MANRESAN SOCIETY

TESTIMONIALS FROM MEMBERS

 

“I find a unique experience in Manresa.  First, it is men and women sharing their faith with other men and women.  I find a very comfortable, non-threatening environment where it is not just OK but welcomed to be honest and in some cases share deeply personal thoughts or experiences.  Each of us at our own pace.  It is OK to just come and listen or if the Spirit moves me I can also share. I learn not only at the meeting itself but also where to go to do more faith work if I wish on my own.  I have come to really look forward to these monthly meetings.”

 

“I joined a Manresa group almost five years ago.  I was welcomed into a small faith community that has been a true blessing - there is great support and grace that comes from meeting regularly with other men as we walk together on our spiritual journey.  Our meetings are completely led by the Spirit - while we follow a book, the meeting discussion often goes in different spiritual directions.  Praise God!”

 

“The Manresan Society has allowed me to revisit the Jesuit history and beliefs through our readings.  In addition, the special guests that our moderator invites to various meetings, provides the status of the Jesuit community and the process of how a young man becomes a Jesuit.  For me, it is a wonderful refresher course on the Jesuit Society and how to be "a man for others" after almost 20 years removed.  My overall faith has increased as I have become more aware of God in my everyday life.  The monthly meetings are an excellent complement to the normal exercises we observe as Catholics.”

 

“Regular theological reflection is critical to spiritual development for any religious person. Participating in a Manresa group on a regular basis gives me an opportunity to get feedback from trusted peers, using traditional Ignatian methods, on my daily personal experience and spiritual struggles as I strive to become the person Christ wants me to be. “

 

“Getting together once a month and sharing our individual quests to be more like and with Christ give inspiration and guidance to continue this all-important journey. It’s witness. It’s making the journey with companions.”

 

“The Manresan Society has been a haven of spiritual support and comfort for me over the years.  The depth of maturity of the participants and the openness of their sharing has contributed greatly to my own walk of faith.  I treasure the experience of community that I have found there.  Our shared goal of desiring a more intimate relationship with Jesus has given us a bond that I believe is supernatural and very rare in the society in which we live today.  As we pray for each other between meetings a unity and solidarity has formed, making our reunion an anticipated time of joy and encouragement. “

 

“Our monthly Manresa gathering is the opportunity to share and deepen our faith based on Ignatian spirituality.  It gives us the chance to study the teachings of St. Ignatius and to share our faith, experience of God, and prayer with others.”

 

“Manresa is a great way to build my faith and my knowledge of Ignatian Spirituality, together with other men from around the St. Louis area.  It is a small investment of time that pays big dividends.”

 

“Participation in the monthly Manresan Society meetings is an interesting and enjoyable thing to do, and it provides the added benefit of helping us to keep in touch with Ignatian spirituality.”