Ignatian Spirituality A to Z by Jim Manney

Ignatian Spirituality A to Z

by Jim Manney

What is discernment? Who was Peter Faber? Why do the Jesuits exude such optimism?

Awareness. Emotions. Love. Work. We use such words every day in normal conversation, but those same words take on special meaning when used in the context of Ignatian spirituality. Other words and phrases, such as finding God in all things, are distinctly associated with the Ignatian approach to spiritual development. Acquiring a general grasp of these terms will prove invaluable to those who desire a better understanding of the Jesuit / Ignatian way of life.

With Ignatian Spirituality A to Z, Jim Manney has provided a brief, informative, and entertaining guide to key concepts of Ignatian spirituality and essential characters and events in Jesuit history. The lexicon format allows readers to find terms quickly, and the concise descriptions are ideal for those new to the Ignatian story.

From Pedro Arrupe to Francis Xavier, from Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam to Zeal, this book uncovers the rich language of the Jesuits. It will be an indispensable tool to anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality, to staff, faculty, and students at Jesuit institutions and schools, and to clergy and spiritual directors who advise others about prayer and spiritual matters.

My Review:

The book ‘Ignatian Spirituality A to Z’ by Jim Manney, really delivers as advertised.

It was a fun read for me, as I studied philosophy and (some of my) theology at the Jesuit-run Saint George’s Seminary in Frankfurt, Germany. It not only had me revisit well-known and comfortable practices such as the examination of conscience (Examen) and the Spiritual Exercises (Exerzitien), but also deepened my knowledge and familiarity of Jesuit Saints and other more obscure Principles.

This book could definitely be used as a glossary or reference book only, but I believe the author intended for the book to be read from A-Z. The writing is very easy to follow and the author does a great job of explaining these fundamentally important tenets of Ignatian spirituality. Jim Manney covers everything from AMDG (ad majorem Dei gloriam), gratitude, the fourth vow, “praying as if everything depends on you”, and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the conspiracy theories that (still) surround the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

All in all, a good and (at times) lighthearted approach to Ignatian spirituality that will appeal to lots of people. If you’ve been wondering about the Society of Jesus, this would be a great first contact. If the reader feels a ‘calling’ to the spiritual Exercises or the Jesuits as an Order, I recommend you to get into contact with a Jesuit priest.

Happy Reading and God bless!

Little Lessons from the Saints: 52 Simple and Surprising Ways to See the Saint in You by Bob Burnham

Little Lessons from the Saints: 52 Simple and Surprising Ways to See the Saint in You

by Bob Burnham

52 glimpses into the gifts (charisms) of the saints offer quick lessons that can easily be applied to our own lives, helping us become saints ourselves.

My Review:

This great little book packs a holy punch! Bob Burnham does a great job to help us live every day (or week) with the saints! It is through their holy example that we ourselves become strenghtened to imitate them. In the beginning of this book, the author gives important advice: Don't rush through the book. Take your time to reflect upon and to meditate on each saint. There are important lessons to be learned here, and if you just zip through it, you'll definitely miss out on what the author tried to do with this book. I'm very happy (as a lay Passionist), that Saint Maria Goretti has been included as well.

I recommend this book for all Catholics who need some reflective time with the saints (that would be all of us!).

Silver Surfer: When Calls Galactus

Silver Surfer Epic Collection: When Calls Galactus (Silver Surfer: Epic Collection #1)





Soaring through the cosmos like a living comet, the Silver Surfer, herald of the world devourer Galactus, debuted in the pages of Fantastic Four and blew the minds of a generation of Marvel fans. This strange, stoic alien entered as harbinger of destruction, but was touched by human compassion, leading him to rebel against Galactus. Now, for the first time ever, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's original Silver Surfer stories are collected in one Epic Collection.

COLLECTING: FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) 48-50, 55, 57-60, 72, 74-77; MATERIAL FROM TALES TO ASTONISH (1959) 92-93, FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) 56, 61, ANNUAL 5 (SILVER SURFER EPIC COLLECTION VOL. 1)

My Review:


The first appearances and stories of the galactic Silver Surfer. A good collection of Fantastic Four comics from the 60s. If you like the FF, Silver Surfer, Galactus and you're willing to read the humorous language of the 60s (especially what comes from the Thing's mouth), then you'll be especially pleased with this collection! Stan Lee and Jack Kirby at their best...