Orientation to Ignatian SpiritualityFr. Kim Lachica, S.J.Faculty Induction Program June 6, 2012

Themes in Ignatian spirituality1. The spirit of Magis and the desire for great things 2. Spiritual pilgrimage and discernment in the journey 3. The transformation of self 4. Engaging the world in ministry 5. Companionship for mission

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1. The spirit of Magis and the desire for great things In the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius teaches the retreatant to clarify his/her desire: a schooling of desires: alignment of personal desires with Gods desires Ignatius canonization, 1622: a heart big enough to hold the universe; a heart geared to set the world aflame Ignatian spirituality is a spirituality of passion, magnanimity and generosity, a spirituality of great desires3

2. Spiritual pilgrimage and discernment in the journey Ignatius as pilgrim in search for God: from Loyola to Manresa, to Holy Land, to studies in Europe, to founding the Society An external journey which was also internal: guided by noticing the spirits within: discernment Discernment of spirits: the good and bad

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Discernment of Spirits Two spiritual movements: consolation & desolation The good spirit creates consolation: an increase in hope, faith, & charity bringing tranquility & peace The bad spirit instills desolation: a condition opposite consolation, an obtuseness of soul, turmoil, impulsive motion toward low & earthly things, disquiet from various agitations & temptations, listless, tepid, unhappy, feels separated

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Discernment of Spirits In times of desolation, one should never make a change in previously planned resolutions in life, but instead practice greater diligence in prayer, meditation, self-examination The bad spirit is weak in face of firmness, strong in face of timidity; operates like a false lover, trying to remain secret, undetected; attacks us where we are most vulnerable It disguises as an angel of light: allowing the person to do good at the beginning only to be swerved little by little toward evil, through quietly instigated deceits, manipulations, temptations6

2. Spiritual pilgrimage and discernment in the journey Discernment of the will of God: states of life, vocation, mission, choices, commitments Discernment of consciousness: the examen; finding God in all things

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3. Transformation of self The Spiritual Exercises as a structured process of self-transformation To get rid of all its disordered affections, & then, after their removal, of seeking & finding Gods will in the ordering of our life Disordered affections are tendencies & attachments that prevent one from achieving ones basic purpose in life Dissonant needs like aggression, dependence, inferiority, risk avoidance, exhibitionism, humiliation A pedagogy of self-transcendence8

3. Transformation of self through the Spiritual Exercises Considering a fundamental purpose and meaning of life: the Principle and Foundation Achieving deep self-knowledge & selfacceptance Making value-based choices & life decisions Forming healthy dispositions for continuing change9

4. Engaging the world in ministry To help souls: preaching, conversation, charity, lay associations Strengthening the apostolic tradition (vis. monastic) in the Church A world-affirming/engaging (vis. worldrejecting) orientation Simul in actione contemplativus: contempative in the midst of action10

5. Companionship in mission Compania or fellowship; societas or companionship; friends in the Lord Comunitas ad dispersionem or community in dispersion Discernment in common The imperative of communication: letterwriting, conversation, fraternal correction

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A methodical spirituality Precision for directives, need for constant adaptation Gave rise to the retreat ministry of the Church; Ignatius as patron saint of retreats A way of proceeding (modo de proceder) Spiritu, corde, practice: in the Spirit, from the heart, practically; Cura personalis, cura apostolica, cura socialis Spiritual governance & leadership: the interior law of charity; discreta caritas12

A model for spiritual formation of leaders Formation of capacities and dispositions Capacities: range of skills, competencies, abilities, capabilities Dispositions: underlie capacities: attitudes, stances, temperaments, inclinations, preferences; ethos, tenor, character, spirit, potential, intentionality13

The Awareness ExamenThanksgiving Asking for Insight Looking at My Day Asking for Forgiveness Looking to Tomorrow

ThanksgivingAt each moment of our day, Our God is giving us gifts. As we look over the day we seek to appreciate all the good things that have happened to us and thank God for these

Asking for InsightWe pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us understand ourselves better. We ask for the wisdom to see ourselves clearly

Looking at My DayGod is calling us to share peace and love with others As we ponder our behavior today, we begin to see patterns and connections which open our eyes to our own weakness and self-centeredness. Looking back over our day, we come to realize the contrast between Gods goodness and our failure to love.

Looking for TomorrowWe look at tomorrow with optimism and confidence, by asking Gods helpWe ask to touch those areas which have come into focus during our prayer. Attitudes to change? Decisions to be made? Relationship to mend?

The Awareness Examen

Thanksgiving Asking for Insight Looking at My Day Asking for Forgiveness Looking to Tomorrow

The Ignatian prayer for generosityTeach me true generosity. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give without counting the cost, To fight heedless of wounds, To labor without seeking rest, To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward Save the knowledge that I have done your will.

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