IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY AND LAY VOCATION: FEMALE TESTIMONIES

Abstract

This study intends to be a reflection on the centrality of discernment for the lay Christian vocation, which seeks holiness in its involvement with the world. It is based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, from the accompaniment conducted by women during the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Here, we focus on female testimonies about the practice of Ignatian discernment,. These women, in addition to the experience of doing the Exercises, guide and accompany those doing the exercises. The method used in this study was oral narratives and female testimonies about the practice of spiritual accompaniment, and the snowball was the methodology for recruiting women. Considering that discernment is fundamental for the spiritual growth of the lay person, it can be said that, due to the central place that discernment occupies, Ignatian spirituality makes a great contribution to the deepening of a lay spirituality through the spiritual accompaniment of women, thus emphasizing this experience.

KEYWORDS: Christian Spirituality. Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Female testimony.