Strong Interest in Series on Trauma-Informed Spiritual Exercises
By Nancy Small
When spiritual directors suggest topics for future Office of Ignatian Spirituality programs, trauma and the Spiritual Exercises are two of the most highly-requested. So when Fr. Rob McChesney, SJ’s, book The Soul Also Keeps the Score: A Trauma-Informed Companion to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius was published by Liturgical Press earlier this year, the Ignatian Spiritual Direction Initiative at OIS invited him to lead a three-part series for spiritual directors titled Two Languages, One Voice: The Trauma Informed Spiritual Exercises. Registration for the series swelled to over 340 in the weeks before the series began, and over 240 people attended the first session on September 11.
In his first presentation, Fr. McChesney spoke about Inigo (the baptismal name of St. Ignatius) as a swaggering swordman who enjoyed his military endeavors. But his military prowess and the battle wounds he sustained at Pamplona led to spiritual disorientation and suicidal ideation. Inigo grappled with shameful memories from his past life which threatened to sever his newly formed relationship with God. One participant in the series noted that Ignatius seemed more human in light of the trauma he experienced. Fr. McChesney noted that grace was embedded in the wounds Inigo bore, and meditation became a key component of his healing.
In his second presentation, Fr. McChesney explored the difference between post-traumatic stress injury and moral injury, noting how the former is more associated with fear and flashbacks while the latter is more focused on sorrow, shame and grief. He also spoke about spiritual injury that can be caused by trauma and the post-traumatic growth that can come from spiritual accompaniment. Fr. McChesney offered several examples of how the Spiritual Exercises have offered a healing pathway for those who have been impacted by trauma.
A robust period of Q&A followed Fr. McChesney’s presentations. One participant who reflected on her experience of Session 1 spoke of it as “a time filled with deep compassion, rich insight and a lifetime of wisdom.”
Interested in signing up for the next two parts of the series?
The remaining sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 9 and November 13 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Eastern. When you register for the series, you will also receive access to the video of the first presentation.
Click here for more information or to register.