Spiritual Exercises

The Spiritual Exercises are a profound spiritual journey developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. This time-tested path invites you into deeper relationship with God through Christ, helping you discern God's will, grow in spiritual freedom, and respond more generously to Christ's invitation in your life.

Through the Exercises, you're invited to experience:

• Greater clarity about God's unique call in your life.
• Freedom from disordered attachments that hinder your response to God.
• A more discerning heart that recognises God's movement.
• Deeper integration of faith into everyday decisions and actions.
• Growth in your capacity to find God in all things.

The Exercises follow the movement of the Holy Spirit through "Weeks" or stages:

• The preparatory week: The preparatory exercises prepare your heart and mind for the Spiritual Exercises to come, and develop the spiritual freedom to use all created things in ways that lead toward God.
• The first week: Reflecting on God's unconditional love and mercy while honestly examining sin and its effects in your life.
• The second week: Contemplating Christ's life and ministry, deepening your desire to know, love, and follow Him.
• The third week: Accompanying Jesus in His Passion, entering into the mystery of suffering love.
• The forth week: Rejoicing in the Resurrection and discovering how to live as a disciple in everyday life.

While traditionally done as a 30-day silent retreat, there are several adaptations available:

• The full 30-day retreat.
• The "19th Annotation" format (Exercises in Daily Life) over several months.
• Weekend retreats focused on elements of the Exercises.
• Group experiences with individual spiritual direction.

I am offering the exercises in the form of the 19th annotation.

The Exercises include timeless spiritual practices:

• Daily prayer with Scripture (especially Ignatian contemplation).
• The Examen prayer for discerning God's presence each day.
• Discernment of spirits (recognising God's voice amid competing influences).
• Contemplation to attain Divine Love.
• Principles for Christ-centred decision making.
• Methods for election (making significant life choices).

Your spiritual director (the Padre) will:

• Accompany you as you encounter Christ in prayer.
• Help you notice and respond to God's unique invitation.
• Guide you through the structured progression of the Exercises.
• Assist in discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit.
• Support you during periods of both consolation and desolation.
• Adapt the process to your specific needs and circumstances.

• Regular one-on-one spiritual direction.
• Scripture passages for prayer and contemplation.
• Guidance in Ignatian prayer methods.
• A deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Greater awareness of God's presence in all things.
• Support discerning God's will in important decisions.
• Transformation through encounter with Christ.

The Spiritual Exercises are not merely a collection of techniques but a journey of transformation through relationship with Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit for the greater glory of God.