I’m fond of saying that God is most often recognized in the rearview mirror. In other words, we seem to be more capable of recognizing God in past events than in the present. St. Ignatius of Loyola thought along those same lines, which is why he promoted a simple prayer called the Daily Examen. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we look at the practice of praying the Examen in order to recognize God’s presence in […]
In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we look at a fun game to play with your children to break up the day and to teach a lesson about “finding God in all things”—something that St. Ignatius of Loyola taught and a concept that is very comforting (and much needed) during this time of isolation and sheltering at home. For more information about the notion of “finding God in all things,” check out the following: […]
I’m very excited to see the newest revision of Finding God becoming a reality! I was hired by Loyola Press back in 2002 to contribute to the creation of this wonderful faith formation program that is steeped in Ignatian spirituality—something that is near and dear to my heart as someone with 12 years of Jesuit education. Ignatian spirituality resonates with so many people, mainly because St. Ignatius developed his Spiritual Exercises for lay people, while […]
A few years ago, I visited the town in Ireland where my father’s ancestors lived. The cathedral there was built in the 1950s, so it’s unlikely that any of my relatives were part of its construction. Yet, when I went in, I felt immediately rooted. It was as if I could somehow feel a bunch of church-going Irish-Catholics handing down their faith traditions from generation to generation. I remember feeling overwhelmingly grateful in that moment […]
Spirituality is about our efforts to transcend our own minds and to get into the “mind” of God. And since God’s “mind” is so far beyond our own, no single human effort can fully accomplish this task. Some have done better than others, however, and so we refer to their efforts in relation to their names: Franciscan, Dominican, Pauline, Benedictine, Augustinian, (Don’t be fooled by all those male names—many of these spiritualities have been best […]
I’m in a period of discernment, not sure where God is calling me. I may discover that the old ways I’ve been doing things are no longer appropriate; in a sense, a part of me may have to die so that I can discover a new way of serving God. In this way, I will be living the Paschal Mystery, which is the whole point of the Triduum. Maybe you too are asking, “Lord, what […]
The midpoint of the faith formation year is the perfect time to reflect on how the faith formation year has gone so far. The following exercises, based on the wisdom of St. Ignatius Loyola, are meant to help you discern where God has been in the classroom and where God might be directing the classroom during the remainder of the year. Begin each exercise by warming-up with a Scripture reading, a prayer, or silence, and […]
July 31 is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, and as a Jesuit ministry, Loyola Press invites you to celebrate the life and legacy of the founder of the Society of Jesus. Ignatian Spirituality: An Introduction—Free Poster and Booklet Display the poster in your learning space and pass out copies of the booklet to introduce you and those you serve to the characteristics and insights of Ignatian spirituality, including the Examen, discernment and good decisions, […]
As you take some time to relax this week and enjoy the Christmas season, we bring to your attention a few articles you might enjoy from another Loyola Press website, IgnatianSpirituality.com. Staying Curious by Marina McCoy In his ministry, Jesus often asks others what they want. For example, he asks the blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) On another occasion, James and John approach Jesus, and he asks […]
It is no secret that the largest growing demographic in the U.S. Church is our Latino/Hispanic brothers and sisters. In order to better serve the needs of this vital and fast-growing segment of our Church family, the U.S. Bishops occasionally convene a process known as Encuentro—a multi-year process of ecclesial reflection and action that invites all Catholics in the United States to intense missionary activity, consultation, leadership development, and identification of best ministerial practices in […]
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