Today, in more ways than one, we are conscious that as humans we are part
of something greater – both cosmic & divine in nature. This awareness
at the level of the heart is essentially ‘spiritual ‘. Spirituality is
therefore how we see, experience and respond to God’s presence in the
everyday experiences of life.
Every religious congregation has its unique charism. This charism reflects
the spirituality of its founder. Venerable Mary Ward desired to found an
apostolic congregation modelled on that of the Jesuits. Loreto has adopted
the Ignatian Constitutions and the Ignatian Spirituality (adapted for women) as our way of
life. Ignatian Spirituality is contained mainly inthe Constitutions and in The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and updated
regularly through the Jesuit GC Directives.
Ignatian Spirituality is spiral in nature. Repetition of a positive
experience of God in prayer is encouraged for greater spiritual benefit.
Central to Ignatian Spirituality would be to sense God’s Presence in everyone and everything that comes our
way. God speaks through the people, events and circumstances of our life,
and we must be attuned to it. For this the Daily Examen is
essential for Discernment and for attaining the Loreto
charism of Freedom of spirit. This freedom is important
for practicing that ‘Detachment’ or non-resistance to
whatever comes our way “riches or poverty, heat or cold...” The goal would
be the Greater Glory of God, for which we need to keep our
eye on the Magis, or what can make usmore effective persons for the Service of God and Others – always ready to be sent out on
universal mission.