Spiritual Exercises for the 21st Century

Longtime Theology professor at Xavier University, Dr. Gillian T.W. Ahlgren is one of the foremost experts in the world on the mystical traditions of Christianity. This third edition of her very popular Spiritual Exercises for the 21st Century includes many improvements delving into the roots of these inner movements Ignatius encouraged and bringing them forward in fresh ways for our times.

Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) created the Spiritual Exercises long before he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) with his companions. These Exercises were originally sketch-notes that helped him through his own moral and personal crises when he was a young man in his twenties. He began sharing the movements within these Exercises with others and many found them helpful. Ignatius' Exercises were not without controversy - they landed him in jail on more than one occasion because his Exercises promoted the idea that a person's relationship with God was paramount and needed only a wise and willing friend to listen and help to discern the ways God invites friendship, relationship. These Exercises, especially as Dr. Ahlgren brings them forward today as more complete than the original sketch-notes, can help anyone - Christian and non-Christian, follower of any religious tradition or no tradition at all - to know better one's own heart and deep yearnings for life, to grow with life.

We are grateful for your considering growing the Exercises and their fruits in our world!