The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed: Uncovering Liberating Possibilities for Women

by Katherine Dyckman, Mary Garvin, Elizabeth Liebert

The Spiritual Exercises often seem irrelevant or even destructive to many women's spirituality. This groundbreaking work reclaims the heart of the Exercises by examining them through the lens of women's experience―both women of the past to understand their presence during the formative years of the Exercises, but primarily women of the present. In doing so the authors have rediscovered the riches of this classic for both genders. The book first reviews the major traditional interpretations of the Exercises and gives a historical view of the women in Ignatius' life and their role in the Exercises. The text itself is examined―how it is entered, its worldview, and its recommended forms of prayer. The four weeks of the Exercises are broken into the problems and possibilities of each; suggestions for each are also given for spiritual and retreat directors. The Exercises are finally examined for those aspects that support moving outward on one's mission. The book ends with a morality play called AnyWoman that gives a dramatic spin to the whole process. The first of its kind, this is deeply meaningful reading for both men and women, particularly those making the Exercises, those giving them, and anyone who has attempted the Exercises but resisted the images, metaphors, or interpretations. Retreat and spiritual directors, other educators, retreatants and directees will also want a copy. †

Genres: Spirituality, Theology

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Izzy Senechal · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Spiritual Exercises Reclaimed” is a good start to including women’s perspectives in the history and practice of Ignatian spirituality, but I do feel that the book is a little out-of-date now. I’m not going to fault a book published in 2001 for failing to address issues that are more mainstream in our public conscience now. However, if the authors were to ever consider releasing a new edition, I would really love to see more focus on intersectionality, the impact of the #MeToo movement and recent Church sex abuse scandals on women’s spirituality, and more inclusivity for non-binary and trans folks in the conversation. (That last one might be a big ask from Catholic publishers, but I’d argue if you’re going to write a book for “all women,” you need to include all women.)

[Brian Hohmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete, insightful and eminently useful guide for directing the Exercises not only for women but for all adults. Were I to assign a single text for those training to direct the Exercises, this would be my choice among at least half dozen adequate but comparably forgettable rivals. The accomplishment of this work should not to be overlooked because of its subtitle; its feminist reading, far from making it a niche text, gives it great power and insight for wide appeal and application.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of good info, but I found it difficult to read.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ⓒ 2001. Wonderful re-working of 500 year old exercises of St. Ignatius. The authors are not afraid to criticize or name inconsistencies. Truly liberating possibilities for women AND men are available in this valuable book... Second reading. Still found lots of great suggestions and new understandings.