The Spiritual Exercises is the very best thing that in this life, I can think, perceive or understand for helping a person benefit her or himself as well as bringing fruit, benefit, and advantage to many others; for even if you felt no need for the former, you will see immeasurably and incomparably you will be helped with regard to the latter.

St Ignatius Loyola 1491 – 1556. Letter to Rev. M. Miona, 16 November 1536.

Dear ,

Do you desire inner freedom, and a greater capacity to love and be loved?  Do you have a longing to breakthrough all that inhibits your growth in your inner life? If you experience these desires, you could consider undertaking the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. 

The Spiritual Exercises were born out of Ignatius’ own experience and knowledge of the spiritual journey. Since then, many who have undertaken the Spiritual Exercises, would echo the truth of his sentiments, written almost 500 years ago, “The Spiritual Exercises is the very best thing that in this life, I can think, perceive or understand for helping a person benefit her or himself…” 

Are you ready for a breakthrough to greater love and service?

Re-Wilding – An experience of the Spiritual Exercises

"I went out too, to lie on the grass, wander the hills and ponder this God who had called me to him… I lifted my eyes to see a great hawk flying over, giving herself to the wind currents, soaring and falling so easily, given over, wild, just herself. Loved. Don’t we learn/taste like this? We try but it is these moments which St Ignatius knew so well from his own life, that we are turned and turned again, opened and freed."

Caroline Coggins shares her transformative experience of receiving the Spiritual Exercises.

Holding lightly and tenderly and trusting in God

"The months taken for the retreat allows personal narrative to surface and be viewed in the light of God’s love; to be embraced or transformed. Because every retreatant brings their lived experience to God in prayer, they notice things about Jesus and his followers that no other retreatant has mentioned. Each person’s experience is different and reflects their unique relationship with God."

Kerry Holland writes about her love of giving the Spiritual Exercises.

A core affirmation that helped me believe in myself

"Making the Exercises was not earth shattering, it was more like a quiet hum and its only after them that I have discovered them in a profound way. A few months later I had a profound experience of God’s grace and a deep consolation – it was my ‘Cardoner’ experience. It was utterly illuminating, and I have lived out of that grace since that time.”

Micheál Loughnane shares his experience of making the Spiritual Exercises and the lasting affects in his life.

Taking the First Spiritual Exercises to prison

"One day an inmate was walking towards me with her hands spread out like the eagle’s wings in one of the Field Hospital Exercises. This delights me! Some inmates are even sending the exercises home to their families."

Margaret Wiseman remarks on the multiplier effect of the First Spiritual Exercises with God’s Field Hospital Exercises in her prison work.

The Spiritual Exercises can be made in the following ways:

Full Spiritual Exercises in silence over 33 days →

Full Spiritual Exercises in daily life over 30+ weeks →

First Spiritual Exercises over four weeks in daily life →

Concise Spiritual Exercises over 4 months →

Spiritual Exercises in silent retreats over 3 to 8 days →