Thursday, February 7, 2013

"Spiritual Exercises" by St. Ignatius of Loyola

Author Bio:
St. Ignatius of Loyola was a soldier who, while recovering from wounds, converted to Catholicism. Founded the Society of Jesus or Jesuits in 1540 under the approval of Pope Paul III. Under Loyola's Firm Leadership, the Jesuit society became very disciplined in serving the Holy Father.    

Context:
In response to the Protestant Reformation, the Catholics developed their own Reformation to reform from within. Many religious groups developed during the 16th and 17th century. The most dominant was the Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Jesuits considered themselves as an elite army of the Catholic reform. They were highly educated people sent around the world in the service of Religion.    

Summary:
This document outlines the spiritual regulations of the Jesuits. The regulations include obedience to Christ and participate in Confession and the Holy Eucharist. Some also included upholding their final vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. It also stresses the importance of prayer and participating in spiritual exercises. Finally, Loyola expresses the importance to carry out the mission of the Jesuits, to serve the Church of Christ.

Quote:
“To be eager to commend the decrees, mandates, traditions, rites, and conduct; although there may not always be the uprightness of conduct” (451).  

3 comments:

  1. This document dated back to 1540. This document basically talked about what it took to be an ideal person in the Jesuits. These included obedience, confessions. I believe this PDP was well written with great detailing where needed. All i could find wrong with the PDP was that different quotes could have been used.

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  2. Please note that this document is a list of duties of Jesuits. Another characteristic quote: "4. To have a great esteem for the religious orders, and to give the preference to celibacy or virginity over the married state...6. To praise relics, the veneration and invocation of Saints... .9. To uphold especially all the precepts of the Church, and not censure them in any manner."

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  3. It is also important to note that the Jesuits are a missionary organization. Loyola personally sent missionaries to Japan, India, & Brazil to spread Catholicism.

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