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What are the four stages of The Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius of Loyola?
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St. Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534. The Jesuit order received official papal approval in 1540 and became a key player in the Counter-Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries.
St. Ignatius of Loyola structured The Spiritual Exercises into four distinct stages, which he referred to as "weeks." While traditionally intended to span approximately 30 days, these stages are thematic phases of prayer and contemplation rather than strict seven-day periods.1
The four stages are:
- First week: Focuses on sin and God’s mercy.21
- Second week: Centers on the life and ministry of Jesus.21
- Third week: Dedicated to the Passion of Christ.21
- Fourth week: Concentrates on the Resurrection of Christ and the commitment to love and serve God.21