Finding Rest in Exercise:
A Paradox of the Spiritual Life
The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius are a treasure – a true gift from God for our souls, no matter what our station, time of life, or degree of virtue.
Throughout our lives, we are always in need of the grace of conversion, and we are likewise always sure to find the precise graces which we need, in abundance, through prayer. But we need the guidance of the saints, who were masters at prayer, to help us to pray as we ought.
In his own lifetime, St. Ignatius traveled the same perilous path on which we now struggle to find our way. He indeed had unperceptively lost his way, until with great difficulty he was at last forced to face the spiritual realities which he had avoided for so long. What is the purpose of life? What depths are contained in the great Truths of the Catholic Faith? What means can we utilize to truly reform our lives?
The Spiritual Exercises encapsulate Saint Ignatius’ tried and true answers to these all-important questions. His book is intended to be the basis of a silent directed retreat, and those who have made such retreats quickly realize their inestimable value toward our salvation. Making such a retreat every year becomes a non-negotiable part of life.
But many do not have the means or opportunity (or zeal) to enroll in a week-long Ignatian retreat. For these, there is still hope! One might try taking up St. Ignatius’ text and working through it as best he can. Or better yet, a Retreat Master might come to you…
New Book for Spiritual Meditation
We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new book by Fr. Jeffrey Jambon, a long-time friend of The Fatima Center. In this book, Father Jambon brings to the reader the wisdom of a seasoned guide of souls gained through years of experience in the sacred priesthood, and particularly in preaching Ignatian retreats for the deacons and seminarians of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.
Many of you may already be familiar with Father Jambon from our conferences or other events (it was Father Jambon who blessed the monument marking Father Gruner’s grave when it was installed), or from his parish missions and retreats for the traditional Missionaries of Saint John the Baptist in the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, or from his present work as chaplain for the daughter house of the traditional Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles in Ava, Missouri.
In his book, Ignatian Meditations: A Perspective from Tradition, Father Jambon offers a series of meditations on Sacred Scripture following the topics proposed in the Spiritual Exercises. He writes in a personal, easy-to-read style, and brings the wisdom of the ages to the modern reader without apology. Catholic Tradition, Father Jambon insists, is the key to navigating our modern situation.
Ignatian Meditations by Father Jambon is an eminently useful guide to the spiritual or prayer life of any serious Catholic today. You will find these meditations to be a true treasure, leading to abiding treasures of peace and clarity for your soul.
To order your copy, visit the website of
Romanitas Press: Ignatian Meditations