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General Discussion
Fr. Gallagher and I are often encouraged by the creative suggestions made by those attending retreats and seminars on the rules. One such area of creativity regards "storing up a supply of strength" as defense against the day of future desolation. How do we do this? Here are some possibilities, several of which were suggested by students:
Praying for future strength: Take advantage of the fact that it's easier to pray during consolation by asking for strength for the ensuing desolation.
Journaling: Desolation often claims power over the past as well as the future. A written reminder of God's closeness to be read during times of future desolation can be powerful. Some people, while in consolation, have even written a letter to their future self in desolation!
Keepsaking: Keeping a holy card or other reminder of a consoling time during a retreat, day of prayer, etc. for future reference.
Studying the Rules: Again, relish for spiritual things is heightened during consolation. Take advantage of this by studying the rules to prepare yourself for the future. Taping an abbreviated version of the rules in plain sight is a great help to this.
Planning for specific situations of desolation: If you have become aware of a particular trigger to spiritual desolation in your life, imagine what Christ's victory over desolation would look like in your case. One student compared this to "storyboarding" at Weight Watchers, where you imagine yourself at your next wedding reception, bypassing the fatty foods and choosing the fruit salad!
Choosing an "anti-desolation" song, prayer, or favorite verse of scripture to have at your fingertips when desolation returns.
An "anti-desolation card" that combines several of these suggestions (Here's one!)
Post some of your suggestions!
Father Dennis Brown, OMV: For years I have facilitated seminars in the discernment of spirits, discernment of God’s will, and the examen prayer.
The two primary commentators I use are Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV, and Father Jules Toner, S.J. I also have received personal spiritual direction from several substantial Ignatian spiritual directors throughout the years plus from several other persons of complementary spirituality emphases.
I have directed 100s of persons through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, the majority the spiritual exercises in daily life (annotation 19). The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius is a primary apostolate of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
In directed exercises I generally use the actual text of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius along with explanatory commentaries.
For the past 12 years I have worked as a spiritual director under the Archdiocese of Denver primarily for those in formation to become permanent deacons and for priests.
During the summer, at times, I travel to various parts to give directed and preached spiritual exercises retreats.
Hello. My name is Gregory Vigliotta I am co-founder of www.IgnatianRetreats.com where our mission is to give the Spiritual Exercises. I also co-founded www.catholicspiritualdirectors.com and our mission there is to provide a public listing of Catholic Spiritual Directors. I have taught in H.S. and higher ed., worked in campus and parish ministries. Now I am primarily homeschooling my children and doing Spiritual Direction remotely. It's a pleasure to be here and I look forward to learning more here.
Hello! I am an instructor working currently for the Evangelium Institute in Omaha, I have served in various evangelization focused ministry and missionary positions over the years. During this past year the bulk of my job has been teaching adults discernment of spirits using Father Gallagher's pedagogy. I have also given some talks on Ignatian meditation/contemplation and examen, also using Father Gallagher's materials as a solid foundation.
Good afternoon everyone! Finally getting on here to say hello. I'm Lisa from Greenville, SC (Greer is my city). I'm excited to learn more and venture into teaching DOS. It was fabulous being at the Cenacle with Fr. Mark, Fr. Tim, and Fr. Leland. Hopefully that won't be the last I see of them. And! Hopefully I'll get to meet many of you at an event sometime in the future. Prayers for all!
Hello! This is a great site. Thank you.