Even more than learning about their history, I like to read about the way God worked in their lives—both at their initial conversion and then through the rest of their lives. These kind of stories inspire me to seek after Jesus and give my heart to him more deeply.

A New Initiative. Because I’m sure that many of you like learning about the saints for the same reasons, we have decided to devote the lead articles in one issue each year to a particular saint. This year we have selected St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Perhaps this is because he is one of my most favorite saints. But then again, I have so many favorites it’s hard to say why he became our first choice.

As this month’s articles tell us, Ignatius was touched by the Lord in a very special way. Rather than keeping his experiences of the Lord to himself, Ignatius used them to develop the Spiritual Exercises to help other people find Jesus. Ignatius’ Exercises resemble the way I pray each day. Or perhaps I should say that the way I was taught to pray resembles what he said in the Exercises.

As this month’s articles tell us, Ignatius was touched by the Lord in a very special way. Rather than keeping his experiences of the Lord to himself, Ignatius used them to develop the Spiritual Exercises to help other people find Jesus. Ignatius’ Exercises resemble the way I pray each day. Or perhaps I should say that the way I was taught to pray resembles what he said in the Exercises.

Flooded by God’s Love. As inspiring and helpful as Ignatius’ life and practices are, another story in this issue really touched my heart as well. It is the story written by Margaret Millar about what her life was like after her son’s accidental drowning. It’s an amazing story because of the way God himself comforted Margaret through grace and revelation. I think Ignatius would be happy with the way Margaret saw God enveloping all her anger, hurt, and rejection, and then filling her—she used the word "flooded"—with his love and his compassion.

Finally, I would love to hear from you—via e-mail or personal letter—with your comments and suggestions not only on this, our first annual saints issue, but on whatever the Lord puts on your heart. I do read every e-mail and letter and I enjoy all of them. You are like a big family to me. Sadly, because of time constraints, I am unable to write back to all of you—though I do respond to a few each week. May God bless you.

Joe Difato, Publisher | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)