Abstract

Within contemporary culture, there is a renewed interest in spirituality and a hunger to experience God in our complex world. This study focuses on the traditional practice of the Examen, as presented by Ignatius of Loyola as part of the Spiritual Exercises. The goal of this work is to trace the changes of our understanding of this spiritual practice and to explore the ways in which this discipline can increase our level of awareness of God and our capacity to discern spiritual movements. The versatility of the Examen in responding to a variety of contemporary pastoral situations will be highlighted.