Across our ministry, I see a deep desire in people like you to go deeper, to reflect prayerfully on experiences of the past year, and to deepen friendships with Christ. The Ignatian Year is a hopeful time. All of us are invited to recommit ourselves to Christ, who is the center and essence of our faith, and to our mission.

St. Ignatius concludes the Spiritual Exercises with a final instruction to consider all the many blessings that God has bestowed. He likely offered this exercise with a view to the trip home after the retreat was over. There was no better way to appropriate one’s experience than to spend time remembering and savoring the gifts that had been given.

On May 20, the Society of Jesus and the entire Ignatian family will begin the worldwide celebration of the Ignatian Year. On that same date, exactly 500 years ago, St. Ignatius was wounded by a cannonball while defending the city of Pamplona.

Let us rejoice in his Resurrection. And in good Ignatian fashion, let us venture forth, keeping our eyes open for signs of his loving presence and ever choosing his way over any other, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Opportunities for prayer and reflection, and resources to help you deepen your relationship with God and accompany you on your Lenten journey.

In a challenging year, the members of Jesuit and Ignatian community have organized an amazing number of wonderful programs and resources for prayer, which we have compiled here. I encourage you to take a look and consider what might help you deepen your relationship with God this Lent.

Let us keep our eyes on our Lord, Jesus Christ, who knows our pain, remains with us through it, and will supply the grace we need.

The coming of Christ promises renewal for each of us individually and for our world. True peace, joy, and love are sorely needed. In a year like 2020, let us not lose sight of the Source of our hope, and prepare our hearts to welcome Him when He comes.

In many ways, Thanksgiving is a very Ignatian holiday. We give thanks for what we have and care for those less fortunate. Let us keep our focus on these two simple practices over the next few weeks. Let us allow God to surprise us, show us joy in new places, and experience God's love in new ways.

With our nation and local communities battered by an ongoing public health crisis, a highly contentious election, and so much more, it can be difficult to remain grounded. Let us respond in ways that are inspired and guided by our spirituality, and let us continue to deepen that spirituality through prayer, reflection, and study.

As we continue to move through this extraordinary year, aware of the tremendous pain and disorientation around the world and around the country, let us remain committed to discovering God in it all. And may this discovery help us to focus outwards, in loving service to those in need.

The teaching and example of St. Ignatius Loyola lay out a pathway to God that is practical, prayerful, and radically rooted in Christ. As we celebrate his feast, let us rejoice at the great gift St. Ignatius left us, and commit ourselves once again to following the Lord in his footsteps, ever seeking the greater glory of God. Below you will find several offerings to help you on your journey.