March 4, 2009

Get spiritually fit at seminar

By Denver Catholic Register

Oblates of Mary Father Timothy Gallagher is the author of six books on prayer and the discernment of spirits.  He has spent the last 25 years bringing the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola to life in retreats and conferences throughout the world.   Father Gallagher is coming to the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver on March 27-29 for a seminar on his latest book “Meditation and Contemplation” (Crossroad, 2008). 

Father Gallagher explains that in his experience, he has witnessed the spiritual energy awakened by St. Ignatius’ teaching on prayer. 

“Through it,” he said, “desire for prayer, inhibited by uncertainty, is set free, and a clear path opens toward prayer.”

The purpose of the seminar will be to share that teaching. 

The focus will be the two basic Ignatian methods for prayer with Scripture:  meditation, the reflective approach, and contemplation, the imaginative approach.  Both methods, through different human capabilities, open for one the message of the Scriptures. 

“Through different gateways,” Father Gallagher said, “both lead to the heart as the Spirit draws us individually.”

Father Gallagher’s approach to Ignatius’ teaching on meditation and contemplation is based upon two convictions.  The first, he said, is to examine Ignatius own words in depth, which opens for one the full richness and endless freshness of his teaching.  The second, he added, is that teaching about prayer comes alive when presented through experience, which gives life to the written text and reveals its applicability for one’s prayer today. 

In the seminar, Father Gallagher will consistently illustrate Ignatius’ teaching through experience.  There will be ample time on the weekend, organizers said, to spend time in prayer and put Ignatius’ wisdom into fruitful practice.

The seminar is for all who desire to pray with Scripture as well as for those who have never prayed with Scripture.  It is for those who have tried to pray with Scripture but have encountered difficulties and is for those who pray with Scripture and are seeking renewal in that practice.  In addition, the retreat is open to spiritual directors, retreat directors and all who teach prayer with Scripture. 

“In all these settings,” Father Gallagher said, “Ignatius has effective counsels to offer.” 

The seminar begins on Friday 7 p.m.-9 p.m., continues Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and concludes on Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  Sunday Mass is offered nearby at Holy Ghost Church before and after the seminar.  The cost for the weekend is $125 per person.  To register, call the Lanteri Center at 303-298-1498. The Lanteri Center is located at 416 E. 22nd St.