Ignatian Spirituality
Ignatian Spirituality began when Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was recovering from a severe injury received in the battle of Pamplona. By reviewing his life and listening to what was taking place in his heart, Ignatius began the inner journey which led to the Spiritual Exercises, the basis of Ignatian Spirituality. Fundamental to Ignatian Spirituality is the reality that God can be encountered and personally experienced in our everyday lives. Listening to and reflecting on one’s inner self provides the compass that guides our journey through life.
Beginning as his own prayer journal charting his reflections, graces, questions, feelings and favourite scripture texts, Ignatius wrote the Spiritual Exercises as a way of bringing us into relationship with God. They are a set of structured spiritual exercises woven with a particular dynamic into a retreat by St. Ignatius.
The Spiritual Exercises open up and nourish the contemplative dimensions of our lives. Engaging in this contemplative listening and reflecting provides the compass for living out our daily lives.
Further reading
Feature Image: Artwork created by Loreto Sr Susan Daily ibvm.