What do retreatants say about the Spiritual Exercises?

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“My experience with Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life has been transformative, enlightening, and meaningful. The structured silence, meditations, and contemplation allowed me to connect with my inner self and uncover areas needing healing and growth. This journey has reinvigorated my spiritual commitment, infusing me with renewed vigor and dedication to my faith journey. The Exercises have also deepened my prayer life, integrating contemplation and discernment into my daily routine and enhancing my ability to listen to God's guidance in all aspects of my life…The facilitators were exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled in guiding us through the retreat—their expertise in Ignatian spirituality and compassionate, insightful approach enriched and supported the experience.” - Marcia

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“This SEDL program has enabled me to fall in love with Jesus for the first time.  Not a Jesus that judges or condemns me, and not even a Jesus that tells me I "should" love more, but a Jesus who is a personal expression of God, who wants my partnership for bringing more love into the world in my unique ways. I never thought I'd be able to say this, but I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ... and that Christ is in the form of a person and also in everything.  The 9 months felt like a love story of God calling me closer to him, who turns out to be everywhere and nowhere at once.  Also, as a queer man who has felt rejected by the church in many ways, this retreat has brought me back to my root religious tradition through direct and unmediated contact with God who truly welcomes all of me.  I am deeply grateful to the Loyola Institute, to my spiritual companion, and my faith sharing group for participating in this holy container for Ignatian spirituality!” - David

“For me there were two major and lifetime benefits. The first is realizing daily use of the Examen, even if you miss the prayer every now and then - is a profound way to recognize God in all things. By reflecting on the prior day, you are more attuned to recognize God in that upcoming day. Second, learning of the importance of Spiritual Freedom, and the critical ongoing work to recognize and address areas of 'unfreedom' in our lives, be they distractions, habits, outside influences, and internal fears that hinder our openness to God's voice.” - Daryl

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Why do our Spiritual Companions participate?

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“In retirement, I was restless and made an eight-day silent retreat, asking God what I was to do with the rest of my life. Then I came to the Spiritual Exercises at LIS and discovered that I had been asking the wrong question.  It was not what I was  going to DO in this second half of life; it was what I was going to Become in the days that remained.  Honestly, Spiritual Companioning chose me, and now I sit with directees on holy ground, waiting and watching for the

transformation that will surely come to both of us.”  - Wayne

“Only when captured on video have I seen a flower blossom.  Seeing my spiritual companion ‘open up and blossom’ before my very eyes as ‘fruit’ [of this experience] is an understatement.  Walking and experiencing SEDL every year with a different companion is such a priceless gift I am eternally filled with gratitude.” - Eric