Episode 12. La Storta.

While traveling to Rome, Saint Ignatius of Loyola stopped to pray in a small chapel called La Storta.

During this time of prayer, he had a very special spiritual experience that changed his life forever. He believed that God the Father showed him Jesus carrying the cross and invited him to serve Jesus in His mission. This experience filled Ignatius with peace, courage, and confidence that God was leading him.

This moment became a turning point not only for Ignatius but also for his companions. Until then, they were simply a group of friends who prayed, studied, and wanted to serve God. After the experience at La Storta, they understood more clearly that God was calling them to become a religious community. This group later became known as the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits.

The vision reminded Ignatius that following Jesus means being ready to serve wherever the need is greatest. It also taught him to look for God's presence in every person, every place, and every situation. This became one of the main values of Jesuit spirituality: to find God in all things.

Even today, Jesuits around the world look back to the experience at La Storta for inspiration. It reminds them to trust God's guidance, remain faithful to the Church, and generously dedicate their lives to serving others in the spirit of Christ.