The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Journey as a Pilgrim to See All Things New in Christ
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are a school of prayer in which we progress in living more intimately and consistently in the mystery of Christ's love for us, through coming to know who He is in His humanity and divinity. It is a journey of conversion that unfolds and emerges as we grow in the capacity to bear more grace (Sr. Janet Ruffing), to be filled more with God. In this journey of transformation, we are gifted within this developmental, mystical experience as the Spirit leads us on to each next step of ongoing transformation, for nothing is ever the same again.
SAVE THE DATES
Beginning Fall 2026 and ending Spring 2027
April 2027- ending late October 2027
The following sections, from What is the History of the Exercises through "How Are They Structured?", are paraphrased from Bishop Barron's Pivotal Players video.
What Is the History of the Exercises?
Rooted in the spiritual tradition of the Church, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius have been universally considered by the Church one of the great masterpieces of ascetical theology. They are a complete guide and framework for growing in Christian perfection. They grew out of St. Ignatius' own experiences and his helping souls find God in all things and discover God's dreams, desires, and will for them.
Who Are the Exercises For?
The Spiritual Exercises are for those who desire a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, to be freed from disorders and attachments through a heartfelt knowledge of themselves as the beloved sinners they are, and to flourish in discovering their true identity, mission, and place in the world through grateful, loving service.
The Goal of the Exercises
These Exercises consist of meditations in an ordered, systematic progression, with the goal of inner freedom from disordered attachments, so as to experience the depths of the reality of God's particular love and providence. Through this journey, we come to a heartfelt, intimate knowledge of God's Self-revelation in Jesus Christ, as we respond in gratitude, giving glory to God in joyous service as contemplatives in action.
What Do They Contain?
The Spiritual Exercises is a manual containing various meditations to be carried out by an exercitant with counsel from a spiritual director. The guidebook opens with twenty introductory explanations called Annotations, along with a statement of the purpose of the Exercises, the Principle and Foundation, through which one comes to order one's life and all of life's decisions toward what is pleasing to God.
The Exercises contain meditations on the mysteries of the life of Christ in Scripture (50), along with several key exercises:
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the Call of Christ the King
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the Two Standards (Christ and Satan)
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the Three Classes of Persons, which fosters the heart's adherence to total commitment to God
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the Three Kinds of Humility (or Three Ways of Loving), called a consideration
How Are They Structured?
The Exercises are divided into four dynamic phases called "Weeks."
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The First Week consists of exercises characteristic of the Purgative Way: the purification of the soul, freeing one from disordered attachments in advancing toward God.
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The Second Week presents exercises proper to the Illuminative Way: acquiring virtues in imitation of Christ, where we are called to participate with Him in spreading His kingdom.
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The Third and Fourth Weeks have the contemplative characteristics of the Unitive, or Perfective, Way, with exercises to establish a habitual and intimate union with God through Christ. We associate closely with Christ:
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in His suffering, in the Third Week
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in His joy and the joy of the disciples, in the Fourth Week
The Weeks conclude with the Contemplation to Attain the Love of God.
Also within the Exercises are the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits; Ways of Prayer (vocal; mental: discursive, imaginative, contemplative); and the Examination of Conscience (general and particular).
You Are Invited
To Journey as a Pilgrim to See All Things New in Christ
To know Christ more clearly,
to love Christ more dearly,
to follow Christ more nearly, day by day.
(Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester)
Timeframe
The Full Exercises
"The Retreat in Everyday Life" (19th Annotation) 30-34 weeks
Abbreviated
"The Retreat in Everyday Life" (18th Annotation) Time frame varies
What are the Outline and Calendar Considerations?