MARK LINK’S FAITH JOURNEY WEBSITE

Mark Link, SJ, has a new website, Faith Journey, which offers daily meditations, many of which are drawn from his extensive body of published works.

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY CONFERENCE III: REFLECTIONS

St. Louis University and the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus sponsored the Third National Ignatian Spirituality Conference, July 28-31, at St. Louis University. Over 500 persons attended the conference. Several Jesuit and Lay Partners of the California Province were among those who attended. Below are some of their reflections regarding the conference.

Reflections:

There we met ‘the God of infinite possibilities’.
Frances Gussenhoven, RSHM
Loyola Marymount University

It was encouraging and supportive to be with 500 people, mostly laity, who are interested in sharing Ignatian Spirituality with others. I found the two workshops by Joe Tetlow, SJ, on the 18th and the 19th Anotation Spiritual Exercises, extremely insightful and helpful. I left feeling empowered to continue in this ministry of the Spiritual Exercises and to be more intentional in working with the laity.
Wayne Negrete, SJ
Blessed Sacrament Church

For me the highlight of the Conference was the keynote address and workshop by Paul Coutinho, S.J. I found it fascinating to have him blend the Eastern with the Western, particularly as it applied to the Spiritual Exercises. It is a slight difference in how we look at it and articulate it. In Western spirituality we have the goal of discernment to deepen our communion and union with God In that union we make decisions. In the Eastern the gaol is the realization of God and to find my identify in God. Fascinating.
Jean Schultz, SP
Spiritual Director, Santa Ana, CA

This was the first Ignatian Conference at St. Louis University that I was able to attend. I was impressed with the attendance. This speaks well of the commitment of many to Ignatian Spirituality. The liturgies were well planned and executed. For me, I was disappointed that the workshops I attended did not break new ground or offer some piercing new insights. I appreciate all the effort that goes into organizing such an event.
Dan Sullivan, SJ
St. Francis Xavier Church

As at the California Province Convocation 2003, the Third Conference on Ignatian Spirituality in St. Louis we again saw and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at work. Clergy and laity working and learning together, side by side, with common goals. The vision and spirit of the Convocation 2003 is alive and well.
The Work Shops given at the Conference offered a wide verity of subjects to choose from, both for personnel and community growth. The Keynote Speakers moved us to a much higher level of understanding of God plan for us. We can only move in a positive direction towards His goals and desires.
Carolyn and Ray Moore
St. Ignatius Loyola Parish and School

Attending ISC 111 was a turning point for me. I am filled with the Spirit and committed to continuing my personal journey of Ignatian Spirituality and opening this up for more particiaption by my parish and school community as well as my sisters and brothers- lay, clergy, and religious throughout the California Province. In Him all things are possible!
Jeanne Anderson-West
St. Ignatius Loyola Parish and School

I found the Ignatian Spirituality Conference to be outstanding. It was interesting to see how Ignatian spirituality is being integrated into schools, recovery programs, universities, and parishes all over the world. The highlight for me was Paul Coutinho’s presentation on Ignatian discernment in a Chaotic World. He integrated Ignatian discernment with Eastern spirituality using the following categories: impermanence, detachment, control of the senses, renunciation, faith, and moksha–freedom or liberation. It was an inspiring presentation I will not soon forget.
Frank Buckley, S.J.
Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley

This was the third time that I have participated in the St. Louis Conference. I am very encouraged to witness how the Spiritual Exercises continue to be applied and shared with a wider variety of people. The major talks of the Conference are all excellent, and the small workshops are insightful in how to present and apply the Spiritual Exercises in various ways.
Kevin Leidich, SJ
Jesuit High School

← Previous Page