Society of Ignatians Asceto-Mystical Equipping
BASE CAMP
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- Gathering Point: Band of Brothers, men “in Christ” who have what it takes for the ascent: “strong feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit” (St. John of the Cross)
- Initial Equipping: Basics of Catholic doctrine and apologetics, sacred liturgy, mental prayer and asceticism; General and Particular Examens of Conscience; Silence; Focused Use of Time.
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CAMP I
Thirty Days Spiritual Exercises equipping: “The Exercises of Saint Ignatius will always be one of the most effective ways for spiritual renewal and authentic order in the world but on condition that they remain truly Ignatian.” (Pius XII)
CAMP II
Study of Christian life: original sin and redemption; supernatural power of grace; indwelling of the Blessed Trinity in the soul; Christ our Lord, Head of the Mystical Body, meritorious and exemplary cause of holiness; Our Lady, Mediatrix of all graces; roles of saints and angels.
CAMP III
Role of man’s freedom in asceto-mystical ascent; growth through sacraments; methods of combat against the “Axis of Evil”; growth in knowledge of God and self; sanctifying power of union with God’s Will; mortification, the struggle against capital sins, overcoming temptations; affective prayer; theological virtues; moral virtues.
CAMP IV
Efficacy of prayer; transformation of actions into prayer; contemplative prayer; spiritual direction; sanctification of relationships; how to increase merit; personalized guidance by mentor, a factor already present; mystique of the sacred classical liturgy; habit of the presence of God; studies of the masters of Catholic asceto-mystical tradition such as Sts. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila; living with “the mind of the Church” (St. Ignatius of Loyola)
CAMP V
The unitive stage (the active unitive way: gifts of the Holy Ghost, prayer of simplicity). Living life intensely in the light of Honor of God, Salvation of Souls, Our Utmost for His Highest ‒ “out of sheer love” (Spiritual Exercises).
SUMMIT
Infused contemplation, ongoing transforming union with the Most Blessed Trinity: energizing of the soul by the supernatural life of sanctifying grace with its virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
PURIFICATION STAGE
- Ascent route from Base Camp to Camp III
- Detoxification from sin and habits of “the world” (James 4:4) by power of supernatural life effecting growth of mystical life.
- Although purification, enlightenment, and union exist as separate stages in the ascent, all three are dimensions that are simultaneously present in all three stages since they are intrinsically dependent on each other.
ENLIGHTENMENT STAGE
- Ascent Route from Camp III to Camp V
- Increasing sanctifying grace-empowered focus leading to contemplative prayer.
- Growth in theological virtues (faith, hope and love) and cardinal virtues (wise judgment, fortitude, self-mastery and justice).
- Unleashing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Integration of sentiments, passions, senses, imagination, and memory for the ideal.
UNITIVE STAGE
- Ascent Route from Camp V to Summit
- The Holy Spirit guides the soul through the “dark night of the Spirit” to steadfast and deep union with the Blessed Trinity.
- Sealed by infused contemplative prayer
- Steadfast in virtue, deeply serene, and in quiet joy
- Vibrant and energetic in action for the honor of God and the salvation of souls – My Utmost for His Highest!