Podcasts about ignatian

We are living in a world that seems to be unraveling at the seams - where chaos, polarization, and anxiety have become our default settings - we need a different way of being. Today, I'm sitting down with Eric Clayton, who's been wrestling with the question: What if peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but a transformative way of living? Eric's new book, "Finding Peace Here and Now," isn't another self-help manual. It's an invitation - a roadmap drawn from Ignatian spirituality that challenges us to look deeper. How do we build peace when everything around us seems designed to tear us apart? How do we find stillness in the storm, not by escaping the world, but by showing up differently? We'll explore how peace starts within us, how it's cultivated through compassion, creativity, and a willingness to see the humanity in everyone - even those we disagree with. This isn't about being passive. It's about a strength so profound it can disarm violence without raising a hand. If you're feeling overwhelmed, if you're searching for hope in a world that seems to have lost its way, this conversation is for you. So join us as we walk through what peace really means. Eric Clayton is an award-winning writer and author of three books on Ignatian spirituality and everyday living, including, "Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness," "My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars," and "Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith." He has a children's book, "Our Mother, Too: Mary Embraces the World," which was co-authored by Shannon K. Evans releasing this year. Eric is the deputy director for communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States where he manages the award-winning weekly column, "Now Discern This," guest hosts "AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast" and provides filming, writing and audio support for a range of multimedia projects. He has an MA in International Media from American University, a BA in International Studies and Creative Writing from Fairfield University and a graduate certificate in the Ignatian Tradition from Creighton University. He lives in Towson, MD with his family.Eric's Book:Finding Peace Here and NowEric's Recommendation:Changing PlanesSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

Fr. Bill McCormick, SJ, is a political scientist by trade and a current writer at the Vatican-sponsored, Jesuit-run journal La Civiltà Cattolica in Rome. Host Mike Jordan Laskey invited him onto the podcast for a special bonus episode on this moment of transition for the Catholic Church. They discussed the current mood in Rome; Pope Francis' legacy; the Society of Jesus' special connection to the papacy through its history; how Ignatian spirituality might inform our approach to the conclave and this period of change; what it means to believe the Holy Spirit is guiding the conclave without whispering a name into the cardinals' ears; the papacy and celebrity culture; and more. We wanted to bring it to you before the conclave begins on Wednesday, and we hope it will help you get into the right frame of mind and heart in this very full, liminal period of time. For further reading, courtesy of Fr. Bill: Bishop Erik Varden, https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/bishop-varden-were-never-passive Fr. James Martin, SJ, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/28/conclave-francis-new-pope-father-james-martin-250502 Fr. Raymond De Souza, https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2025/04/26/the-liturgical-deaths-of-popes/ Fr. Bill's work at America Magazine: https://www.americamagazine.org/voices/bill-mccormick-sj Fr. Bill's work at La Civiltà Cattolica: https://www.laciviltacattolica.com/author/william-mccormick/ AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, which is a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

Christine Valters Paintner is joined by author Claudia Love Mair for a series of video conversations. Every other month they take up a new book by or about a voice of color. The community is invited to purchase and read the books in advance and participate actively in this journey of deepening, discovery, and transformation. This month they sat down with Patrick Saint-Jean to discuss his book The Spirituality of Transformation, Joy, and Justice: The Ignatian Way for Everyone. Discover how rooting our beliefs and practices in relationship–with each other, the natural world, and the Source of All Life–leads us to transform ourselves and the world. At its heart, Ignatian spirituality is practical and experiential, offering modern readers a structure for pursuing inner growth that results in transformed action. While it is a deeply contemplative practice, Ignatian spirituality appeals to many of us who are looking for purpose and meaning, and who are wondering how to live out that purpose in a way that addresses the brokenness of our world. At the heart of this thoughtful introduction to Ignatian spirituality are the Spiritual Exercises, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola of Spain. Using ordinary language, these meditations point to the ways in which this spiritual path not only “grows our souls” but also inspires us to defend human rights, respect and listen to other cultures, find common ground between science and religion, struggle for justice, and honor a Divine Spirit who is actively at work in each aspect of our world. As twenty-first-century spiritual seekers, we do not need to be Jesuits, Catholics, or even Christians to make use of Ignatius's methods; some of history's most important thinkers–from René Descartes to Carl Jung–were influenced and inspired by the Spiritual Exercises. Let them guide you to transformation in the ordinary, everyday world. AbbeyoftheArts.com/lift-every-voice/the-spirituality-of-transformation/

Do you struggle to get much out of prayer? Do you feel like God's not speaking to you? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to deepen our prayer life by asking two essential questions: “What am I looking for?” and “What am I listening for?” Drawing from the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality, he guides us in using our imagination and five senses to cultivate a more intimate and personal encounter with God.​ Whether you're new to prayer or seeking a more profound connection, this practical approach can transform your spiritual practice.​ Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN Join Fr. Mike live for an unforgettable event as he unpacks the parables of Jesus. This is your chance to experience his powerful message in person!

Bruce and Carolyn join Claire and Rachel to share about their new book At the Feet of Jesus: Encountering Christ in the Gospels, which will be released by IVP on April 25. They share about writing the book through many years of leading prayer retreats with students and church groups, the practice of Ignatian meditation and the joy of keeping our eyes on Jesus, as we follow the example of Mary of Bethany. Towards the end of the conversation, they also tell us about their upcoming En Route summer course in Italy, Martyrs, Monks and Mystics (May 18-31). BiosDr. D. Bruce Hindmarsh is the James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology and Professor of the History of Christianity here at Regent. He earned his PhD in theology from Oxford University. His scholarly work focuses on the history of early British evangelicalism. Bruce is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a past president of the American Society of Church History. He is also an active lay member of an Anglican Church in Vancouver. Carolyn Hindmarsh holds a DMin from Fuller Seminary. She teaches New Testament Greek and spiritual theology at Regent College and is a trained spiritual director. Together, Bruce and Carolyn have often taught at Regent College and led church retreats.Previous Podcast AppearancesCarolyn Hindmarsh and Shirley Sullivan on Biblical Languages (Oct 2016)Bruce Hindmarsh on Early Evangelical Spirituality  (Feb 2018)Regent College Podcast Thanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social Media Facebook Instagram Youtube Keep in Touch Regent College Summer Programs Regent College Newsletter

Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88, was a trailblazer in many ways. He was the first Latin-American pontiff and the first non-European to lead the Roman Catholic Church in more than 1,000 years. He was also the first Jesuit ever elected pope, a detail that's often overlooked. That Jesuit background is especially relevant in St. Louis, a city with deep religious and cultural ties to the Catholic Church. The Rev. Thomas Flowers, an assistant professor of Ignatian formation at St. Louis University, discusses how Jesuit traditions influenced Francis' papacy.

AMDG. “They are children of God and they are worthy of an education that reflects God's beauty.”   What does a classical education even look like in grades K-5? Curriculum Director Maggie Hayden and Principal Nicole O'Connor join the Kolbecast to answer just that question. Maggie and Nicole explain how they rebuilt the Kolbe elementary curriculum to reflect classical methodology and principles of Ignatian education. “We were looking at what things the little kids have to know in K-2 to be able to do third through fifth, then sixth through eighth grade, and up to high school,” Maggie explains.   Maggie and Nicole discuss what goals are appropriate at each grade level, and areas of concern to watch for; break down the reason behind the recent curriculum development and the Catholic, classical methodology that inspired Maggie and Nicole's work; dismantle misconceptions about classical education; give sneak peeks at new materials coming soon; and pack in dozens of helpful tips for parents of K-5 students.    Kolbecast episodes mentioned & relevant  243 Drawing Distinctions – Classical Education, Liberal Arts, and Liberal Education  248 Intentionality & Purpose for Lent & Holy Week with Katie Bogner & Shari Van Vranken (guest cohost: Maggie Hayden)  100 In the Beginning with Kolbe Academy co-founder Mrs. Dianne Muth  247 Lightbulb Moments for Young Readers  197 Tools in a Toolbox: Student Support Services  203 Guided Freedom, a conversation about Classical Composition  Other relevant links:  Implementation of Ignatian Education in the Home by Kolbe Academy co-founder Francis Crotty  Kolbe Academy's Student Support Services  Learn more about Kolbe's early education programs by reading the posts below—and download a free week-long preview of each program to explore for yourself: Nurturing Little Hearts – Read about Kolbe Academy's Preschool Program + Download the Preschool Preview: A Week to Explore Welcome to a Year of Wonder – Read about Kolbe Academy's Kindergarten Curriculum + Download the Kindergarten Preview: A Week to Explore Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.   We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ, the president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, reflects on the legacy and witness of Pope Francis. Fr. Paulson and host Mike Jordan Laskey discussed the Holy Father's pastoral style, his Ignatian spirit, his approach to leadership, and some of the Pope's decisions that will likely affect the Catholic Church for years to come. Fr. Brian Paulson, SJ: https://www.jesuits.org/profile/brian-paulson-s-j/ AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, which is a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

The art of discernment is a hallmark feature of Ignatian spirituality. From the moment Ignatius began to differentiate between consolations and desolations during his eleven-month convalescence in Loyola to today, Jesuits and lay collaborators have been mining the depths of what it means to listen to and act on God's invitation in our lives. Today, we get a crash course in discernment. Fr. Mark Thibodeaux—renown spiritual author, Jesuit priest and the pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans—is back on the pod to talk about his newest book, “Discern: Listening for God's Whispers.” Fr. Mark is a modern-day master of the Ignatian spiritual tradition. As you listen to this conversation, I invite to really bring his ideas into your own prayer. We're all constantly tasked with making decision—big, small and otherwise. Ignatian discernment can be a big help, no matter where you are in your own vocational journey. Get your copy of "Discern" here: https://store.loyolapress.com/discern

With Father Henk van Meijel S.J.

A 21-minute audio guided meditation in John's Gospel, John 18:1-14, using Lectio Divina. A meditation with John's account of the arrest of Jesus. Contemplative at Home offers guided meditative prayer – space to slow down and listen to the truth that is being born out of God's love for you today – drawing on Ignatian spirituality and at times, […] The post Arrest: Lectio Divina: John 18:1-14 appeared first on Contemplative at Home.

Sister Mary Michael joins us for a conversation on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 12 steps, and our Mission.Summary: In this episode, we welcome back Sister Mary Michael, a seasoned Dominican Sister from the Saint Cecilia community in Nashville, to Oklahoma for a heartfelt conversation. With over 35 years as a religious sister, she shares her passion for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, her work with Franciscan University, and her unique ministry with men in recovery. At a recent men's conference, she introduced the power of the 12 Steps—rooted in Alcoholics Anonymous but universally applicable—as a practical path to freedom from destructive habits, paired with insights from Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Sister Mary Michael's warmth, humor, and wisdom shine as she encourages men to embrace their God-given mission and reorder their lives with grace.Key Topics: - Who She Is: A Dominican Sister with a doctorate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sister Mary Michael works with four-year-olds on Fridays, teaches at Franciscan University's Catechetical Institute, and speaks at men's conferences. - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Montessori-inspired, Hebraic approach to children's faith formation, rooted in the pedagogy of God and the Church's heart. She's written a book on it and sees it as a growing movement (highlighted in the 2020 Directory for Catechesis). - Men in Recovery: Inspired by landscaping help from men in recovery, she's taken their stories on the road, blending the 12 Steps with Ignatian spirituality to address universal patterns of behavior—addictions big and small. - The 12 Steps: Sister explores their accessibility and power, starting with Step 1: admitting powerlessness over habits (e.g., anger, control, manipulation) and unmanageability in life. She connects this to grace and personal transformation. - Universal Application: From vanity to strong opinions, we're all “recovering sinners.” The 12 Steps offer a fearless moral inventory (Step 4) and accountability (Step 5), helping anyone break free from vices. - Grace and Nature: The steps align with the Church's heritage—practical like the 12 Steps or spiritual like Ignatius—showing how grace perfects our disordered nature. - Men's Mission: She challenges men to reject Satan's distortions, embrace their masculine genius, and take action to live out God's purpose.Quotable Moments:- “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori Hebraic approach—it's how God brings people to Himself.” - “I'm powerless over this, and my life's unmanageable—that's a grace right there.” - “I'm not taking that drink of criticism or gossip—it's a shot of vodka to my soul.” - “God's got a beautiful mission for you, and Satan's not gonna leave you alone—so it's time to do something about it.” Resources Mentioned: - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Learn more about this movement online or through Sister's book. - The 12 Steps: Google them—read through and reflect on what challenges you. - Ignatian Spirituality: Explore how it aligns with the 12 Steps for deeper growth. Closing Thoughts: Sister Mary Michael's eclectic life—from teaching kids to guiding men—offers a fresh take on recovery and holiness. Her practical, grace-filled approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking freedom and purpose. Thanks for joining us, Sister—God bless!

Keeping the Main Thing in Life: Presence Over EverythingJoin us in this profound reflection as we delve into the value of prioritizing the presence of Jesus over everything else. Through engaging demonstrations and scriptural references, we explore the importance of living a full life by keeping Jesus at the center. Learn practical spiritual practices such as meditation on scripture, centering prayer, and the Ignatian prayer of examine to cultivate a life filled with His presence. Discover how to achieve a life overflowing with hope, peace, and joy, by maintaining a disciplined focus on the main thing: being with Jesus.00:00 Introduction and Core Values01:12 Fun with Fire: A Demonstration02:23 The Jar Experiment: Lessons on Fullness08:56 Scriptural Insights on Living Fully22:29 Practices for Spiritual Formation31:19 Identifying and Overcoming Strongholds36:39 Discovering Your Calling and Gifting39:11 Conclusion: Keeping the Main Thing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Western Christianity often approaches artificial intelligence with anxiety rooted in dualistic thinking that separates the spiritual from the material, human from machine. Non-dualistic elements within Christian traditions, particularly Ignatian spirituality, offer a more integrated vision that can help us engage with AI as a potential extension of divine creativity rather than a threat to human uniqueness.

In this special episode, Dr. Boyce sits down with Ignatian scholar Jack Bull to explore one of the most debated textual traditions of early Christianity—the letters of Ignatius of Antioch. With three competing recensions—the Short, the Middle, and the Long—each offering a different window into the voice and theology of the early church, which version truly reflects the historical Ignatius?Together, we'll walk through the textual history, theological developments, and manuscript evidence for each recension. From the minimalist Syriac tradition to the highly stylized Marian expansions of the Long Recension, what do these versions tell us about the evolution of early Christian thought—and about the editorial hands that shaped it?If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 Here is a link to Jack's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PatristicaHere is a link to the Syriac Short Recension: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/syriac-versions-of-the-ignatian-epistles-20958Here is a link to the Middle and Long: https://ccel.org/ccel/ignatius_antioch/epistles_of_ignatius/anf01.v.html#IgnatiusOfAntioch#TextualTradition#EarlyChristianity#Patristics#ChurchFathers#ShortRecension#MiddleRecension#LongRecension#SyriacChristianity#MartyrdomTheology#HistoricalTheology#AncientChurch#JackBull#DrBoyce#TheFACTSPodcast#IgnatianLetters#ManuscriptStudies#ChristianOrigins#TheologyPodcast#EarlyChurchDebates

Eric A. Clayton is a born storyteller. Writing fiction as a child, his grandmother would edit Eric's fantastical stories about elves and dragons, teaching him the skills of imaginary world-building.It is no wonder, then, that as an adult, Eric loves borrowing from the colorful St. Ignatius, who helped Eric find his spirituality as a writer, first for Catholic Relief Services and now as the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, here in Baltimore.As Eric explains in this week's podcast, St. Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier and minor noble who "was all about winning wars and wooing women" until he was hit by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona. The ordeal led him to put down his sword, become a pilgrim, and found the Jesuit order of priests."We're talking about these trajectory-changing instances in our lives," he said. "And they can be pretty brutal, pretty tragic and traumatic."Eric draws from the inspirational type of prayer that Ignatius taught the Jesuits to pursue — imaginative, contemplative, and most of all experiential."He's really big on getting out into the world," Eric said. "The Jesuits, founded in the mid 1500s, were different than other religious orders because they lived in the world. They didn't live in monasteries."The story of St. Ignatius' self-discovery is where the phrase Cannonball Moments, the title of Eric's second book, comes from."It's kind of a flippant term that folks use in the wider Ignatian community," he said.Aside from Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith, Eric also has written My Life With the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars. His third book, Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness, is due out in 2025.Meanwhile, he also writes the award-winning weekly column, "Now Discern This," and has a Substack channel with some very entertaining headlines. It may be trite, Eric says, but for him writing is a form of prayer.Eric is not only a gifted writer — and you can learn more about his work on his website — but he is also an engaging conversationalist who will have you instantly tuned in when you listen to this week's episode of Chiseled. Enjoy.

Gary Jansen, the author of “The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary,” discusses how an encounter at the gym led him to new insights about the rosary, how meditative prayer can improve our physical and spiritual well-being, and why a good prayer life can help us make the kingdom of God more present to others.

Gratitude forms the cornerstone of Ignatian spirituality, establishing the proper relationship between the gift-giver God and humans as recipients rather than takers. This fundamental orientation shapes our entire spiritual life, fostering virtues like humility and generosity whilst providing a powerful antidote to anxiety and negativity.

Episode 2 The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Ignatian Wisdom of the Examen Prayer. The First Step in the Examen Prayer: Gratitude. Taking time out of the day when our hearts are free to receive the Lord's presence. Prayer always takes two persons in relationship...ourselves and God. Then together with the Lord, we see what the gifts of love God has poured out upon us. The key in this first step, is not to look for our missteps (that may come later), but to look for the gifts and give thanks.ob The post DPD2 – Ignatian Wisdom of the Examen Prayer – The Daily Prayer of Discernment: The Examen Prayer with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Today's episode introduces two seemingly opposite topics that actually have surprising overlap -- Ignatian spirituality and the beliefs of the German Christian movement. Both topics hold much wisdom and challenge for us here in the Year of our Lord 2025. We begin with the Welcoming Prayer by Father Thomas Keating and discuss the Ignatian Examen alongside the mindset of the German Christians in 1933. What might God be speaking to us today through our own consolations and desolations?

Episode 164 - In part two of the Ignatian rules of discernment, Fr Sean Danda and Nathanael Rea focus on the concepts of spiritual consolation and desolation. They explore how to navigate these experiences, emphasizing the importance of patience, reflection, and community support. The discussion highlights the nature of the enemy, the significance of confession, and the need for self-awareness in spiritual growth. The speakers encourage listeners to engage in daily examination to foster a deeper connection with God and to recognize the patterns of consolation and desolation in their lives.Takeaways: Spiritual consolation is a sense of closeness with God.Desolation can be a time for purification and growth.Patience is key when experiencing desolation.Consolation is a gift from God, not something we earn.Strengthening oneself during times of consolation prepares us for desolation.Reflection on relationships helps during low times.The devil operates like a bully, exploiting our weaknesses.Community and confession are vital for spiritual health.Recognizing our weaknesses allows for healing and growth.Daily examination of conscience is essential for spiritual awareness.

Okay, y’all, Lent is here! Timmerie shares some super practical ways to grow this season. Whether you're a sleep-deprived mom, a married couple looking for spiritual connection, or just someone trying to figure out what to give up (besides chocolate for the 12th year in a row), she’s got you covered. Mom Life: Surviving (and Thriving) Spiritually with Toddlers Busy mom? No problem. Timmerie gets it: tiny humans demand everything, but that doesn’t mean Lent is a lost cause. She suggests: -Wake up before your kids (even if it’s painful) to pray. It sets the tone for the day. -Start your day on your knees. Even if it’s just a quick “Jesus, help me,” it models prayer for your kids. -Use bedtime struggles for prayer time. Stuck snuggling a kid who won’t sleep? Offer it up and pray for them instead of doom-scrolling. (Bonus: Less frustration when bedtime takes forever.) Married Couples: Level Up Your Prayer Game If you’re not praying together, Lent is the perfect time to start. Timmerie’s top picks: -Pray the Rosary together. Simple, powerful, and brings grace. Night prayer! Do an Examination of Conscience together and end the day in peace. Read “Discernment of Spirits in Marriage” by Fr. Timothy Gallagher. Highly recommended for deepening your spiritual connection. (Imagine finishing Lent actually feeling closer to your spouse.) What to Give Up or Do for a Meaningful Lent? The winning formula from Timmerie: "Pray. Give up sin. Go to confession." -Figure out your biggest struggle and attack it head-on. -Replace sin with virtue. Struggle with gossip? Work on speaking words of encouragement. -Beg God for the grace to actually change. (Because, let’s be honest, white knuckling it alone never works.) (Confession isn’t just a suggestion... it’s a game-changer.) Finding a Spiritual Director (Without Losing Your Mind) Looking for an Ignatian spiritual director? Timmerie recommends: -Books by Fr. Timothy Gallagher: Start there! -Checking out the Divine Mercy University on the East Coast, where lay people are trained in spiritual direction. -Being open to the reality that not all priests are trained (or available) for spiritual direction. It’s okay to seek guidance from a trained layperson. (Basically, don’t get discouraged if your parish priest is too busy... other great options exist!) How Do You Know What to Do This Lent? Grow where you’re planted. -Whether you’re single, married, struggling, thriving, lonely, or overwhelmed: God has placed you here for a reason. -Ask yourself: What does holiness look like in my current season of life? -Lent isn’t about changing your circumstances; it’s about letting God change YOU within your circumstances. Bottom Line: Lent is about growing in holiness, right where you are. Whether it’s carving out prayer time, deepening your marriage, fighting sin, or just staying faithful in the small stuff, God has major graces waiting for you. So… what’s your game plan this Lent? Let’s go! (P.S. Share this with a friend who always forgets it’s Friday and accidentally eats a cheeseburger.)

A new MP3 sermon from Alpha and Omega Ministries is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Ignatian Strawman Extinguished Subtitle: The Dividing Line 2025 Speaker: Dr. James White Broadcaster: Alpha and Omega Ministries Event: Podcast Date: 3/3/2025 Length: 88 min.

Episode 163 - This episode features the first seven of fourteen Ignatian rules of discernment, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's will and our relationship with Him. It explores the role of feelings in discernment, the significance of spiritual consolation and desolation, and practical advice for navigating desolation while maintaining faith and perseverance in prayer.Takeaways: Discernment is about growing in relationship with God, not just making decisions.Feelings are signals that can guide us in understanding our spiritual state.Spiritual consolation leads us closer to God, while desolation pushes us away.In desolation, we should not change our goals or prayer life.The enemy uses apparent pleasures to keep us in sin.God's will is not locked away; He desires us to know it.We can discern between good and bad spirits affecting our decisions.Desolation can be a time for growth and deeper reliance on God.Perseverance in prayer during tough times is crucial for spiritual growth.Trust in God's grace during testing times is essential.Book referenced in this episode: The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide For Everyday Living by Father Timothy Gallagher https://a.co/d/gPcKOk7Hosts: Father Sean Danda & Nathanael Rea

Though I really wasn't feeling well after I arrived here in Amarillo, I felt it was absolutely necessary to address the amazingly dishonest attacks that have been launched against me about a single cross-examination question from Saturday night's debate. So we did a full dive into Ignatius, his writings, the issues with the transmission of those writings, forgeries, you name it, and then walked through the actual text cited in the debate demonstrating that the actual answer I gave was fully substantiated by the text itself. It is my hope that those who are planning to continue this campaign of misrepresentation will listen to this presentation, realize the foolishness of such an action, repent of their intentions, and cease and desist with their activities. That is up to them. For everyone else, you get to learn a whole lot about issues related to ancient church history! Enjoy!

Episode 7 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC7 – Practical Steps for Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Ken talks with Jerry Windley-Daoust “Imagine You Walked with Jesus: A Guide to Ignatian Contemplative Prayer” (Our Sunday Visitor) and Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN “Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation” (Ave Maria Press). Jerry's book available at: Our Sunday Visitor – Imagine You Walked with Jesus: A Guide to Ignatian Contemplative Prayer and Sister Garrett's book […] L'articolo Meet the Author with Ken Huck – February 13, 2025 – Jerry Windley-Daoust “Imagine You Walked with Jesus: A Guide to Ignatian Contemplative Prayer” and Sister Josephine Garrett, CSFN “Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation” proviene da Radio Maria.

Episode 6 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC6 – Using Colloquy in Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the distinction between meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition, and how both forms of prayer deepen one's relationship with God. The post MC5 – God's Presence in Silence – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Christine Marie Eberle returns to Finding Favorites to discuss her new book and the pilgrimage that inspired her to write it. Her new book Finding God Along the Way: Wisdom from the Ignatian Camino for Life at Home is available now. We have an in depth conversation about the logistics, prayer and intentions of going on this pilgrimage in the fall of 2022. Christine-Marie-Eberle.com Finding God Along the Way Show Notes The Way on IMDB Camino del Santiago (the other pilgrimage in Spain) Camino Ignacio Ignatian Volunteer Corps Ignatius of Loyola Follow Finding Favorites on Instagram at @FindingFavsPod and leave a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or Spotify. Got a question or want to suggest a guest? email Leah at FindingFavoritesPodcast@gmail.com Support Finding Favorites by shopping for books by guests or recommended by guests on Bookshop.

Episode 4 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothhey Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC4 – Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 3 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC3 – Walking with Christ in Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Have you adopted scripts around the terms feminine and masculine? Today we unpack Chapter 8 of Richard's book, Eager to Love, entitled "Lightness of Heart and Firmness of Foot: The integration of Feminine and Masculine", and we ask for our listener's grace as we imperfectly grapple with a subject inherently challenging to define. The conversation delves into the integration of masculine and feminine energies within the context of spirituality, particularly through the lens of the Franciscan tradition. Richard and our hosts explore how cultural influences shape our definitions, how terms like masculine and feminine can easily be confused for gender, and the revolutionary approach of Francis of Assisi in breaking free from traditional norms. We're then joined by two incredible voices in the world of liberation psychology and contemplative spirituality, Jennifer Abe and Douglas Christie, who share their personal journeys and insights, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the need for openness to mystery and transformation. Jennifer Shimako Abe earned her PhD in clinical psychology from UCLA and has been on the faculty of the Department of Psychological Science at Loyola Marymount University since 1994. Her experience in Central and South America drew her to the work of Jesuit priest and social psychologist, Fr. Ignacio Martin-Baró, SJ and the field he founded, liberation psychology. The principles of liberation psychology have guided her research in different areas, including how the practice of cultural humility relates to institutional and social transformation, and how culturally rooted, community-defined evidence practices are critical for addressing mental health disparities across diverse communities. In 2024, she helped lead a commission on Student Spiritual Growth and Mental Health: Toward a Hope-Filled Future for Jesuit institutions in North America. Jennifer is currently the interim director for the Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture, and the Arts at LMU, leading efforts to strengthen the legacy of the women religious and the Marymount educational tradition at her institution. Across different leadership roles, Jennifer has been committed to working at the intersections of culture, spirituality, and justice in the context of Ignatian values and the Jesuit educational mission.  Douglas E. Christie is Professor Emeritus in the Theological Studies Department at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is the author of The Word in The Desert: Scripture and the Quest for Holiness in Early Christian Monasticism (Oxford, 1993), The Blue Sapphire of the Mind: Note for a Contemplative Ecology (Oxford, 2012), and The Insurmountable Darkness of Love: Mysticism, Loss and the Common Life (Oxford, 2022). He has been awarded fellowships from the Luce Foundation, the Lilly Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. From 2013-2015 he served as Co-director of the Casa de la Mateada study abroad program in Córdoba, Argentina, a program rooted in the Jesuit vision of education for solidarity. He lives with his family in Los Angeles and is currently working on a book about the desert as spiritual landscape.   Hosted by CAC Staff: Mike Petrow, and Paul Swanson Resources: A PDF of the transcript for this episode can be found here. Grab a copy of Eager to Love here. To learn more about the work of Jennifer Abe, visit here. For more by Douglas Christie, visit the following: Wasting Time Conscientiously, What is Contemplation

Episode 2 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition w/Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Gallagher continues to discuss the differences and benefits of meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC2 – Power of Imaginative Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Episode 1 Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Mediation in the Ignatian tradition with Fr. Timothy Gallagher. Fr. Gallagher introduces us to meditation and contemplation - the cornerstones of Ignatius of Loyola's spiritual practice. The post MC1 – Introduction – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Hello Friends,I just wanted to send out a little video to let you know more about the Habits for the Spirit course that's starting up this week.So many of us fit into the cliché of getting all ramped up at the beginning of the New Year, only to feel deflated soon afterwards.Believe me, I fall into that category too, which is why I felt drawn to offer this course.Here are 3 things I'll be focusing on throughout the course:1) Small and manageable habits: Identifying very small and manageable habits that will be able to improve our day to day life. Sometimes it's the small and easy changes that can actually make the most difference – but we need to give ourselves the space and time to reflect on how to go about doing that.2) Holistic habits body, mind, and spirit: in the habits workbook I sent out recently you'll see that I find that overlap and intersection really important and we often focus too much on one or the other (body, mind, or spirit) and found ourselves imbalanced, and sometimes that can be more depleting rather than life-giving3) Crossover between sacred and secular – in the resilience trainings I've taken over the past few years, I've realized how important the connections are between what we're learning about the body, the brain, the nervous system, and how it connects with our spiritual lives. In fact, spirituality and spiritual practices are a resource for our wellbeing – they might be different practices for each one of us, but they are a huge source of balance, joy, strength, hope.In the course, I'll be drawing from resources for spirituality such as Celtic and Ignatian spirituality, resilience skills, productivity mindset.In the modules I'll be covering- stillness and silence that helps us listen to ourselves and to God- tending to our living spaces and environments in a way that weaves into our spiritual life- movement that not only builds strength but clears our minds and lifts our spirits- finding ways to introduce more beauty into our days- the power of word to enrich our lives, whether that be through writing or reading- nourishing our bodies with what's beneficial to us, that energizes us and makes us feel most ourselves- connecting with people – communities with like minds, people who are different from us and have a lot to teach us, connecting with others as a part of our spiritual practiceThere's still time for you to join us for this course! This is the last announcement I'll make about it, but what I'll do is anyone who wants to become a paid subscriber before Friday (when the first module will go out) and lets me know they're interested, I'll add you to the list.Have a great day, and may you feel the light of Epiphany shining into this New Year.KiranHabits for the Spirit8-Week Digital CourseAre you wondering how you can flourish in 2025? Are you looking for daily habits and spiritual practices to sustain you? Are you longing for a connection between body, mind, and spirit?Join me for an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spirit.The course features:* Pre-recorded sessions for each of the 8 weeks, which you can view at a time that's convenient for you* Handouts and printables for you to engage with the course material and get your creative juices flowing* Optional interactive sessions with other members of the courseContent will be both taught and experiential, and will have a retreat-like atmosphere while exploring subjects such as Celtic Spirituality, Ignatian Spirituality, and resilience skills.Stay rooted in what gives you strength and peace; find nourishment in body and soul; be inspired to live courageously and joyfully in 2025.Find out more about Habits for the SpiritThis course will be complimentary for paid subscribers until this coming Monday, Jan 6th ~ Epiphany! If you're a free subscriber, you can upgrade to paid, and if you're already a paid subscriber, all you need to do is respond to this email saying “Interested!”Thanks to those who have already indicated your interest ~ we have a good group so far, and you will be hearing more from me soon.After January 6th [EXTENDED to Friday], you can purchase the course separately on my website. A paid subscription represents a 60% discount on the course, but that offer will only be available until Monday.So if you'd like to explore ways to stay rooted, nourished, and inspired in 2025, you might want to act now!Psalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe

Ignatian 101: An Introduction to St. Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits given on 11 December 2024

You've heard of the Spiritual Exercises. You've probably heard of Ignatius' autobiography. But have you heard of the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus? Unless you're a Jesuit, you probably haven't. It's a series of documents often dismissed as too legalistic, necessary but not relevant to daily life. But that's not true—and our guest today, Fr. Bart Geger, SJ, professor at the Boston College's school of theology and ministry, will make that case. The Constitutions are foundational to the Ignatian tradition, to how Jesuits understand their mission: that being the service of the greater glory of God. The Constitutions, then, are important for all of us who stand in this Ignatian legacy, for all of us who also hope to serve God's greater glory. The Constitutions touch on the formation of Jesuits specifically, but also point each of us toward spiritual wisdom for our own unique vocation. Why talk about the Constitutions today? Fr. Bart has recently completed work on a new edition, which provides all of us with an opportunity to revisit this important text. As Fr. Bart writes in the introduction: “Knowledge of the Constitutions is…necessary in order to understand recurring themes and controversies in the Society's history. Far more importantly, however, the book is vital to correctly interpret the spiritual doctrine of Ignatius himself, especially his ideas about how to discern God's will, and the particular ideals and virtues that he desired—and still desires—for all who embrace the principle and foundation upon which all his doctrine stands.” In short, if we believe the riches of Ignatian spirituality are vital and relevant for today's world, then we'd do well to better understand the institutional framework with which Ignatius entrusted this legacy to be lived out. If you'd like to get a copy of Fr. Bart's new edition or learn more about the project, head over to the Institute of Jesuit Sources: https://jesuitsources.bc.edu/the-constitutions-of-the-society-of-jesus-a-critical-edition-with-the-complementary-norms-paperback/

Ignatian 101: An Introduction to St. Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits given on 4 December 2024

If you're listening to this episode on the day it drops, then we're just a matter of hours away from celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States. Regardless of whether you'll be surrounded by friends and family over these next few days or you'll be passing the occasion in a quieter, more subdued manner, one thing remains the same: We are all called to cultivate a disposition of gratitude. These Thanksgiving episodes where we reflect on gratitude as a spiritual practice have become something of a holiday tradition all on their own. Gratitude is foundational to Ignatian spirituality. And it's something we're called to on good days as much as on bad ones. Today we're lucky to have Vinita Hampton Wright return to the pod to reflect on these spiritual themes. Vinita always brings with her practical wisdom and deep knowledge of both the tenets of the Ignatian tradition and how to talk about them. Vinita is a veteran editors and writer of countless books and articles on Ignatian spirituality. She worked for many years at Loyola Press, and now gives workshops and retreats on writing, creativity and prayer. Vinita is also the author of this year's 2025 “Book of Grace-Filled Days,” which is currently available from Loyola Press and a wonderful companion to your prayer in this upcoming year. Check it out here: https://store.loyolapress.com/2025-a-book-of-grace-filled-days

Last week, we began our pilgrimage to Belize. We met Fr. Brian Christopher, the superior of the country-wide Jesuit community. And we heard a little bit about the hopes and heartaches of the people of Belize. We saw how Ignatian spirituality has a role to play in helping crystalize the character of Belize, and how important collaboration is in a country made up of such a rich and diverse history. Most importantly, we heard from Fr. Brian how the work of the Jesuits in Belize today isn't about making plans and wracking up successes but rather that of humility, of accepting the possibility of failure. The key, Brian said again and again, is accompaniment: walking with and learning from and cheering on the people of Belize. Last week's episode ended with a reflection on synodality — that all-important theme of Pope Francis' papacy. How are we called to listen to the voices of those members of our global church that so often get sidelined? Today, in our second of our two-part series on Belize, we return to that theme of synodality: you're going to hear from several lay leaders that are working closely with the Jesuits. Perhaps even more importantly, you're going to hear how essential these lay leaders are in building up the local church. It's not an exaggeration to say that without these lay leaders, the Catholic church in some of the most remote parts of Belize may simply not exist. So, let's continue our pilgrimage.

This week, we share a "Space for God" devotional featuring Susan Marks (Coracle Spiritual Director). Susan introduces us to and guides us through an experience of "Ignatian Gospel Reading." Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, this is a way of prayerfully encountering Bible stories such that all our faculties are drawn into an encounter with God through Observation, Reflection, Listening, and Resolution. In this session, we focus our attention on the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark 10.Explore Amy Boucher Pye's discussion of Imaginative PrayerView Our Complete Archive of “Space for God” Prayer PracticesLearn More About Spiritual Direction through Coracleinthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

Today we're talking about the global nature of God's invitation. Our guest — Fr. Chuks, the new director of communications for the Jesuit Curia in Rome, responsible for sharing the stories of the entirety of the global Society of Jesus — reminds us that the people of God are everywhere. And we, informed by the Ignatian tradition, have a responsibility to go and hear their stories—and to share them with others. Fr. Chuks — whose full name is Chukwuyenum Afiawari — is a Nigerian Jesuit. Most recently, he was the provincial of the North West Africa province, which includes Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia—no small task! Now living at the Jesuit headquarters in Rome, Chuks is tasked with thinking about how we communicate with one another. How we communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ with on another. How Ignatian spirituality and the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola equips us to go out into the world and witness Christ's love to one another. This, too, is no small task. Today's conversation covers a lot of ground, hitting on the nature of global communications, our responsibility as members of the universal Catholic Church, how we might train today's communicators to respond to the signs of the times and more.

Today we're talking about the global nature of God's invitation. Our guest — Fr. Chuks, the new director of communications for the Jesuit Curia in Rome, responsible for sharing the stories of the entirety of the global Society of Jesus — reminds us that the people of God are everywhere. And we, informed by the Ignatian tradition, have a responsibility to go and hear their stories—and to share them with others. Fr. Chuks — whose full name is Chukwuyenum Afiawari — is a Nigerian Jesuit. Most recently, he was the provincial of the North West Africa province, which includes Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia—no small task! Now living at the Jesuit headquarters in Rome, Chuks is tasked with thinking about how we communicate with one another. How we communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ with on another. How Ignatian spirituality and the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola equips us to go out into the world and witness Christ's love to one another. This, too, is no small task. Today's conversation covers a lot of ground, hitting on the nature of global communications, our responsibility as members of the universal Catholic Church, how we might train today's communicators to respond to the signs of the times and more.

The Common Good podcast is a conversation about the significance of place, eliminating economic isolation and structures of belonging.This 8 weeks series consists of mini episodes which are being produced in partnership with The Hive, A Center for Contemplation, Art, and Action, as a part of an ongoing class they're offering locally called Election Brave Space: Compassionate Resilience For Our Shared Future. The intention of these episode is to introduce a variety of simple tools and practices to help you navigate this politically tumultuous moment, leading to and through the election.Adam Clark is Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University and is committed to the idea that theological education in the twenty first century must function as a counter-story. One that equips us to read against the grain of the dominant culture and inspires one to live into the Ignatian dictum of going forth "to set the world on fire." To this end, Dr. Clark is intentional about pedagogical practices that raise critical consciousness by going beneath surface meanings, unmasking conventional wisdoms and reimagining the good. He currently serves as co-chair of Black Theology Group at the American Academy of Religion, actively publishes in the area of black theology and black religion and participates in social justice groups at Xavier and in the Cincinnati area. He earned his PhD at Union Theological Seminary in New York where he was mentored by James Cone.The Hive is a grassroots mindfulness community curating multi-week classes, workshops and a Membership community. It has been formed by facilitators asking the question, "What are the resources that lie within our vast lineages, traditions, and modalities of healing, and how can we place them in service of the common good?" In this series we're hearing from The Hive's 6 core faculty members.This episode was produced by Joey Taylor and the music is from Jeff Gorman. You can find more information about the Common Good Collective here. Common Good Podcast is a production of Bespoken Live & Common Change - Eliminating Personal Economic Isolation.

There aren't that many times in the Gospels when Jesus tells his disciples how they might act if they're hoping to get to heaven one day. When Jesus does indeed get that direct, it's probably a smart idea to pay attention. And probably the most famous example of this sort of Jesus talk comes in the 25th chapter of Matthew's Gospel. It's the Last Judgment story, the one about the sheep and the goats. Jesus tells his friends that whenever they feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick or visit the prisoner, they are caring for Christ himself. He makes a radical one-to-one identification with people who suffering and oppressed. Perhaps the most challenging category of person listed in Matthew 25 is the prisoner. Because Jesus doesn't just say you can find him in unjustly held prisoners. He just says prisoners. If you want to see Christ, he seems to be saying, look into the eyes of someone on death row. That's a privileged place to find Jesus, important enough to make it into this dramatic story in the Gospel. Our criminal justice system is certainly not set up to treat prisoners as if they were reflections of the Lord's face. But our guest today is the founder of a Catholic organization that's working hard to make world a bit closer to God's dream for it. Fr. Zach Presutti is a Jesuit priest and the founder and executive director of the Thrive For Life Prison Project. In 2017, before his ordination to the priesthood, Zach founded Thrive For Life with a mission to transform lives both behind and beyond prison walls. In jails and prisons, Thrive For Life offers thousands of men and women in New York and Wisconsin retreats and spiritual direction rooted in Ignatian spirituality. On the outside, the organization is growing a network of houses of study for returning citizens to live in community while receiving holistic support services. Recently, Fr. Zach was nominated as one of three finalists for the prestigious Opus Prize, hosted this year at Santa Clara University. The Opus Prize is given to recognize unsung heroes, anywhere in the world and from a variety of faith traditions, solving today's most persistent social problems. All Opus finalists receive gifts of $100,000, with the winner receiving $1 million. When host Mike Jordan Laskey spoke with Fr. Zach recently, he asked him to share the story of how Thrive For Life got started and why he thinks it has grown and thrived the way it has. Fr. Zach shared his reflections on working in prison ministry and why he finds it to be such an enlivening mission. While he's a humble guy who deflects praise and is always quick to lift up members of Thrive For Life's team and network, we couldn't help but be struck by Fr. Zach's passion, energy and vision. We think you'll enjoy getting to know him a bit. Thrive For Life: https://thriveforlife.org/ The Opus Prize: https://www.scu.edu/news-and-events/press-releases/2024/july-2024/santa-clara-university-announces-opus-prize-finalists.html AMDG is a product of the Jesuit Media Lab, a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

This is a conversation about racism and the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. Put more precisely, this is a conversation about how the Spiritual Exercises might better form us to understand and push back against the repercussions of racism in America. The question that frames this conversation is one that comes from the global Society of Jesus. At the last General Congregation—GC 36—when Jesuits from around the world gathered to elect a new superior general and examine the most pressing issues facing our world today, this question was raised: Why do the Exercises not change us as deeply as we should hope? In short, how does injustice and racism and violent persist, even after so many of us have made the Exercises? The Exercises, after all, are meant to change our hearts and minds, to help us better understand God and who God desires that we be with and through community. This question is at the heat of a new book from Liturgical Press. It's called “Praying for Freedom: Racism and Ignatian Spirituality in America.” It's a collection of essays and reflections that attempt to wrestle with this question and try to envision how we might build a more just and compassionate society. We have three guests today. Dr. Laurie Cassidy, the editor of the anthology, currently teaches in the Christian Spirituality program at Creighton University. She is an award-winning author and editor, and has been engaged in the ministry of spiritual direction for more than 30 years. Our two other guests, Elise Gower and Justin White, both contributed chapters to this book, both reflecting on their own experiences of a retreat called “The God of Us All: Praying with Black Spirituality.” They both share with us personal and powerful insights into their own prayer life. Elise has an extensive background in Ignatian spirituality, higher education and leadership, having served as associate director of Contemplative Leaders in Action—a formation program for young adults—and at Loyola University Maryland in the offices of Campus Ministry and the Center for Community Service and Justice, and more. Justin White has a long career in Jesuit education, having taught theology for 8 years at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore and having held several roles at Loyola Blakefield, most recently as a counselor for middle school students. If you have ever prayed through the Spiritual Exercises or if that's something you hope to do, this conversation will add a helpful frame to your prayer and challenge you to examine those places in our lives where we are resistant to God's love—those places where we are not free. Our prayer today is one of freedom—as we begin this conversation, let us pray that we all may recognize those places of unfreedom in our lives, and take the necessary steps to step beyond those obstacles. https://litpress.org/Products/6791/Praying-for-Freedom

Today, July 31, we celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Happy feast day! We'll wager a guess that if you're a listener of this podcast, then today's saint needs no introduction. You know about the cannonball, the pilgrimage, the Spiritual Exercises and the founding of the Society of Jesus. Ignatius' story, told year after year, might even begin to feel a bit dry. That's why we're excited about today's interview. Our guest takes a fresh approach to this well-known history. We're looking at the story of Ignatius and the Jesuits not from a chronological perspective but from a thematic one. Claudio Ferlan is an Italian historian and was a fellow at Boston College's Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies. His time at BC has led to the publication of a new book titled “The Jesuits: A Thematic History.” What are these themes? We explore the historical development and importance of the Ignatian identity, of the role of mission work in the Society, of the Jesuit's unique way of proceeding and of the inevitable conflicts that Jesuits have found themselves engaged in. We think you'll find this to be a brisk, fascinating tour of Jesuit history. And if you do like this conversation or just have an interest in Jesuit history, then pick up a copy of “The Jesuits: A Thematic History” here: https://jesuitsources.bc.edu/the-jesuits-a-thematic-history/

This episode is a two-for-one, and that's because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I've curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #76 "Rick Rubin on Cultivating World-Class Artists (Jay Z, Johnny Cash, etc.), Losing 100+ Pounds, and Breaking Down the Complex" and episode #479 "Mary Karr — The Master of Memoir on Creative Process and Finding Gifts in the Suffering."Please enjoy!Sponsors:AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://drinkag1.com/tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.)Eight Sleep's Pod 4 Ultra sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: https://eightsleep.com/tim (save $350 on the Pod 4 Ultra)LinkedIn Jobs recruitment platform with 1B+ users: https://linkedin.com/tim (post your job for free)Timestamps:[05:11] Notes about this supercombo format.[06:15] Enter Rick Rubin.[07:58] How Rick lost over 135 pounds in his late 30s.[16:03] How artists can hurdle the obstacles that hinder their best work.[19:31] Where to find world-class contemporary music.[20:24] Approaching music production with a fan's-eye view.[22:53] Recommended reading.[24:22] Helping artists break their creative blocks.[26:54] Rick's advice for his younger selves.[29:06] Why practicing self-kindness isn't just nice — it's a necessity.[32:01] Enter Mary Karr.[32:25] Growing up in “The Ringworm Belt.”[34:44] The catalyst for Mary expressing herself and publishing to the world.[37:47] The role reading played for young Mary.[40:31] The feeling that inspired Mary's desire to become a poet at a young age.[44:27] “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”[45:17] How Mary, a high school dropout, got into college and became an A student.[49:13] Mary's struggle with bringing darkness with her even after leaving her traumatic past.[53:23] The highly selective process for getting into Mary's graduate seminar at Syracuse University.[54:33] The first day of Mary's class and what it illustrates about processing memoir-building memories.[1:00:20] The value of a commonplace book and helping others find alternative perspectives.[1:04:19] The importance and utility of prayer in Mary's life and sobriety.[1:17:09] The significance of Ignatian exercises in Mary's Catholic faith and gratitude practice.[1:23:10] Obligatory Texas talk about weaponry and hunting.[1:26:41] The origins of Mary's unique wordsmithing.[1:34:24] Mary's process of rough drafts, revision, and using past memories for storytelling.[1:42:34] How Mary copes with the pain of dredging up memories through writing.[1:46:09] Why Mary feels the happiest at 65 and her advice to her younger self about therapy.[1:49:26] The most and least effective types of therapy for Mary.[1:53:25] Mary's solution to fear and getting through uncomfortable times.[1:58:14] Recognizing the gifts from suffering through difficult times in retrospect.[2:06:28] Mary's billboard.[2:07:35] Parting thoughts.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim's email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim's books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, Margaret Atwood, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Dr. Gabor Maté, Anne Lamott, Sarah Silverman, Dr. Andrew Huberman, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.