses in this life are the very means by which we ensure the greatness of our eternal happiness.
St. Ignatius nodded encouragingly at his young friend. Whatever the future may hold, there was no reason for fear. "But all of these trials," the Saint continued, "will end in the salvation of your soul."
Although John now knew what God’s path for him was, it was no small sacrifice for him to part with this holy man who was like a father to him. The thought of growing in holiness alone and without the immense benefit of St. Ignatius’ continual company was a hard one. But with God's grace, and the aid of Ignatius' prayers, John neither complained nor protested. Still, it took all the strength he could muster to stay behind with his mother and wave his friend goodbye.
Some years after this painful parting, John did get married, just as St. Ignatius had foretold. As the years passed, John was blessed with a large family. Though he worked hard, he never enjoyed much wealth. Yet despite his poverty, John still generously lent nearly all the money he owned to those in need. But others were not as charitable with him. What little he and his family had was lost - for he was cheated by his creditors, who stole everything, leaving John penniless.
At this time, Ignatius lived in Rome. Though many years had passed since their separation, the Saint still remembered his young friend and always remained concerned for his welfare. So God, in His Mercy, allowed Ignatius to miraculously see and understand everything that was happening to John. As a most true friend, Ignatius prayed for him fervently and even wrote to him. How eagerly John read the holy priest's letters! Each one was filled with words of both consolation and encouragement. Yes, the Saint's advice and friendship helped John to accept God’s Holy Will for him.
But one day, John awoke more sorrowful than usual. He rose before dawn to go to church. In the darkness of the early morning, his heart struggled to fight away the darkness that surrounded his soul on all sides. The trials in his life mercilessly beat down upon him, clawing into him like so many iron hooks which sought to drag him down into the depths of despair. Surely Ignatius would help him - yes, he needed Father Ignatius' holy advice now more than ever. So often it had helped him in the past... he was sure that Ignatius would help him... if he could...
But John knew that Ignatius couldn't help him that day, or any other - for St. Ignatius was now dead. His prophecies of John’s future had come to pass- and John was left to endure the rest of his life alone. But he was a good man; he wanted to please God. He did not wish to run from the crosses sent to purify him and earn merit for his soul. More than this, he did not want to let God down - he did not want to fail. But in his weary soul, he could no longer find the strength he needed to go on…
Entering the dark and empty church, the poor man knelt down to pray. With anguish, he realized now that this was his only means of communication with that good and holy priest he had once known so dearly. Pleading with a fervor as great as his grief, John prayed into the darkness:
"Holy father Ignatius, who is now in Heaven, you see the sorrow and afflictions that have come upon me as you prophesied to me so long ago. I don't want to succumb to them - I need the virtue of patience. I beg you to ask it of God for me... and also that - as you promised - everything may end well for me, and that I may save my soul." His heartrending prayer was broken by the many tears he could no longer restrain.
Suddenly the entire church was brilliantly lit up! The air was sweetly filled, not just with light, but with delightful music. John was no longer alone in the church... glancing up, he saw that he was now among a great crowd of Holy Angels and Saints. Among them was a man, whose appearance and deportment were worthy of great respect. He was dressed as a priest about to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Adoring the Blessed Sacrament, the priest processed through the sanctuary as he incensed the altar.
By now, the agony which had so terribly oppressed John’s soul had vanished. He was enraptured by the celestial vision and was overflowing with joy! Though a stranger amidst these Heavenly people, what a privilege and blessing it was to be, at least briefly, in their magnificent presence.
When the priest finished incensing the altar, he turned to go away. But as he was leaving... he approached John! John was not afraid, although he did not yet know what to think or expect. But in a moment, there was no longer any mystery - for this priest was none other than St. Ignatius of Loyola! Recognizing his dear friend, John instantly threw himself at Ignatius' feet.
The Saint looked at him and smiled. It was a smile more consoling and soul-stirring than any that John had beheld in all his life, for it emitted the strongest, deepest, most sincere love - which this powerful Saint felt for him. It was then that St. Ignatius spoke.
"Do you remember me?" the priest asked kindly, "I have not forgotten you. Have courage; everything will turn out well for you, as I told you." He then gave John his blessing, and disappeared.
How quickly the holy vision faded! No sooner had his friend gone, when John began to call out after him "O Father! O holy Father Ignatius!" By this time, some priests, who happened to be nearby, heard his cries. Running up to John, they asked him what was the matter. As before, the good man was weeping and sobbing - but his tears were no longer caused by a bitter grief. His sorrow had been transformed into an incomparable joy. Though painful to be once again separated from St. Ignatius, his soul was filled with a deep and abiding peace.
John told the priests everything that had happened. The good men shared in both his astonishment and joy. And it was with no small wonder, and happiness, that they watched John leave... now a different man than when he had come.
John continued to pursue the path in life which God had given to him. The crosses did not cease to come - but now, they did not defeat him. To the end of John’s time in this valley of tears, he needed only to remember that vision - the loving face... those kind words... and the hope-filled promise of St. Ignatius - to experience the greatest relief and consolation in all of his trials. Yet it was not the memory of a bliss that gave John strength. Rather, it was the sure knowledge that, even in the ecstasy of Heaven, his dear father Ignatius remembered him and cared for him, as he had so faithfully done on earth.
Sanctity and Heaven had not made the great Ignatius of Loyola any less of a friend ... just a perfect one!