You may have heard of the ‘Spiritual Exercises’ of St Ignatius of Loyola. Perhaps someone mentioned a 30-day retreat, and you felt drawn — but also quietly dismissed the idea.
Thirty days away from ordinary life is beyond what most of us can manage.
That is not the end of the story.
St Ignatius’ view is that God works with each person uniquely, and he insisted the Exercises be adapted to meet the needs of those setting out on this journey. The goal is to deepen your relationship with God — not to match someone else’s pace or follow a rigid order.
Many rooms, many paths
In the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius describes how a person may be guided through the Exercises over an extended period and while continuing their ordinary daily life.
For some, even this feels like too much of a commitment right now and the 18th Annotation addresses that too — offering a way to pray through parts of the Exercises during a weekend, a weeklong retreat, or even a single day of prayer.
Neither path is superior to the other. What matters is beginning.
The team at Pa Maria are ready to offer what has become known as the ‘Retreat in Daily Life.’ These Exercises are not reserved for the holy or professional religious people. They are for you.
What the retreat involves
Each week you receive a prayer programme drawn predominantly from Scripture. Each week you meet with a Spiritual Director for one hour — in person or online — to share what has been happening during your prayer time.
After each session, your director gives you the prayer suggestions for next week. Sometimes they may invite you to return to an earlier prayer experience — St Ignatius saw wisdom in this, knowing more can always be gained by staying with what God is doing.
For your director, accompanying you is a privilege. To witness how God moves in another person’s life is a gift not taken lightly.
What about a 30 day retreat?
If the full 30-day retreat is something you feel drawn to, contact Ignatian Spirituality NZ, Te Wairua Mahi, at ignatianspirituality.nz for available times.
In New Zealand, these retreats are offered approximately every two years at the St Mary MacKillop Centre in Mission Bay, Auckland. They are also offered at larger retreat centres overseas.
You set the pace
In whatever form you choose, being guided over
- an extended period of time while still at work
- a week, weekend, or single day of prayer
- 30 days
the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola are not a race. They are an encounter with the person of Jesus. Like any friendship, it takes time to get to know someone, to love and be loved.
You can take your time.
If you are looking to engage in the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, in either an extended period of time while still at work or regularly over a week, a weekend or regularly on a single day of prayer, you are welcome to get in touch with Pa Maria. Email hello@pamaria.nz for more information.