Saturday is a big day in the Ignatian calendar–it’s the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola. To mark the day, we’re giving away five copies of the book Compass Points by Margaret Silf. To have a chance to win, just leave a comment here on this post before midnight on Saturday, July 31. We’ll pick five winners with a random drawing.
You can say anything you want in your comment. But, if you would care to, you might say something about St. Ignatius. How has he inspired you? What is your favorite story about him?
You might know Margaret Silf as the author of Inner Compass, a fine introduction to Ignatian spirituality. She is a columnist for America magazine and a well-known spiritual director. Compass Points is her latest book.
You can increase your chances of winning a book by entering an identical contest at People for Others, our sister blog, maintained by Paul Campbell SJ.
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Thank you for this opportunity. I would love to win Ms. Silf’s book. I truly enjoyed her recent article “Faith, Hope and Humpty” in America magazine.
Yay! Two tries!
I handed my copy of Wayfaring to a directee last week, so I think it would be amazing for a copy of Compass Points to land in my hands.
I really enjoyed Jim Martin’s description of St. Ignatius in My Life with the Saints. I can’t remember the exact words, but they were to the effect that he finds Ignatius somewhat gruff and intimidating. What I loved was the thought of all of our different perspectives in encounter with Ignatius — as a woman and a Presbyterian, I think of him as an affectionate and helpful older brother. And when I had to struggle through Greek and Hebrew in seminary, knowing he had had his difficulties with schooling later in life was a great inspiration.
As I get older, I find that I am paying closer attention to my health. I now add Metamucil to my scotch and soda.
I had a small cadre of Jesuit heroes that, over the years, eventually inspired me to return back to the church. Now that I’m home, I’m finding that its the example(s) of Ignatius, the spiritual father of my “guides”, who is in turn leading further and further towards Christ.
I have heard great things about Compass Points from many of our retreatants here at the Jesuit Retreat House in Cleveland, OH. I would love the chance to take a look at it myself. As for St. Ignatius, I think his story is a fascinating one, with many ups and downs, twists and turns. It gives me hope that God can make anything out of anyone if they only let God work, as Ignatius did. I think some people view saints as boring, milquetoast, holier than thou, harp stringing goody-goodies…but Ignatius lived a heroic life inspired by the heroic lives he read and dreamed of while reading a book on the lives of the saints during his recovery in Loyola.
My favorite story about St. Ignatius was when he wasn’t able to take care of himself anymore due to excess fasting and praying. It reminded me that I also had to take care of myself in order to help others better
excited about this book. fr james martin’s new book refernces Silf quite often and am hoping to read this soon
I would love to read this book. I am new to Ignation Spirituality. Love your website and the newsletter I recieve. Thanks!
So excited to hear about Margaret’s new book! I have enjoyed her writing for some time. I would also encourage folks to check out: “What’s your Decision?” A good read and has been a great addition to my “tool box”.
Thank you for making this offer available and I enjoyed reading the excerpt from Compass Points provided. My favorite story about St. Ignatius Loyola is that he kept a picture of the Holy Family in the room he used for prayer. It is said that he used this simple picture for his daily meditation and imagined himself sitting down to dinner with the Holy Family. This story along with St. Ignatius’ suggestion that we try to imagine ourselves in a scene as we read the gospel, has helped me in trying to meditate on the readings.
What a wonderful opportunity. I would love it being Jesuit educated at Loyola for both undergrad and my Masters.
Oh another opportunity! I would love to read this book!
In Fr. Jim Martins new book, The Jesuit Guide to (almost) Everything, an elderly Jesuit told him about the prospects of heaven; “I have no problem with Jesus judging me, it’s St. Ignatius who worries me!”
I have a new interest in the liturgy of the mass and everywhere I turn, is St. Ignatius and the Jesuits.
Old St. Josephs in Philadelphia is the oldest church in town has the most surprising modern web site. It was my first visit, and what peaked my interest was some of the writings of their pastor, a guy named Fr. Dan Ruff S.J. who has all his sermons and weekly thoughts right there on the parish web site! Such a simple web site design at first glance, but with so much depth. Is this the Jesuit way? He also has listed on the site all the books that are in their library, which is open to the public. So, after mass, I searched out the library. One book that caught my eye was The Mass by Lucien Deis, a french Jesuit, which I glanced through and have since ordered. If you can, send the book to Fr. Dan at Old St. Joseph’s. They have Inner Compass, an older book by Ms. Silf. Oh and me if I win!
I’m currently reading her book “Inner Compass” and so far its been very helpful in helping me find God in all things. She has a lot of wisdom and we’re all very blessed that she has shared all her insights with us.
Although I am ordained as a diocesan priest, I have always had an affinity for Ignatian Spirituality, completing the 19th Annotation and always seeking to discover the presence of God in the midst of the daily activities. As well, I feel drawn to the Ignatian style of prayer that emerges within the affective arena through the active imagination.
St. Ignatius has inspired me largely because of how “human” he was. He lived a life with little meaning before his conversion and that makes him more relatable.
I like the fact that Ignatius started on his journey by feeling he could beat other saints at the sainthood game.
I just had a little “AMDG” moment. I am a Latin Teacher at the American Academy in Rome preparing to take the second part of a Final Exam for some continuing education. We took the first part of the Final Exam this morning and it didn’t go so well. I have so much empathy for my students who freak out about exams, because the care so much. We always tell them to write a to-do list and at the bottom write “AMDG” because all these things we do, they are for God’s glory. Why am I taking this test tomorrow morning? I am taking it so I can be a better teacher, so my content is up to standards, so I have empathy for my students, so I can assist the minds God created, so I can bring him glory. So Ignatius, sitting in Rome as a 30 (or 40?) year old struggling to learning Latin, he would tell me to write “AMDG” at the bottom of my to-do list, log off facebook, and crack the books.
I would very much like to read this book.
Thanks for the notice. I look forward to a chance to read Silf. Like others Fr. Martin speaks well of her work. As a newbie I’m really conflicted on how to act IN the world without being OF it. Anything can help!
Ignatius and its 30 retreat changes my life….
And even here abroad in non so religious country
its spritiuality guide me…. Julie
I am very drawn to Ignatian spirituality. I have a prayer of Ignatius’, “Take all me freedom,…” permanantly on my blog and say it every day. To me, it is a perfect stewardship prayer.
I just want to say, thanks in advance for give me a chance to still being a Ignatian´follower. I´d love to read this wonderful book!!
I am from Mexico and I have an mail-address in the States, so you can send my book there, jaj
top 5 Ignatius Stories:
1) as a kid, my brother was wearing a t-shirt of his future high school. Another kid, not knowing that it was a saint, or a school, or even the correct pronunciation asked, “what’s STIG na TIUS?”
2) that Ignatius, after all that, ended up doing office duty, just like me.
3) that Ignatius highlighted the imaginative system of prayer, and apparently wasn’t afraid of the imagination taking you to places and desires that aren’t exactly orthodox, if you know what I mean.
4) That one of Ignatius’s buddies was named “Favre,” another name that is hard to pronounce . . . . see the end of “Something About Mary.”
5) Speaking of Mary, that he was riding a mule one day and apparently wanted to kill someone after that person insulted her name. Makes me feel better when I regularly screw up, even AFTER my conversion!
I would love a copy of Margaret Silf’s newest book. Ignatian Spirituality really speaks to me, because it really asks you to plunge into the Word of God in very profound, tangible ways.
“Take care, take care never to shut your heart against anyone”
- Peter Favre SJ
I would love to read this book.
One thing I learned from Fr. Jim Martin’s book, My Life with the Saints, is that St. Ignatius is the only saint with a notarized police record! If a jailbird can be converted into one of the greatest saints, then I have a chance to be converted too. St. Ignatius’ life story gives us all hope for redemption.
This site is so helpful for my own spiritual journey and as I guide others. Thank you.
I always enjoy Margaret Silf, and this is a phenomenal book! My hubby gave it to me for Christmas, and you cannot help but savor every short chapter.
If asked to describe my spirituality, I’d say it’s more Franciscan than Ignatian. However, I attended three different Jesuit universities, was a member of three different Jesuit parishes, and worked for a Jesuit parish. I couldn’t get away from Ignatian spirituality if I tried.
Inygo is a lay person who find God in his personal lifechanging experience. Found it a spirituality that suitable for lay people living in the wild world :p
I really enjoyed Silf’s “Inner Compass” and would enjoy this as well.
Thank you for your blog and resources! Always great!
It is amazing to me what a wonderful gift the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius has been and continues to be for the universal Church. As a trained spiritual director, I lead retreats using the Spiritual Exercises and have been blessed abundantly by praying with them myself.
I would love to win a copy of the book.
St. Ignatius really inspired me to become closer to GOD, i love to read books that has relations with his teaching …i love to read the story of how he discover GOD, i really don’t know why but i feel so much his Spiritual Exercise,.. i like doing it again and again,..once i joined the 19th annotation ..i felt i m not the same person as i was then…He opened my eyes and makes me aware….I am so much thankful because of this and forever be grateful that i have a chance to have glimpse of it and the wonder of his work
Was given this second chance to win the book by finding you on Facebook. I love getting inspirational messages on my handheld device.
Looking forward to following you all on Facebook.
It is through the Ignatian Spirituality that I found many of Life’s answers. I was a thirsting soul……But I kinds didn’t know what I was thirsting for…….My first spiritual father was a Jesuit priest and he introduced me to St. Ignatius and his teachings and life…….to St. Ignatius and my spiritual father, I shall be forever grateful.
the Cardoner experience of Ignatius inspires and draws me to notice God’s own revelation to me, in others and in our ministry…
Our country, the Philippines, is now optimistic with the new leadership, the spirituality of Ignatius would ground us to always seek for the will of God and to become more and more persons for others.
The Inner Compass is very helpful as we facilitate Ignatian retreats for our students, faculty and staff. It will be a joy to have her latest book, Compass Points.
I was a beneficiary to the Ignatian 30-day retreat and that was the starting point of my journey few years back. My next encounter with Ignatian Spirituality was via the MAGIS experience at the recent WYD in Sydney. Since then, I’ve become more aware to 1) find God in all things and to 2) give Him the greater glory for which I’ve been called to be (give). In my own small little ways, I’ve been trying to share this Ignatian way of encountering and discovering God with the people I help in the various ministries.
This is a great website. Please continue your good work! Thank God for it! (& you, who made it possible)
God Bless,
It took Ignatius years and many wrong turns before he found his way of finding God in all things. This gives me hope! Margaret Silf is a faithful disciple of the saint, so I would like her book.
I pray for increase in faith and evangelization.
St Ignatius has given me these gifts!!
Thank you, St Ignatius, I want to learn more about serving Jesus as I enter retirement on July 30th!
Susan
Ignation spirituality is where my heart is. Thank you for all your efforts.
Saw an old black and white movie about the life of St. Ignatius. I’ve followed him ever since.
“Compass Points” sounds like a great book! Ignatius has been a great influence on me, especially after having 4 kids (and expecting a 5th!). Finding God in all things has been such an eye-opener for me. I get more connected to God and my family through the spirituality of St. Ignatius.
I’m currently half-way through reading “Inner Compass” so I’m looking forward to reading Ms. Silf’s new book. And BTW, thank you for making these books available on the Kindle.
I recently got to know St. Ignatius of Loyola much better through my spiritual director who suggested I check out Ignatian Spirituality. Wow, did my spirituality and essentially, my whole life explode with a deepened relationship with God and a real admiration and respect for St. Ignatius’ teachings. I love his intensity in the beginning when he grew his nails and hair and did everything with such fervor and passion. He eventually scaled things back and adjusted to where he felt God was calling him. Happy feast day!!
I first discovered your website at the beginning of the month when I started doing the 31 days of St. Ignatius. I have enjoyed reading the excerpts from Ms. Silf’s writing. I would love to read this book.
P.S. I will continue to log on to this site as I really enjoy the content
I think Ignatius’ patience with Francis Xavier (he did not give him the Exercises immediately) is a very good thing to consider when you are a father. Xavier needed some time, and Ignatius was wise enough to discern that.
Nearly two years ago, I had a silent retreat Ignatian-style. I still look back at those moments where I nurtured a deep friendship with Christ and like St. Ignatius, share that friendship with others.
Yes. I am far from west but I knows Ignatian from many books, blogs, and mailing list. But I wish ignatian make me near God.
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