Abstract
Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual progress unfolded as a transformative mystagogical journey shaped by two decisive conversions that prepared him for the illuminative stage and unitive life. His first conversion followed the battle of Pamplona, when he turned from a sinful past toward an initial desire to follow Christ to Jerusalem. This conversion, however, remained marked by narcissism and externalism. A second and more radical conversion occurred in Manresa, involving the purification of his self-propelled perfectionism. During this period, Ignatius entered the purgative stage through active asceticism and a painful passive purification characterized by scrupulosity and deep depression rooted in the persistent memory of past sins. In this period, he confronted his inner demons and came to recognize that spiritual growth was not self-achieved but initiated by God. Gradually, Ignatius moved into the illuminative stage, gaining clarity of vision and discernment, and eventually into a mystical stage marked by inner visions and union with the Divine. Throughout this journey, he was driven by his zeal “to help souls” and a desire to do so “in poverty and humility.” His sanctity matured through a kenotic life of self-abnegation and the mortification of his will and passions, enabling deeper devotion and union with the Divine Persons.
Recommended Citation
Buenconsejo, Roberto Ma. R.
(2026)
"St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Engagement with Mystagogy,"
Landas: Vol. 38:
No.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://archium.ateneo.edu/landas/vol38/iss1/4