Ignatian Discernment Institute

09/09/2026

When you join us as a site member (it's free!) you'll have access to a monthly newsletter which shares articles about discernment, upcoming events, information about new books and materials, and ways to support our mission. You can see the latest newsletter below, please share it widely!

How Soon is "Soon"? Priests spend a lot of time in hospitals, and we are often privileged to see our faithful people receive diagnoses that include suffering. The prospect of protracted pain can lead to fear, disbelief, anger, confusion, and a host of other emotions. Their conversations with physici...

09/09/2026

Father Mark provides us a deeply insightful reflection on Rule 5, which includes a spiritual storm, several useful examples about how the rule applies, and a literal storm! Did you know that he writes an article about the Rules each month, available for free to site members? Read the article here and register today:
https://wix.to/3e0WyiW

09/09/2026

Father Tim talks about the problem of discouragement and how the Rules can help free us. Thanks to the Jesuits of Canada and the United States for arranging this collaboration!

09/08/2026

As before, we understand how asking two questions will help us understand: Am I in a time of spiritual desolation? And am I thinking of changing a spiritual proposal that I had in place before this desolation began? If so, we must have courage and continue in our preceding proposal. This is Rule 5 in action.

09/07/2026

So many circumstances exist where we propose to improve our spiritual lives - this is the area where the Enemy will attack, and where Rule 5 applies.

09/06/2026

We continue our understanding of this man's situation, and how Rule 5 can apply to him. He should continue the proposal he had during the previous time, and go to Confession as planned.

09/06/2026

Friends from the Midwest, mark your calendars! In November, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV will be giving a special presentation focusing on freedom from discouragement through the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Join us at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha, Iowa - see the flyer or QR code for further information!

09/05/2026

Today we find a man who has a regular schedule of Confession, but dryness leads him to change that established pattern of sacramental grace. He chooses to delay his visit to the Confessional. Tomorrow we'll understand how Rule 5 applies to this situation.

09/04/2026

We continue the woman's story today, and understand how Rule 5 applies to this situation and can lead her to the next right step.

09/03/2026

Today we hear another situation of how discouragement can lead away from customary prayer, and a feeling of dryness and distraction. We'll understand how Rule 5 applies tomorrow.