Keeping in Touch

Both an original work by, and a tribute to, one of the most distinguished English-language experts on the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola: this book combines a series of essays exploring key terms used by Ignatius and a collection of reminiscences of Michael Ivens. His earlier commentary, Understanding the Spiritual Exercises, followed by his own translation of the Exercises, had established his reputation, but he was unable to include in his commentary the glossary of distinctive Ignatian terms that many find elusive or recondite. An understanding of such terms provides new avenues of approach and also displays the theological and spiritual substructure of the Exercises. Written during the final years of Michael's life, these essays are poignant in their sensitivity to the death he could see fast approaching. His notes on 'My medical history' are included, along with some candid and revealing memories from his friends. The figure of this great Jesuit comes alive in these pages, and his usual parting words to his visitors, 'Do keep in touch!' take on a new meaning. Michael Ivens (1933-2005) joined the Society of Jesus in 1951, straight from school, and received the usual training at that time (with degrees in Oxford and Lyons), spending fifteen years before ordination to the priesthood in 1966; an exceptional public speaker, gifted with an original mind, he worked mainly in the field of spirituality, writing regularly for The Way and gaining an international reputation as a retreat-giver. Appointed to help train his fellow Jesuits he spent nearly thirty years at St Beuno's (North Wales); for almost half of this time (from 1990) he was plagued with ill health (a brain tumour that eventually turned him blind), but he inspired many by his insight, tenacity and good humour. Joseph A. Munitiz, SJ, was a friend and colleague of Michael Ivens; his professional work has involved him mainly in editorial work (English, Spanish and Greek publications); now retired, he is based at the Jesuit novitiate in Birmingham.