Lord, Make Us Turn to You

December 2023

Dear Friend,

Recently, my family and I visited the University of Scranton. My eldest daughter is discerning what to do after high school and showed interest in visiting that university.

In addition to the beauty of the campus and the programs offered, I was struck by the sculpture Metanoia that sits on the grounds. Gerhard Baut, the sculptor, presents the moment when St. Ignatius lays down his sword and begins his process of personal transformation, of conversion.

I am thinking deeply about Ignatius' conversion, especially now as we begin Advent. As I reflect on the readings of the First Sunday of Advent, the refrain of the Responsorial Psalm has become my litany, my deepest desire for this liturgical time:

Lord, make us turn to you.

I want to invite you to "reflect and take advantage" (“reflectir y sacar provecho”) of the season of Advent. Our office has prepared magnificent possibilities to turn to the Lord for these weeks.

I pray that this invitation, very Ignatian of course, is part of our prayer and conversation.

The time is near.

Un abrazo,

Carlos Aedo

Executive Director

Office of Ignatian Spirituality

ueaois@jesuits.org

www.JesuitsEastOIS.org

Advent Audio Reflections

Nearly 900 people have signed up to pray with us this Advent by listening to our weekly audio reflections.

These short Ignatian-inspired reflections are written by young adults and presented by J esuit Connections. You may sign up here to receive them via email each week. Or follow our podcast feeds: Apple | Spotify | Soundcloud.

Listen to our Week 1 reflection.

IGNATIAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INITIATIVE

Creating Space: A Contemplative Advent Evening for Spiritual Directors

Dec. 7, 2023, 7:00pm-8:30pm ET

Advent invites us to create space for the coming Christ in a season dominated by the demands of secular hospitality. Spend time with presenter Christine Marie Eberle and other spiritual directors for an online program and discover how God longs to be present to you in the Advent season.

Click here for more information and to register.

Escuela (The School of Ignatian Spirituality)

This past October, participants from three Jesuit parishes gathered in New York City to take part in the first sessions of the Escuela de Espiritualidad Ignaciana (School of Ignatian Spirituality). This is a program offered in Spanish through the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.

The Escuela, coordinated by Sindy Collazo, offers participants the opportunity to delve deeper into the fundamental aspects of Ignatian Spirituality. Click here to learn more.

Leer en español.

Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed Session 3

A large group of spiritual directors gathered recently for Session 3 of our virtual four-part series entitled Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed: Uncovering Liberating Possibilities for Women.

The group explored the Rules for Discernment of Spirits set forth in the Spiritual Exercises with a specific focus on the cultural, social and theological dynamics of discernment with women. Read more about the session here.

Session 4 of this series takes place on Dec. 12. Click here for more information and to register for the final session of the series (you will also receive the videos of the first three sessions).

IGNATIAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INITIATIVE

Gathering the Givers of the Retreat in Daily Life

Jan. 12, 2024, 10:00am-1:00pm ET

Join Fr. Kevin O'Brien, SJ, for this online program that will offer givers of the Retreat in Daily Life inspirational insights on this extraordinary ministry. Participants will network and dialogue with others responding to the spiritual hunger of our times.

Click here to learn more and to register.

MINISTERIO HISPANO IGNACIANO

Conferencia Ignaciana 2024: El Jesús de Ignacio

Feb. 7, 2024 7:00-8:00pm ET

La Conferencia Ignaciana 2024 es una oportunidad para explorar la riqueza de la Espiritualidad Ignaciana.

Tema: "El Jesús de Ignacio" con el padre Bill Noe, SJ

Presione aquí para más información.

Couldn't find the time to join OIS's online events?

That's okay, we recorded them! Click to watch the videos now.

JESUIT CONNECTIONS

Walking Toward a Future Full of Hope: Imagining and Living Beloved Community

Recently, Becky McIntyre and JoAnn Melina Lopez shared their hope-filled experience participating in the opening of Pope Francis’ Global Synod in Rome with a group of young adults. Watch now!

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY PROJECT

Spirituality & Recovery: Strength for the Journey

Dec. 7, 2023 12:00pm-6:00pm ET

Recovery is about more than breaking free from the bonds of addiction and attachment… it’s also about (re)discovering our true selves and nurturing a sense of purpose.

Join the Ignatian Spirituality Project as we explore the transformative role spirituality can play in recovery with guest speakers including Dawn Eden Goldstein, Rasheeda Hastings, Jean Heaton, and Fr. Tom Weston, SJ.

Click here for more information and to register for free.

POPE'S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for December 2023

This month, Pope Francis asks us to join him in praying for persons with disabilities. We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.

Click here to pray.

Retreats Calendar

Our Retreat Calendar offers a compiled list of retreats presented by OIS and our partners across the Jesuit network.

Click here to add your retreat to the calendar.

Application of the Senses: A Rediscovered Contemplation

by Rafael Abós-Herràndiz

Praying with the senses is a practice proposed by St. Ignatius in the Spiritual Exercises. The benefit of knowing, developing, and practicing this way of praying is evident from many centuries of Christian spiritual tradition.

A great many authors have studied in depth the use of the senses in prayer, and they have discovered how the spiritual senses can be used in coordination with the bodily senses.

Click here to read or download this guide online from cristianismeijusticia.net.

IGNATIAN SOLIDARITY NETWORK

Our Lady of Guadalupe Vigils

A Call to Migrant Solidarity

In the lead-up to the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, the Ignatian Solidarity Network will share stories from migrants, highlight how Our Lady of Guadalupe is a symbol of solidarity in migrant communities, and will provide resources for education, prayer, and action. This will include theological and pastoral reflections, prayers, images, liturgical resources, and even a list of masses, vigils, and other events happening on Dec. 12 around the country that are open to the public.

Click here to learn more and register for the vigils.

Did someone forward you this email?

Subscribe to this monthly newsletter.

Office of Ignatian Spirituality | USA East Province of the Society of Jesus

443-921-1336 | ueaois@jesuits.org | www.JesuitsEastOIS.org