a travelogue by Fr. Raymond Guiao, SJ
The Spiritual Exercises are a time-honored method of prayerful discernment developed by Saint Ignatius Loyola in the 16th century. It consists of a series of meditations and contemplations, most based on the gospels. In its classic form, the Spiritual Exercises are administered in a 30-day silent retreat, which is divided into four segments, or “weeks.” In Week I, the focus of prayer is on the loving mercy of God; in Week II, the focus is on the incarnation, birth, and ministry of Jesus; Week III focuses on the passion and death of Jesus; and Week IV focuses on the resurrection of Jesus. The aim of the Spiritual Exercises is to help the retreatant come to a level of spiritual freedom from inordinate desires such that one can prayerfully discern the will of God and align one’s life to it. Saint Ignatius Loyola based his Spiritual Exercises on his own experiences of prayer and his amazingly sharp intuitions about human nature. It’s worth noting that Ignatius came up with the Spiritual Exercises when he was a layman, long before his formal studies in philosophy and theology, and long before he even thought of establishing the religious order known as the Society of Jesus.
In addition to the classic 30-day retreat format, the Spiritual Exercises can also be experienced in the (condensed) form of an 8-day retreat, which is commonly offered by retreat houses and spirituality centers. The Exercises are also offered in a form called “The Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life.” This is a format devised by Saint Ignatius himself when he realized that most people do not have the freedom to devote 30 days of their lives to a silent retreat. So he devised this 30-week form of his Spiritual Exercises in which the retreatant devotes one hour each day to prayer and meets weekly with a spiritual director to reflect on each week of prayer. No condensed version here, as all of the meditations and contemplations of the Exercises are engaged, just over a protracted period of 30 weeks. Many retreat and spirituality centers, as well as some parishes are now offering the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life.
3 comments:
Fr. Ray - while this side of the world will certainly miss you and your wonderful gifts and talents, the Philippines will become a richer place with your presence. Our prayers and thoughts will accompany you on your pilgrimage.
peace, health, and happiness to you always. Tim
Hi Ray
Even though you have left St. Ignatius, you have left behind many reminders of yourself....your spiritual inspiration, your music, your friendship, your smile....all priceless.
Many good wishes as you embark on this new adventure. I already consider you a priest, so this stint in the Philippines is just a formality...one that will allow you to let God lead you and also it will allow you to enjoy your heritage...what a beautiful opportunity.
Enjoy it all, Nancy
Hi Fr. Guiao,
Our prayers are with you on your journey. Eddy says hello!
We miss you!
Jane Paoletta
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