In celebration of the Feast of St Ignatius, let us return to his own writings to learn more about him and to foster our spiritual life.

Some spiritual traditions are wary about looking for spiritual consolation in prayer or in the spiritual life in general. Ignatius seems to suggest otherwise. Thus, one of his definitions of spiritual consolation is "any increase in faith, hope and love and joy in the things of the Lord" [Spiritual Exercises 316].

Obviously, then, we should be seeking spiritual consolation from God: we should pray that our faith, hope and love grow stronger each day and that our religion bring us great joy as it fosters our relationship with God.

Faith, hope and love have been related together in our Catholic doctrine, ever since Saint Paul wrote his first letters. What is interesting is that Ignatius adds "joy" to these three virtues. This insight is of great pastoral as well as spiritual value. We ourselves should derive great joy from our religion and should help others to experience the same joy. Conversely, we should never make religion a burden or a source of sadness.