Gonzaga Prep Unveils Statue of Society’s Founders

Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane has unveiled a new bronze statue of the Three Companions: St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Peter Faber, the founders of the Society of Jesus.

The 13-foot-tall statue was created by artist and Gonzaga Prep alum Vincent De Felice.

“Vince, through this beautiful piece of art, has captured missionary zeal, the commitment to academic excellence and the prayerful reflection of the Jesuits that inspire not only our students today, but also thousands of alumni here and around the world,” said Al Falkner, president of Gonzaga Prep, at the blessing.

The chapel at Gonzaga Prep is already named The Three Companions, and the school’s Latin motto Ite Inflammate Omnia (go, set the world alight) is said to be what St. Ignatius said to St. Francis when he urged him to leave on a missionary trip to Asia. [The Spokesman-Review; photo by Colin Mulvany]