Have you experienced feelings of intense closeness to God or dryness in prayer?  St. Ignatius termed these and other spiritual movements as consolation and desolation.  He provided a process for learning to understand your inner spiritual movements—the ‘spirits’ which impact your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. In exploring these experiences you become more aware of the workings of your relationship with God and can often assist others in their spiritual journeys.

 

What you can expect:

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·       An introduction to consolation and desolation in St. Ignatius’ rules of discernment.

·       An opportunity to explore and discuss personal spiritual movements and strategies to move from desolation to               consolation.

·       An opportunity to acquire skills that may support ministerial work in spiritual companioning, retreat facilitation,               bereavement, and catechesis.

 

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to recognize your own periods of spiritual consolation and desolation and have strategies to address your spiritual movements and growth.  If paired with other coursework, you will have the ability to work with others to address their periods of spiritual consolation and desolation.