Father Federico Lombardi retires

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, (1491 – 1556), founder of the Society of Jesus. It is a very fitting day for Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, to conclude his service as Director of the Holy See Press Office.

The following two prayers, composed by the Society’s founder, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, summarize succinctly and beautifully the extraordinary dedication, diligence, fidelity, goodness and kindness of Father Lombardi to all the missions entrusted to him for many years.

In a special way, we recall with gratitude Father Lombardi’s leadership of the Vatican Television Centre, Vatican Radio and most recently, the Holy See Press Office. Let us join our voices to those of countless thousands of people who have benefitted from his gifts, friendship and example and simply give thanks to God for this loyal son of Ignatius,

Two Prayers of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will, 

All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it. 

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do your will.