All faculty and staff are invited to begin a form of The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius.
Different Ignatian retreats in daily life are now offered at Canisius, and they are designed for busy people. Two versions of individually-designed Ignatian retreats are personally designed and are free for each individual to discover what is being sought. A team of trained spiritual companions (sometimes called spiritual directors) accompany all participants and include Jesuits, trained laymen and laywomen, Catholics and Protestants, and male and female clergy (Episcopal).
The First-Experience is for those who want to take a gentle first step further into their spiritual life. This session begins in mid-September and is open to people of all denominations, religions and spiritualities. This experience can be done individually or in a group, and there are supporting online resources available. Requirements for the First Experience include:
- Flexibility to discover a rhythm of prayer or reflection in daily life.
- A meeting with a spiritual companion at intervals convenient for the participant.
- Optional monthly meetings as a group.
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) is for those who have established some daily rhythm of prayer/union with the Divine, and feel a desire to go deeper into this relationship. This retreat is the main historical source of Jesuit Identity and Mission. Doing the Spiritual Exercises was the main human experience that gave birth to all Jesuit institutions from foreign missions to Jesuit schools and parishes. Requirements for SEEL include:
- Praying the Spiritual Exercises for a longer period of time on a daily basis.
- Conversation every week or two with a Spiritual Companion who is trained in giving The Exercises.
- Meeting once a month with group.
- A desire to enter into this journey.
For more information, please contact Rev. Tom Colgan, S.J., at Ext. 2488, Email him at colgant@canisius.edu or visit him in Old Main 207. Information and application forms for SEEL are available here.
Submitted by: Rev. Tom Colgan, S.J., campus ministry
