Vocation and Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises

The course is divided into two parts. First, it will explore the theology of the mystery of Vocation as reflected in Church teaching since the Second Vatican Council. Related theological and pastoral issues on the specific Christian vocation as lay, religious, and ordained will also be discussed. Second, it will relate the theological explorations on the mystery of vocation with the vocational experience of St. Ignatius Loyola as narrated in his Autobiography and the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises. Then, it examines how these two parts (the knowledge aspect and the experiential aspect) converge in our ongoing spiritual journey of conversion, commitment, and communion with God. A basic knowledge of the life of St. Ignatius and an experience of the Spiritual Exercises (in its various forms) would be helpful to appreciate more this course.