After 30-years, I returned to college and attended a two-week session at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. We studied Spirituality in Christian Life.
The books that provided the framework for the class: The Desert Fathers, Julian of Norwich, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and We Drink from our own Wells, by Gustavo Guitierrez.
Peering into the history of spirituality proved instructive. Obviously, people of all types will naturally come up with all types of spiritual practices.
The desert fathers and mothers utilized solitude. They lived the life of hermits.
Julian lived in the busy city of Norwich during the 12th century and appreciated a form of mysticism. She saw 16 visions that proved transformative.
The 16th century, Saint Ignatius of Loyola designed a very practical method of spirituality. He wrote down a hour by hour plan of exercises to be followed to promote spirituality.
Modern day, Gustavo Guitierrez espouses helping the poor as a means of increasing spirituality.
The class experience was exceptional and I’m sure I’ll continue to learn from the ideas shared. It really helped to have input from others. I’d recommend a book club for those of us who don’t make it to school often.
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