Ignatian Spirituality

Ignatian spirituality—sometimes called Jesuit spirituality—is a Catholic spirituality founded on the experiences of the 16th century Ignatius of Loyola. The 'long', or sometimes called 'four weeks' (around 30 days), retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises, features strongly in St Ignatius' writings, and was obviously highly regarded by him.

Like all Catholic spirituality, Ignatian spirituality is based on the Christian faith and the gospels. Along with the Constitutions, The Letters, and Autobiography, Ignatian spirituality goes back to St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises whose purpose is "to conquer oneself and to regulate one's life in such a way that no decision is made under the influence of any inordinate attachment." The Exercises are intended to give the person undertaking them a greater degree of freedom from his or her own likes and dislikes, that they may choose based solely on what they discern God's will is for them. Even in the composition of the exercises by Ignatius early in his career, one might find the apostolic thrust of his spirituality in his contemplation on "The Call of the Earthly King" and in his final contemplation with its focus on finding God in all things.

After recovering from a leg wound incurred during the Siege of Pamplona in 1521, Ignatius made a retreat with the Benedictines of Montserrat. They introduced him to the "Ejercitatoria de la vida espiritual" of Garcia de Cisneros, based in large part on the teachings of the Brothers of the Common Life, promoters of the "devotio moderna." From there, he spent ten months at Manresa, where he discovered The Imitation of Christ of Thomas à Kempis. Parts of the Exercises were completed later while he was a student in Paris.

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