A Pathway to Inner Freedom and Intimacy with God

Dear ,

November begins with two significant feast days, All Saints celebrated on the 1st and All Souls on the 2nd. As we remember with gratitude, the holy men and women who have gone before us, it is perhaps a time to pause and reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of discerning our choices and decisions.

St Ignatius Loyola discovered a deeper way of discerning his life, through a serious battle wound which became the catalyst to a new and liberating way of understanding God, himself and the world. His experiences of God transformed Ignatius, and with a deep desire to help others, he wrote the Spiritual Exercises as a pathway to inner freedom and intimacy with God, 

Although 500 years old, the Spiritual Exercises remain a powerful conversion experience of grace and awakening. This month we feature two retreatants who share their experiences of the Spiritual Exercises. There is also a short contemporary Spiritual Exercise on Self-compassion, a feature piece on discernment and a Conversation on Ignatian Spirituality with Frances Tilly.

Grace Broke Through

Trevor describes the  Spiritual Exercises retreat as a transformational experience - one that moved the truths he knew in his head down into his heart. I’ve always known I am a beloved child of God, but this retreat solidified it. Now, even when I stumble or spiral, I can return to God with confidence. I know He loves me for who I am.

Awakening a Desire

The Exercises opened my heart in ways I never imagined, inviting me to live with courage, authenticity, and freedom. I discovered the grace to be fully myself as a beloved daughter of God, embracing life with honesty, joy, and simplicity.

Sr Theresa Maria Dao SPC shares her transformative experience of making the full Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life. 

Noticing the pulse of grace: reflecting on discernment

Robyn Wunder shares her response to a recent webinar on discernment with Javier Melloni SJ. I expected to hear wise words about discernment, and I wasn’t disappointed. What I didn’t expect was how much I would feel it — in my breath, in my chest, even in the shift of my posture as I listened. This was another invitation to notice how God stirs in my body.

Conversations on Ignatian Spirituality

Our friends in the Jesuit region of Asia Pacific spoke with JISA’s Frances Tilly about her work in the Australian Jesuit Province and beyond. Frances shares the joyful and challenging aspects of bringing Ignatian spirituality closer to those who seek consolation and hope in a troubled world.

Advent Evenings, Kew VIC 

Join us for four contemplative evenings exploring the profound mystery of Advent. Through guided reflection on Scripture, sacred art, and poetry, we’ll journey together through the weeks leading to Christmas, deepening our awareness of God’s presence, and preparing our hearts to receive Christ anew.

Advent Morning, Bardon QLD

JISA Faber offers Two Hours of Quiet contemplation on the 29th November. Allow time to experience a gentle meditation, to re-energise yourself in mind and spirit, in preparation for the sacred weeks of Advent.

Advent Prayers, Nationally ONLINE

Advent. A season of waiting. We wait for God's action in the world, we wait for stedfast love and peace. We wait for a birth.

This Advent, we are delighted to share with you five waiting prayers. A prayer for each week of Advent and on Christmas Eve.

Each week words and imagery to accompany you through Advent. Take some time to pray - still your body, open your heart, and nourish your soul.

Beginning Wednesday 4 December, delivered directly to your inbox. There is no cost to participate, although you may make a financial gift to the ministry which is optional. Simply register below to receive your Advent Prayers. 

May this Advent be a time of anticipation, faith, and hope.