Based on the experience of St Ignatius of Loyola the founder of the Jesuits, Ignatian spirituality is a way to pray, an approach to making decisions, and a practical guide to everyday life. Ignatian spirituality sees God as actively involved in the world and intimately involved with us in every moment. It is at the heart of the work of the Jesuits today. The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius are a way of focusing our prayer and helping us respond to God as he is present and calling us in our deepest desires.
Many people find Ignatian ways very helpful in a modern world that can be difficult to hear the voice of God – so making Ignatian retreats, or even just being able to talk to an Ignatian spiritual director become an important part of their lives. If you are interested – but want to explore more from the safe anonymity of the web below are some links that may help.
These are opportunities that we can offer in the Chaplaincy - if you wish to explore further you can register an interest on this website by clicking here and choosing from the different options.
The Spiritual Exercises
The Spiritual Exercises are a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God. For centuries the Exercises were most commonly given as a “long retreat” of about 30 days in solitude and silence. In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on the Spiritual Exercises as a program for laypeople. The most common way of going through the Exercises now is a “retreat in daily life,” which involves a months long program of daily prayer and meetings with a spiritual director. The Exercises have also been adapted in many other ways to meet the needs of modern people.