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The Spiritual Exercises at Canisius College
The Spiritual Exercises of the Jesuits are a set of prayers and meditations designed hundreds of years ago by Saint Ignatius, with the express purpose of freeing us from a kind of false self with its destructive patterns, or anything addicting, in order that we may discover and love our True Self which longs to walk in union with God. The Spiritual Exercises are Catholic but have a universal and evolutionary design that makes them inherently accessible to people of all faith traditions. The Exercises are a door to discovering your own Spirituality. At Canisius College we invite you to do these Exercises and review your experience with a trained spiritual companion who helps you understand these experiences.
The Jesuits and our friends here at Canisius College are involved in God’s adventure into the world of today. Our Journey was born from our experience of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. If you want to explore your most authentic self and enjoy new discoveries in your relationship with God, who loves you and our world and has a special place for you in this mission, please consider doing some form of the Spiritual Exercises described here.
Hear Dr Michael Pardales speak about how The Exercises, as a conceptual framework, gave him a method to connect with his own spirituality, at his own pace.
This Spirituality leads to action for justice.
The Exercises are a “transformational experience.”
Who can do the Spiritual Exercises?
The Spiritual Exercises are open to Canisius
Who will benefit from the Spiritual Exercises?
* Those who desire to grow in their relationships with God and Mystery.
* Those who want to integrate Jesuit spirituality into their lives.
* Those who experience doubt, or feel they do not belong to anything.
* Those in education who are interested in the “Ignatian Pedagogical
Paradigm.”
* Those who have important decisions to make.
* Those wanting to balance personal spirituality with a very busy life.
* Those who are in transition, or in leadership positions.
* Those who want to be part of God’s transformation of the world into a
place of justice and peace for all Peoples.
When do the Spiritual Exercises Begin?
The Spiritual Exercises begin in September of 2013 and finish in early May. There are exceptions and people can begin at different times.
What do these Spiritual Exercises require?
The Spiritual Exercises depend on your current desire and availability. This experience involves prayer in your everyday life and meeting regularly with a person trained as an Ignatian Prayer Guide. The Spiritual Exercises are individually adapted to each person’s spirituality, and perspective. Ignatian spirituality will deepen one’s spirituality, whether it is Christian or ‘other.’ There are monthly meetings that offer the opportunity to listen to other participant’s experiences. There is no required sharing.
If you want to hear more from those who have experienced the Spiritual Exercises, see the videos below of faculty, alumni and staff who will share with you their experience.
Canisius Faculty:
See Professor Lindsey Row-Hayveld share how the Exercises helped her get in on what the Jesuits are up to, and how this affected her teaching:
Professor Steven Chanderbhan shares how The Exercises supported his integration of head and heart as a teacher, how challenging the time factor is for faculty, and how fruitful it is to make the time for this.
Canisius Staff:
Michael Pardales, Dean of Education and Human Services, also shares how time became a gift of the Exercises. Doctor Pardales shares about doing the Exercises as a Greek Orthodox Christian, and how Ignatian Spirituality deals with core issues that transcend many faith traditions.
Canisius Alumni:
Clare Dean, a member of the Canisius Alumni Board, shares on the Spiritual Exercises Program that is available for alumni. She shares her growing realization that God is present and how God helps us with important choices.
Do you have more questions or want to apply?
Contact Fr.Tom Colgan, SJ at 716-888-2488 or email colgant@canisius.edu.
Spiritual Directors include priests and sisters, laymen and women.
Dr. Michael Pardales speaks about how The Exercises gave him a method to connect with his own spirituality at his own pace.
Professor Steven Chanderbhan shares how The Exercises supported his integration of head and heart as a teacher, how challenging the time factor is for faculty, and how fruitful it is to make the time for this.
Professor Lindsey Row-Hayveld shares how the Exercises helped her get in on what the Jesuits are up to, and how this affected her teaching.
Clare Dean, a member of the Canisius Alumni Board, shares on the Spiritual Exercises Program that is available for alumni.
