Lost and Found! (revised)

source: the author

It was late evening of Monday, July 12. I was walking on the road from Manresa toward the main entrance. As I got near the entrance I looked attentively to the left at the wrought iron fence. I noticed that the fence seemed to be disappearing into a rather tall cedar hedge.

That seemed strange and I walked up to the fence.  As I got closer I saw that the top of the fence was sloped. At that moment I became curious and pulled back the cedar branches, only to discover what I was seeing was not a part of the fence but one half of a gate.

Eureka! I had found one half of the original IHS entrance gate to Manresa. It had been hidden and not seen for 25 years!  Source: the author

The IHS in the Jesuit Monogram/Seal is the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek: IHSous. It was a sign that companions of Jesus lived and/or worked here. They were to be companions to each other and companions to those they served by accompanying them in the events of their lives.

Paul Baker, SJ, is a Jesuit Brother in the ministry of prayer at Rene Goupil House in Pickering, Ontario.

Print
7 Comments
  • Vicky Chen
    Posted at 06:32h, 26 October Reply

    Thank you for sharing your experience, Brother Paul. A number of years back the iron gate and concrete pillar were run down by a truck or the like. Brother Bob could tell you more. God bless your ministry of our elderly Jesuits.

  • John Montague
    Posted at 08:23h, 26 October Reply

    Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre has helped me tremendously. Thank you Paul.

  • Dee Sproule
    Posted at 09:10h, 26 October Reply

    What a marvelous discovery!!!

    Good for you!!

  • Charles Pottie-Pâté
    Posted at 09:31h, 26 October Reply

    Bravo Paul. Great discovery and reflection. Thank you.

  • Eric Jensen
    Posted at 16:05h, 26 October Reply

    Wonderful! A piece of history uncovered!

    Thank you, Paul,

    Eric

  • Patrick Silbaugh
    Posted at 21:35h, 26 October Reply

    Very interesting

  • Catherine von Zuben
    Posted at 09:16h, 12 November Reply

    Thanks Paul for sharing your wonderful discovery. I stood there in awe last week looking at the beauty of that gate and Manresa. It is such an inviting entrance and I noticed the number of cars that came in with individuals walking down rosary lane. A woman told me that she comes there on her lunch hour to enjoy the peace and beauty and to pray for the end of COVID. Blessings and gratitude to you and all at La Storta.

Post A Reply to Dee Sproule Cancel Reply

Subscribe to igNation

Subscribe to receive our latest articles delivered right to your inbox!