Prospectus - Jesuits in Malta

annex 1
basic elements of ignatian spirituality
These elements form the foundations of the Jesuit identity of St Aloysius’ College and explain what motivates the College educational community.
1. Finding God in All Things
For the founder of the Jesuits, Ignatius of Loyola, God can be found in all things, because all of reality is an arena of God’s self-revelation. God is
present in all of human existence. The world and all it contains reveals God to us. It was out of this conviction that Ignatius became known as a
“contemplative in action.” This translates itself into a dedication to human dignity from a Catholic, Jesuit faith perspective.
2. The Consciousness Examen
If God indeed can be found in all things, then human beings can discern God’s presence in the world. The examen is a prayerful reflection on
one’s day in order to notice where God was present in one’s behaviour, thoughts, feelings, actions, relationships, work, play, etc, so that one may
respond with grateful generosity.
3. Two Standards
In the Spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius proposes a meditation on the standard of Christ and the standard of Satan. We ought not to be naïve about
the presence of evil in the world. We are called to discern and reject resolutely what is evil, serving Christ under the standard of the cross.
4. AMDG
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, that is, “for the Greater Glory of God”; and Magis, more. For most people decisions involve a choice from among
various goods. AMDG reminds us that we are called to seek that which will give greater glory, in other words, what is most especially conducive
to the praise, worship, and service of God. The magis is not a question of doing more, but of carefully discerning what is especially fitting in the
service of God.
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