Each month the members of Promoting the Spiritual Exercises Discussion Group meet together for collaboration and support in the very important work of not only directing people in the Exercises but also helping others discern a call to engage in the Exercises. They begin each meeting by hearing a short presentation tailored to spiritual direction and the Exercises and then engage in a discussion about the ideas presented.
Last year, the December presenter was Brendan O’Kane. At the time of this presentation, Brendan was the Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity at Loyola Blakefield. As of this academic year, Brendan is now the President of Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia. Brendan shared his thoughts on Patience, A Holy Necessity inviting people to reflect on what patience means, especially when it comes to the experience of the Spiritual Exercises as director or directee.
We invite you to view Brendan’s presentation below and then consider the following:
- If you are a Director or Promoter of the Exercises in your school: Does what he says resonate with you? How do you exercise patience in your work? What grace(s) from God do you need to do so?
- If you are someone considering the Exercises: How might God be inviting you to patient trust like the prayer Brendan starts with? How can a director help you figure out your “kairos” or right moment to begin?
