Understanding the Spiritual Exercises

Parts of the Exercises

• Awareness Exercise, by Gregory Carruthers, S.J. -- A very readable explanation of the spirituality and theology behind this Ignatian reflective exercise for those not overly familiar with an understanding of it.
• The Dynamics of the Second Week, by Jean-Marc Laporte S.J. -- This analysis shows how the various exercises of the Second Week are designed to lead the exercitant towards a good election.
• The Rhythms of Consolation and Desolation, by Jean-Marc Laporte, S.J. -- This article is on rules 7 8 and 9 of the first set of rules for discernment in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, (#320-322). It offers a theological perspective on the alternation of consolation and desolation which Ignatius talks about in these rules, and uses that perspective to better explain these rules. It it indebted to the excellent work of Fr. Timothy Gallagher.

The Exercises as a Whole

• The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: A Study Edition -- This valuable work, edited and introduced by Eric Jensen, S.J., sets side by side in columns the Latin Vulgate and the Spanish Autograph, with their translations in English. The .pdf file can be printed. Eric Jensen is a member of the staff of Loyola House in Guelph ON.
• What Are The Spiritual Exercises Of St. Ignatius? -- these versions of an imaginary letter written by Ignatius to a prospective retreatant are based on a text of Karl Rahner which John Veltri reworked and expanded. They give an account of the goal, process and structure of the Exercises.
• the original composition of John Veltri for a retreat in daily life (Annotration 19)
• the same, but arranged by J. Veltri in a format helpful for study, with references to the Spiritual Exercises
• the same, but reformulated by John Reilly, S.J.
• an adaptation by J. Reilly for one about to make a full thirty-days retreat
• The Spiritual Exercises: My Experience and Where We're Headed, by Charles L. Moutenot, S.J. -- A Jesuit reflects on his experiences of the Spiritual Exercises with his fellow Jesuits at the beginning of the millenium.
• Readjusting The Spiritual Exercises Of Saint Ignatius: Social Sin, by José Aldunate, S.J. -- The assumption underlying the Spiritual Exercises is one of an individualized spirituality. In our generation they need to be adapted to a more social/communal way.
• Notes On Adapting The Exercises Of St. Ignatius by David T. Asselin, S.J.(1969) -- an oldie but goodie, one of the breakthrough reports on the development of the practice and understanding of the Spiritual Exercises. A good article for those who desire to understand how the Spiritual Exercises were being rediscovered in the 1960's.
• Structure of the Spiritual Exercises, by Jean-Marc Laporte, S.J. -- Ignatius' goal in giving the Exercises is to help free the exercitant make a good decision, free from inordinate attachments and in accord with God's will. This article explores the dynamic steps by which Ignatius leads the exercitant to this moment of decision, and how from that moment of decision he/she moves towards implementation.
• Spiritual Exercises, by Tad Dunne -- A book of spiritual exercises, updated from the original Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Suitable for reprinting in a 3-ring binder. Originally published by HarperSanFrancisco, 1991.Among other elements, Tad Dunne brings his considerable experience in directing the Exercises and his knowledge of Bernard Lonergan's thought to this recasting.
• Paul on the Dynamic of Grace -- and the Spiritual Exercises -- This text results from a work-shop given in September 2013 to the members of the Atlantic Association for the Spiritual Exercises Apostolate in Saint John NB. Five units develop different facets of Paul's teaching and relate them to the Exercises