Customer Reviews

Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius: A Translation and Commentary

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George E. Ganss S.J. has produced a nice, modern, readable translation of St. Ignatius Loyola's 'Spiritual Exercises' that the ordinary reader should be comfortable with. In particular, I found the endnotes (Ganss prefers endnotes to footnotes so as not to distract the reader from the flow of the text) most helpful in understanding what St. Ignatius meant in some rather obscure portions of the Exercises. The introductory biography of St. Ignatius also helps place the Exercises in their proper historical and practical context.

The one area where the translation is problematic is in the use of inclusive language. While this works for the large part (e.g. in using gender neutral terms when referring to the reader/retreatant - the original text assumes the person making the Exercises is male), it does become theologically problematic when applied to God (e.g. using 'the Divine Majesty' instead of 'His Divine Majesty'). As long as the reader is mindful of such changes, the translation should not present a problem.

Overall, a worthwhile buy whether you are simply seeking spiritual growth or as a starting point into Ignatian research.

I bought this because I've often seen this edition cited by fellow researchers who study Jesuit history and spirituality. The commentary is helpful to the modern reader, and the translation is accessible and reliable for those referencing the Exercises for research purposes.

This book should not be read ahead of time but only under the supervision of a spiritual director. It is a literal translation that is fixed in history and needs to be understood in light of all the cultural change and academic progress that has been made since it was written. This is not a self help guide but rather, a reference text to be used selectively and tailored to the needs of the exercitant by a trained and experienced spiritual guide. Like any potent medication, it should be used only as directed. If you fail to heed this caution and experience any adverse reactions, by all means, contact a Jesuit Retreat Center as soon as possible.