The Pilgrim of Loyola

St. Ignatius’ Autobiography as a School of Spiritual Discernment

The Pilgrim of Loyola, by Fr. Pablo Cervera, is an historical and spiritual commentary on the Autobiography of the founder of the Jesuits, the great saint from Loyola.

When St. Ignatius was about sixty years old, urged by his companions, he dictated an Autobiography — the account of his life, pilgrimage, and conversion. Fr. Cervera helps the reader enter into the twists and turns of the saint’s story while highlighting their spiritual substance. Reading his text makes one thing clear: what St. Ignatius proposes in the Spiritual Exercises was, point by point, lived and experienced by him, not merely sitting at his desk, but literally on the streets of the world.

With Fr. Pablo Cervera as our guide, one gains an understanding of the profound and uninterrupted journey of the saint. Fr. Cervera’s idea is that the Autobiography’s value is for everyone and has focused his efforts on enabling the faithful to absorb the lessons on spiritual discernment that Ignatius left us in his Autobiography.

The Pilgrim of Loyola shows a serious knowledge of Ignatian sources and studies, containing vital reflections, experiences, and discussions in historical and textual interpretation.