20 - Virtual Tour of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen

Virtual Tour of the

Archdiocese of Baltimore
5200 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD 21210

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The Infancy of Christ
Altar of Saint Ignatius Loyola

The infancy of Christ is the theme of this bay. The altar is dedicated to Saint Ignatius Loyola, the 16th century Spanish founder of the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits.

The statue shows Ignatius preaching from his Spiritual Exercises, which are considered a masterpiece of spiritual direction.

The Loyola shield hangs over the saint, and the motto of the Society of Jesus is inscribed below: "For the greater glory of God."

The carvings on the sides of the statue recall different elements of the saint's life. (1) At Manresa, Spain, Ignatius decided to be a soldier for Christ while recovering from a battle wound; (2) Paris, symbolized by the ship, was where he studied and made the first Jesuit vows; (3) he offered his first Mass in Rome, where his new congregation was approved by (4) Pope Paul III, whose coat of arms is shown with the saint's seal signature. It was from Rome that he directed (5) the missionary and (6) teaching work of his society.

"Touch" the teaching symbol to learn about the infancy of Christ from the window in this bay.

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