The First Spiritual Exercises
Before he finalized the Spiritual Exercises and founded the Society of Jesus, Ignatius of Loyola was much sought after for his spiritual counsel. In those days following his conversion, he was eager to share with those he asked simple exercises that might lead them closer to God. Those simple exercises – following a set structure – are what we now know as the 18th Annotation Retreat, or the First Spiritual Exercises.
The beauty of the 18th Annotation Retreat is that these exercises can be adapted to meet a specific need, a specific moment. It’s way to make the Ignatian charism more readily accessible to an increasing number people.
Fr. Michael Hansen, SJ, discusses the First Spiritual Exercises
Dive Deeper
Try An Exercise
Pray through a sample of Fr. Hansen's "Field Hospital" retreat.
Get Free Exercises
Sign up to receive free weekly "Field Hospital" exercises.
Get The Book
Interested in going deeper? You can get Fr. Hansen's book here.
Learn More
Explore the First Spiritual Exercises.
How the 18th Annotation Retreat Can Help Heal the Soul-Wounded
Fr. Rob McChesney, SJ, shares how he’s applying the lessons of the First Spiritual Exercises to help those who are victims of trauma.
