In an age defined by professional ambition, constant noise, and competing loyalties, Catholic professionals are called to a higher standard—one that blends leadership with holiness. On this feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus and one of the most influential spiritual leaders in Church history, we reflect on the timeless lessons he offers to lay Catholic leaders navigating today’s secular world.
1. Begin with a Profound Conversion
Before becoming a saint, Ignatius was a soldier obsessed with personal glory. It was only after a cannonball shattered his leg—and his worldly aspirations—that he encountered God in a transformative way. This radical conversion is a lesson for Catholic professionals: our leadership must begin with an inward turning to Christ. Ambition, when baptized by grace, is not discarded but redirected toward service, mission, and the glory of God.
For modern lay leaders, this means constantly evaluating the motives behind our work. Are we building our own kingdom, or God’s? Like Ignatius, we must be willing to let go of personal plans and embrace a mission that may look different than what we once envisioned.
2. “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” – For the Greater Glory of God
The saint's motto, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, should animate every Catholic professional. In a results-driven world, success is often measured in metrics—profits, promotions, influence. But Ignatius offers a more eternal metric: is this work bringing greater glory to God?
Catholic professionals are uniquely positioned to sanctify the world from within—by elevating conversations, dignifying colleagues, building ethical systems, and making courageous moral choices. Whether you are in business, law, medicine, government, or the arts, ask the Ignatian question: How does this glorify God?
3. Discernment in Decision-Making
One of Ignatius’ greatest gifts to the Church is his method of discernment of spirits, articulated in the Spiritual Exercises. This is a powerful tool for Catholic professionals who must make difficult decisions amid complex ethical and strategic dilemmas. Ignatius teaches that the interior movements of the heart—consolation and desolation—can be indicators of God's will when properly understood.
Discernment is not paralysis. It’s the habit of making decisions prayerfully, attentively, and in freedom. For lay leaders, cultivating this interior awareness—through prayer, spiritual direction, and reflection—ensures that leadership remains grounded in God’s voice, not just external pressures.
4. Contemplatives in Action
Ignatius envisioned Jesuits as “contemplatives in action.” This paradoxical phrase beautifully captures the ideal for lay Catholic leaders: deeply rooted in prayer while fully immersed in the world. Catholic professionals are not monks—but they are called to bring a spirit of prayerfulness and discernment into boardrooms, hospitals, classrooms, and government offices.
The busier the leader, the more necessary it becomes to protect time for silence, Mass, Scripture, and spiritual reading. Without prayer, even the best intentions burn out. With it, action becomes mission.
5. Form Others for Mission
Ignatius was not content with personal holiness. He formed others—lay and religious alike—for mission. Catholic professionals must embrace this same spirit of formation. This may mean mentoring a younger colleague, leading a Bible study, or creating a workplace culture that supports families and faith.
Leadership in the Ignatian spirit is not about self-promotion—it’s about raising up others, so that the Church can be present and effective in every sector of society.
As we celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius, Catholic professionals are invited to see their careers not as secular detours, but as sacred callings. In following Ignatius’ example—through conversion, discernment, prayer, mission, and service—we can lead in a way that sanctifies both ourselves and the world around us. May we, like him, do all things for the greater glory of God.
Like what we do? Share this piece, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
