ignatian spirituality
TRANSCRIPT
Ignatian SpiritualitySt Paul’s Cathedral
August 15, 2012Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary
The CatechismQ. What are the principle kinds of prayer?
A. The principle kinds of prayer are adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition.
The Book of Common Prayer, p.856
St. Ignatius of Loyola
1491-1556Conversion experience
in 1521Spiritual Exercises,
1524Ordained priest, 1537Founded Society of
Jesus in 1539Constitutions, 1540
Ignatian sourcesSpiritual Exercises
Meditations intended to be followed during a 4-week retreat (19th annotation)
Covers sin, the life of Christ, the Passion, and the Resurrection
DiscernmentThe examen is used after the Exercises
ConstitutionsStructure of the Society of JesusAd Majorem Dei Gloriam
The Autobiography of Ignatius of LoyolaProvides details on Ignatius’ lifeGives insight into the Spiritual Exercises
The JesuitsCurrently 20, 000 priestsFounded to be fiercely loyal to papacyMilitaristic hierarchical structureCounter Reformation focusHighly political and divisiveMulticulturalismHistory of martyrdom, education, scholarshipImportant missionaries in Far East, India, New World,
HollandSuppressed between 1773-1814Changes since mid 20th century include liberation
theology and papal intervention in 1981
Hallmarks of Ignatian spiritualityIncarnationalAdoringPenitentialCorporate and personalScripturalMagisIntercessory and gratefulStructured and goal-oriented
Ignatian pietyAMDGThe Holy NameDevotion to the
Sacred Heart and the Eucharist
Devotion to the Blessed Mother
Ignatian approaches
DiscernmentDeciding between options; magis“The human person is created to praise, reverence, and serve
God Our Lord, and by so doing to save his or her soul… We should desire and choose only what helps us more towards the end for which we are created.” Exercises
Spiritual directionOngoing relationship with a
director to calibrate, share insightsCritically important during the
ExercisesAids in discernmentSometimes can be in a group
setting
Ignatian approaches, continuedMeditation
Composition of placeImaginationFruits
Spiritual ExercisesUse of emotionGoal is union with Christ and perfection of
discernmentUse of meditation, examen, and spiritual
directionFour weeks: sin, the life of Christ, the Passion,
and the ResurrectionSatan and Christ
Ignatian approaches, continuedExamens
General examen, to be performed twice daily, and acts as an examination of conscience
Particular examen, often tied into meditations, and reviews a specific theme or virtue to be developed
Acts of loveAll Ignatian approaches should lead to acts of
service and love for othersOften, discernment happens through these acts
After the meditationImpressions?Things to share?Questions?
Next stepsTake action!Examens