Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish man who lived in the 16th century. Before his conversion, he lived a decadent life and wholeheartedly pursued military honour, sensual pleasure, and fancy dress. 

In 1521, his leg was shattered by a cannonball and after several gruesome surgeries, he convalesced in his father’s castle in Loyola. He was given books on the life of Christ and the Saints and as he read them, he began to wonder what it would be like to emulate what he was reading. He found that this imagining left him fulfilled, while imagining his former life left him hollow. This was the beginning of many reflections on spiritual discernment that led to his conversion. 

The Spiritual Exercises

Ignatius eventually founded the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and his most famous work, “The Spiritual Exercises,” comprises the heart of Ignatian spirituality. It offers a profound framework for experiencing God through scripture and various meditations and contemplations. Typically, Jesuits do the Exercises three times in their life, though Ignatius was more than happy to have everyone do them. Ultimately, his desire was that the Exercises would help people deepen intimacy with God and grow in discernment.

The Exercises are divided into four parts and the majority of the time you are “following” Jesus’ life as conveyed through the Gospels:

  • First, considering God’s love for us and, in light of this, our sin
  • Second, the life of Christ our Lord up to Palm Sunday
  • Third, the Passion of Christ our Lord
  • Fourth, the Resurrection and Ascension

I did the Exercises myself in 2016 and it is not an exaggeration to say that it was one of the highlights of my spiritual life. I experienced God in ways I have never before and felt that I got to know Jesus in ways that are still resonating today. Furthermore, the daily practice of scripture/prayer/contemplation over 9 months formed certain spiritual habits that outlasted the experience itself. All in all, I cannot recommend the Exercises highly enough.

Practicalities

If you are interested in doing the Spiritual Exercises, it’s best to have a trained Ignatian director accompany you. I completed my training in 2022, have since accompanied several people, and am able to offer two options for anyone considering the Exercises.

The first and most typical version is called the “19th Annotation.” It is essentially a 9 month experience where you set aside time every day (at least 30 minutes) for the various scriptures/prayers, and meet with me once a week for between 40-50 minutes. The second version called the “18th Annotation” is similar, and the major difference is that it is a 3 month experience with abbreviated scriptures/prayers.

The 19th Annotation usually begins in the fall and ends after Easter. The 18th Annotation can begin either in the fall or in the new year.

Cost Etc.

Regardless of the Annotation, I currently charge $240 / month. If you are considering doing the Exercises, feel free to contact me.

Resources

My Journey | What is Spiritual Direction? | Practicalities | Spiritual Exercises | Testimonials