Spiritual Guidance in the Letters of St Ignatius

Many books have already been written on spiritual counselling, especially in the Ignatian tradition. But very few consider how Ignatius gave specific spiritual advice in his letters.

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?

Counsels of the Holy Spirit: A Reading of St Ignatius's Letters by Patrick Goujon SJ and translated by Joseph Munitiz SJ shows through an examination of his letters that Ignatius really wanted to give scope to his correspondents and to their awareness of the work of the Holy Spirit within them. In six chapters, Goujon focuses on eight letters. He offers a careful reading which reveals how conversations between those seeking spiritual succour and their advisor can facilitate the process and enrich the spiritual journey.

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.

As an introduction to the letters of St Ignatius, this book will be of interest both to those interested in Ignatian spirituality as well as to those interested more broadly in the history of spirituality.

Patrick C Guojon SJ is a professor in Spirituality and Theology at Centre Sèvres, the Jesuit faculty of philosophy and theology 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.

Counsels of the Holy Spirit: A Reading of St Ignatius's Letters by Patrick Goujon and translated by Joseph Munitiz SJ is published in Ireland and the UK by Messenger Publication. Price €14.95/£12.95

For further information see: www.messenger.ie/product/counsels-of-the-holy-spirit-a-reading-of-st-ignatiuss-letters/