Remembering Iggy — Ignatius of Loyola — lived some 500 years ago, a Spaniard, a soldier, then a monk, mystic, and then theologian and author of the Spiritual Exercises (among other writings), and founder of the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order;

This day his feast day in the Church, 31 July, as good as day as any, or maybe especially, to take a moment and remember this man, his spirituality, which has so influenced my life;

As i’ve likely written before, discovered Ignatius and the Jesuits, in my formative, spiritual years, late adolescence, entering into adulthood, profound guidance, and effect on my life from that discovery, that learning, and reflection;

I learned that reading, discussing, and giving time for decision-making and discernment was critical to knowing what you truly believe, and what your soul direction is, what God wants for you,

Cornerstone of The Spiritual Exercises is The Examen, as follows,

“generally called examen of consciousness. In twice-daily “examens”,

“”

One might review the ways God has been present through one to others, And to oneself through others, And how one has responded, And to proceed with one’s day with gratitude, And more aware of the presence of God in one’s life.

“”

So meaningful and helpful and GOOD,

Thank You, Ignatius, thank you, Iggy ~~~