In this article, Dr. Stephanie Russell explains what the Spiritual Exercises are, how St. Ignatius first developed them, the stages of the retreat, the common formats of the retreat, and who makes the retreat.

The Office of Ignatian Spirituality’s maintains a Catalog of Spiritual Directors. Submit a brief form, and we will connect you with a trained Ignatian spiritual director in your area.

Ignatian retreats come in all shapes and sizes. Find a retreat that works for you and fits your schedule.

The Examen is a prayer of reflection, typically prayed daily. Many versions of the Examen exist, because there are no prescribed words to pray — only a series of steps. Here are the steps, along with some other takes on the prayer.

The Spiritual Exercises are a blueprint for prayer to help people discern God’s presence in their lives.