My Life with the Saints by James Martin, SJ

“The saints’ stories and their relevance to Martin’s own spiritual journey form the spine of this remarkably engaging book.  A mix of history, memoir, social commentary and spiritual exercise, My Life with the Saints reveals the familiar and not familiar stories of a handful of holy people.”  US Catholic

Friendly discussion sessions continue to be offered weekly.  Come to all the sessions or just those you can.  Each session is repeated four times a week, so you can “mix and match” either location.  No registration is required.  For more information please call the Saint Clement Rectory at 216-226-5116 or Saint James Parish Center at 216-712-6755.

Week 2 Read Chapters 5 – 7
  • Saturday, January 23 – 9:00am- 10:30am – Saint Clement Rectory
  • Sunday, January 24 – 5:00pm-6:30pm – Saint James Parish Center
  • Tuesday, January 26 – 7:00pm-8:30pm – Saint Clement Parish Hall
  • Wednesday, January 27 – 1:00pm-2:30pm – Saint James Parish Center
Discussion questions for week 2
  1. Feeling gratitude for God’s creative action in our lives is a key concept in Ignatian spirituality.  Think back over your day.  What one thing, person or event touched you today for which you are most grateful?
  2. The spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola can be summed up as “finding God in all things.”  Where in your everyday life might you experience God, if you were to look?
  3. Balancing activity with prayer is a constant challenge.  Do you have a habit of prayer?  When and where do you like to pray?
  4. In the 1960s and 1970s, Pedro Arrupe challenged the Jesuits to promote “the faith that does justice.”  Where does work with the poor on behalf of justice fit into your faith?
  5. Humility, obedience and surrender marked Arrupe’s work.  When have you found yourself faced with no choice but to submit to authority and relinquish control?  How did it feel?  What is the interaction between surrender and faith?
  6. “The Virgin’s messages were simple and sensible: penance, prayer, pilgrimage,” as Father Martin wrote of the Virgin Mary’s appearances to Bernadette.  What is the purpose of pilgrimage?  Have you ever experienced one?  Can you describe the experience?
  7. For Father Martin, Bernadette symbolizes the need to remain true to one’s own personal vision.  What have you felt challenged in the regard?
  8. Who was instrumental in leading you to your vocation in life?