Artist: Ignasi Flores, Jesuit.Media

Dear ,

On 1^st August we celebrated the Feast of St Peter Faber SJ, Pierre Lefevre or Favre in French. Peter Faber was one of the original small group of companions of Ignatius, they met while studying in Paris and later became the first Jesuits in the Society of Jesus, placing themselves at the disposal of Pope Paul III. 

In 1540, at a time when the Church was in turmoil and dire need of reform, Fr Peter dedicated himself to the work of inner, spiritual reform. With a gentle, intelligent nature and an ability to listen and converse with people of all ranks of life, for many years, Peter walked vast distances, and through the Spiritual Exercises and his gracious conversations, he drew many to the love of God.  

The Spiritual Exercises in their many forms continue to be a powerful means of interior spiritual reform. This month we explore aspects of the Exercises through a First Spiritual Exercise Breath of Life, we also reflect on the giving and receiving of the Exercises and formation, share a poem inspired by the Exercises Like a Butterfly and consider the Ignatian way of Imaginative Contemplation.

Giving and Receiving the Spiritual Exercises

There are many ways to taste and find life through the Spiritual Exercises. This quintessential gift of Ignatius – at the heart of our Ignatian formation for mission – quietly offered and available with liberating possibilities.

Frances Tilly shares her experience of being on retreat with candidates in the Arrupe Program, for the formation of Givers of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Spiritual Directors in the Ignatian tradition.

First Spiritual Exercises seeds scatter far and wide

The First Spiritual Exercises ministry began in Australia over 20 years ago when Michael Hansen SJ was researched and wrote about the exercises first offered by Ignatius and his companions.

Can I trust my imagination?

Our ancient Christian tradition, through Ignatius, Ludolph and others, reveals that we can trust our imagination, for God desires to communicate with all peoples in a deeply personal way.

Mary Robson, Director of JISA Faber in Queensland, reflects on the Ignatian prayer method of Imaginative Contemplation, and asks can we really trust our imaginations?

Like a Butterfly – An experience of the Spiritual Exercises

Retreatant Isabel writes of her experience in making the Full Spiritual Exercises, I arrived at the Exercises ready to move into a cocoon, I was weary, tired, dejected, wounded, I needed tender loving care.

Season of Creation 2025 – Star Contemplations

This year, we look to the heavens.

You are warmly invited to journey with us through five weekly Star Contemplations — gentle reflections inspired by the mystery and majesty of the night sky. Each week, you will receive a guided video contemplation featuring a star-filled image. Created by Michael Hansen SJ, these contemplations are invitations to listen deeply — to what stirs in your heart, and to what God might be revealing through the beauty of creation.

Delivered to your inbox weekly, beginning Thursday 4 September through to Thursday 2 October 2025. There is no cost to register. You are welcome to make an optional financial gift to support this ministry when you register.

Let these moments under the stars open you to wonder, to connection, and to a renewed sense of belonging — to God, to the Earth, and to the wider universe.

Madonna magazine is published by the Australian Jesuits and has accompanied Australians in their daily prayer and spiritual growth for more than 120 years. It provides reflections on the day’s Gospel readings as well as personal stories and reflections, showing the presence of God in our everyday lives.