36-Day Retreat According to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

In 1521, Ignatius of Loyola was engaged in the defense of the fortress of Pamplona, on the border of France and Spain. During a skirmish, Ignatius was injured by a cannonball that shattered his leg. While convalescing for several months at his father’s castle in Loyola, he became attentive to his inner life and discovered discernment: some inner movements ignite life, satisfaction, and joy, while others provoke discouragement, fear, and sadness. These observations laid the foundation for Ignatius’s spiritual journey.

Through contemplation of the mysteries of Jesus’ life, he learned to know himself more deeply and to become, like the first disciples, a “companion of Jesus.” Ignatius recorded the Spiritual Exercises as we know them today. This booklet is used and, especially, adapted by spiritual guides in contemporary language.

The Exercises are a school of prayer and discernment, designed to increase our openness to God’s action within us so that we may respond more fully to His call.