The First Spiritual Exercises ministry began in Australia over 20 years ago when author and retreat giver, Michael Hansen SJ was invited to research and write about the exercises first offered by Ignatius and his companions.

It took a time of convalescing from a chronic illness, not unlike the experience of St Ignatius of Loyola, for Michael to rediscover the First Spiritual Exercises. These Exercises are also known as the 18th Annotation Retreat.

The history of the First Spiritual Exercises stretches back long before Ignatius had finalized the Spiritual Exercises Retreat or founded the Society of Jesus. In those early days, Ignatius was much sought-after for spiritual advice and guidance, and filled with an overwhelming love of God, he was keen to share with others, simple prayer exercises that would lead them closer to God. The First Spiritual Exercises follow a set structure and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of any given time thereby making Ignatian Spirituality accessible to an increasing number of people.

This form of the Exercises had become somewhat hidden from view, until Michael adapted them for the contemporary world. After thorough research of their historical beginnings, he published his book, The First Spiritual Exercises.

Over these years the ministry has grown into teams offering the FSE across Australia and New Zealand and internationally.

This book revived the gift that is the First Spiritual Exercises – a simplified form of Spiritual Exercises that anyone can easily experience either by following the book and praying on our own, or in a group with a guide, meeting weekly to pray and share the fruits of the Exercises – over a period of 4 weeks.

The First Spiritual Exercises invite an experience of the living God who desires a personal relationship with everyone.  Are you looking for a new, refreshingly simple and relevant way to pray?  The prayers of the First Spiritual Exercises have the power to invite growth and ignite freedom, if you dare to be open to experience such an encounter!

To enquire about the First Spiritual Exercises, phone JISA on 1300 EXAMEN (1300 392 636) or info@jisa.org.au and we will put you in touch with a member from one of our teams of trained FSE givers across Australia and New Zealand. We are also available to come to your organisation, school, parish, or group to give The First Spiritual Exercises.