The ‘Spiritual Exercises’ of St Ignatius of Loyola can be experienced during what is known as a 30-day retreat. However, thirty days away from ordinary life is beyond what most people can manage.
St Ignatius’ view was 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 the retreatants 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 experience over an extended period while continuing their ordinary daily life.
For some, even this feels too much of a commitment and the 18th Annotation addresses that — offering a way to pray through parts of the Exercises during a weekend, a weeklong retreat, or even a single day of prayer.
Each of the different paths have merit. What matters is beginning and walking the path that is appropriate to each persons circumstances.
The team at Pā Maria are ready to offer what has become known as the ‘Retreat in Daily Life.’ These Exercises are available to anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God not just professional religious people.
What the retreat involves
Each week a person receives a prayer programme drawn predominantly from the Scriptural suggestions drawn from the Spiritual Exercises. Each week they meet with a Spiritual Director for one hour — in person or online — to share what happened during their prayer time.
After each session, the director gives the retreatant the prayer suggestions for the next week. Sometimes they may invite them 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 the director, accompanying a retreatant is a privilege. To witness how God moves in another person’s life is a gift not taken lightly.
The retreatant sets the pace
In whatever form is chosen, whether it be an extended period of time while still at work or a week, weekend, or single day of prayer or a 30 day retreat, 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. A person setting out on this journey can take their time.
Arrange appointment
Arrange to meet with one of the Pa Maria Marist Spirituality Centre team members.