Spiritual Exercise

Ever since the Spiritual Exercises were first published in 1548, they have been a popular and important resource for spiritual directors and directees. In this new translation, Michael Ivens draws on the wealth of previously published materials, as well as his extensive experience, to produce a new commentary that unravels the inner workings of the Spiritual Exercises. This new translation with detailed introductions to each section, helps directors arrive at a firm and nuanced understanding of this classic of western spirituality.

Have you wondered, "How do I integrate my heartfelt beliefs into my daily life?" Nearly 40 contributors address this creative dilemma and share their discoveries. Creating a home altar, practicing martial arts, fasting, quilting -- these are just some of the ways they've found to make every day more meaningful and satisfying.

Paul's letter to the Romans is often regarded as the most profoundly doctrinal book in the Bible. While not overlooking its complex theology, Joseph Fitzmyer here shows Romans to be also a wellspring of devotional insight, accessible and deeply rewarding to all Christians. In this book Fitzmyer recasts the text of Romans into the form of meditations for devotional reflection in spiritual retreats, Bible studies, church classrooms, small groups, and other prayerful gatherings. Styled after the famous Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, the book includes twenty-four meditations that can be divided in a variety of ways and fit to a range of reading schedules. Accompanying each meditation are questions to encourage reflection on the passage of Romans being considered and also a colloquy in the form of a psalm or New Testament hymn that matches the sentiment of the Pauline passage. A truly fulfilling approach to spirituality, Fitzmyer's Spiritual Exercises demonstrates the role of Scripture in properly ordering the Christian life.

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are well known as a foundation of prayer & a keystone of spirituality in the Christian tradition. This new translation, with its introduction & commentary, is a manual for making, directing, or studying those Exercises. Its author is the internationally renowned translator of St. Ignatius's CONSTITUTIONS OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS. This translation of the EXERCISES aims to express Ignatius's ideas & nuances altogether accurately, while at the same time adjusting his sometimes difficult Spanish text to the thought & speech patterns of English-speaking readers. It is sensitive to the requirements of gender-inclusive language. It also presents the EXERCISES with the recent division into internationally agreed-upon verse numbers. Hence it can be used with the electronic edition or data base of all of Ignatius's works expected to be published by the Institute of Jesuit sources in 1993. George E. Ganss, S.J., founder & for many years Director of the Institute of Jesuit Sources, is a linguist & theologian who is widely known for his work on the thought & writings of Saint Ignatius & the early members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Hughes helps women to scrutinize their lives and tells their poignant stories with faithful reminders to develop the godly character they desire. (Women's Issues)

This companion to the Spiritual Exercises, in an anniversary edition does justice to women’s experience across contexts and social locations. While acknowledging obstacles that the Exercises hold for women in various contexts, the authors provide fresh interpretations of every aspect of this spiritual classic. They bring together feminist consciousness, a broad knowledge of psychology and theology, and the compassionate insight of experienced spiritual guides. The situation of women making and giving the Spiritual Exercises has changed radically in the past two decades since the publication of the previous edition, which highlights the variety women’s experience of the Spiritual Exercises from different cultural contexts. It also draws from new and younger women's voices, thus extending the reach of the original text to another generation over wider geographic and cultural spread. The revised book opens up new ways in which the Exercises may offer liberating possibilities for women world-wide.