SACRED

STORY

An Ignatian Examen For The Third Millennium

WILLIAM WATSON S. J.

Foreword by

J. Peter Sartain

George Aschenbrenner, SJ

David Keith Townsend, SJ

Copyright © 2012 by The Sacred Story Institute—All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without written permission from the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. For information contact: Sacred Story Press 1401 E. Jefferson STE 405, Seattle Washington, 98122.

IMPRIMI POTEST

Patrick Lee, S.J.

IMPRIMATUR

J. Peter Sartain

Archbishop of Seattle

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.

Cover Art: Heart as a House, Jerry A. Fenter

Jacket Design: William Watson, SJ

ISBN: 0615667368

ISBN 13: 9780615667362

Dedicated to Our Lady of the Way

Acknowledgements

Many mentors, friends and guides deserve recognition. Gordon Moreland first instructed me in the Ignatian Examen as a Jesuit Novice. Joe Tetlow, through his writings, reintroduced me to its practice at the end of my Tertianship. Michael Buckley taught me to ask the right question and John Mossi how to answer it clearly. George Aschenbrenner, David Townsend and Joe Tetlow read sections of this book and offered sound advice and guidance. John O’Malley and Michael Maher clarified some important historical details. Javier Melloni opened me to Ignatius’ early spiritual reading.

Michael Brown and Gabor Maté awakened me to see Ignatius’ life, spirituality and Examen with fresh eyes.

The communities at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, and Arrupe Jesuit at Seattle University, supported me while I wrote. The Trappist’s of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lafayette, Oregon, continue to provide welcome and silence while I journey through my own sacred story.

Thanks are not enough.

Contents

Author’s Preface

Foreword Comments

Introduction

Part One: Beginnings and Challenges

1 Fundamental Conversion and the General Examen

A Unique Discipline by a Unique Disciple

Ignatius the Man and the Loyola Family

Ignatius Discovers his Conscience

The Ignatian Paradigm and the General Examen

2 Integrated Conversion and the Particular Examen

Signs of Growth

The Truth Paradigm: Naming Sin and Addiction

Contextualizing Ignatius’ Sins and Narcissism

The Harrowing Struggle with Scruples: Ignatius Confronts His Core Sin

Scruples and Narcissistic Pride

The Powerless Paradigm and the Particular Examen

Ignatius Starts Life Over as a Sacred Story

The Patience Paradigm and the Near-Death Narratives

The Organic Development of ...