Overview

Many books have already been written on spiritual counselling, especially in the Ignatian tradition. But very few consider how Ignatius gave spiritual advice in his letters, directed to various and specific situations. If God really leads us in our spiritual journey, as Ignatius believed, what is the role of the spiritual adviser? What part is played by the numerous rules given in the Spiritual Exercises? The letters show that Ignatius really wanted to give scope to his correspondents and to their awareness of the work of the Holy Spirit within them. Ignatius deployed a “Pedagogy of Consolation” in which his correspondents were trained to exercise their own spiritual agency by discovering God’s abundant gifts. It was clear to Ignatius that a counselling relationship was first grounded in God’s freedom but also in the freedom of the person who asks for assistance. In six chapters, Patrick C. Goujon focuses on eight letters.  He offers a careful reading which emphasizes what makes giving spiritual help possible in a conversation. We are shown how Ignatius deals with decision-making and with obstacles in the spiritual life.  He is also revealed giving encouragement and correction and advising about how to offer these to others. His aim is to help people grow in freedom which, in turn, permits them to live according to God’s will. Through his letters, we are allowed to enter not only Ignatius’s study, the famous camerata in Rome, but also into his heart.        “This volume is an excellent introduction to the letters of Ignatius of Loyola (…) making it an important scholarly contribution not only for those interested in Ignatian spirituality, but also for those interested in the history of spirituality more broadly”, Mark Rotsaert, ARSI

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9781788123181

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Reviews

‘Anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality will read this book – it is challenging and transforming.  Your life will be changed in reading this book.’ -- Eileen Quinn Knight * Catholic Profiles * ‘This is a delightful and welcome addition to Ignatian literature. It will enrich the reader with a greater knowledge and love of Ignatius.’ -- Denis Blackledge SJ * Catholic South West newspaper * 'ANYONE with an interest in understanding more about Ignatian spirituality may find this scholarly exploration of St Ignatius's letters helpful.' -- William Scholes * The Irish News * ‘an excellent introduction to the teachings and spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits’ -- Ruadhán Jones * The Irish Catholic * 'an excellent theoretical background to read the letters of Ignatius... Goujon provides interpretative keys that can be effectively employed in various situations that need counsel ...' * Archivum Historicum Societatis Iesu * '...clear, well-structured and practical...to be recommended, especially for spiritual directors and those training in this important ministry.'   * The Furrow * 'a rich source of reflection and practical advice for all seeking with sincerity to discern God’s will.' * The Pastoral Review *

'Anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality will read this book - it is challenging and transforming. Your life will be changed in reading this book.' -- Eileen Quinn Knight * Catholic Profiles * 'This is a delightful and welcome addition to Ignatian literature. It will enrich the reader with a greater knowledge and love of Ignatius.' -- Denis Blackledge SJ * Catholic South West newspaper * 'ANYONE with an interest in understanding more about Ignatian spirituality may find this scholarly exploration of St Ignatius's letters helpful.' -- William Scholes * The Irish News *

'Anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality will read this book - it is challenging and transforming. Your life will be changed in reading this book.' -- Eileen Quinn Knight * Catholic Profiles * 'This is a delightful and welcome addition to Ignatian literature. It will enrich the reader with a greater knowledge and love of Ignatius.' -- Denis Blackledge SJ * Catholic South West newspaper * 'ANYONE with an interest in understanding more about Ignatian spirituality may find this scholarly exploration of St Ignatius's letters helpful.' -- William Scholes * The Irish News * 'an excellent introduction to the teachings and spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits' -- Ruadhan Jones * The Irish Catholic * 'an excellent theoretical background to read the letters of Ignatius... Goujon provides interpretative keys that can be effectively employed in various situations that need counsel ...' * Archivum Historicum Societatis Iesu * '...clear, well-structured and practical...to be recommended, especially for spiritual directors and those training in this important ministry.' * The Furrow *

Author Information

Patrick C. GOUJON SJ is a professor in Spirituality and Theology at Centre Sèvres – Jesuit Faculties in Paris. He is an adviser to the Journal Études, and writes on the history of Ignatian spirituality. In 2020-2021, he is a Visiting Fellow at Campion Hall, Oxford.  

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