This course is about the life and mysticism of 16th century, Spanish mystic, St. Ignatius of Loyola. I share his life and works with you because his journey to find God in all things may help you deepen your personal connection with the Divine and aid you in your own journey to find God in all things. This course will review Ignatius's life from his childhood years until his death. Ignatius certainly did not set out to be a Catholic saint. Far from it, war and gallantry, wine and women were his lifetime goals. This class will explore the culture of 16th century Spain where he grew up, the personality of Ignatius, the twists and turns of his life and subsequently his spiritual journey, his mystical visions, and how those visions shaped the course of his life. We will see him at the various crossroads which moved him to companion with God, or shall I say, allow God to companion with him. There are also lectures dedicated to his popular and still relevant prayer forms: the Spiritual Exercises, the Examen of Consciousness and his particular prayer, the Sucipe'. There will be a reflection activity in each section for you to apply what you learn to your own life for continued spiritual growth.

Learning Objectives:

• You will be able to retell the story of Ignatius of Loyola, recounting his growth from spiritual childhood to spiritual maturity.

• You will be able to recount the important mystical moments that continued to redirect Ignatius' life.

• You will learn about the culture of 16th century Spain and the role the Catholic Church which was the focus of Ignatius' spiritual vocation.

• You will explore the important role of women in St. Ignatius' life, how they contributed to his mission of service to others.

• Through the reflections in this course on the various points in Ignatius' life, you will be able to apply his spiritual acumen to your own life to enrich your own spirituality.