Pope Francis' New Book: "First Belong To God" - A Retreat Guide

Can a book truly offer a transformative spiritual experience, a guided retreat, with the Pope himself? Austen Ivereigh's latest work, "First Belong to God: On Retreat with Pope Francis," promises precisely that, inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery guided by the wisdom of Pope Francis.

The book, published on Tuesday by Messenger Publications and Loyola Press, presents a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection. It's not merely a collection of essays or reflections; instead, it's designed as an immersive retreat experience, drawing on the teachings and insights of Pope Francis. The foundation of this experience rests upon the Ignatian spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a framework that has profoundly influenced Pope Francis throughout his life and ministry. Readers are invited to delve into the core principles of Ignatian spirituality, guided by the contemporary wisdom of the Pope. This is particularly relevant given the turbulent times we are living in.

The book's structure is intended to provide a framework, guiding readers through a series of meditations, reflections, and exercises. The goal is to facilitate a deeper understanding of oneself, one's relationship with God, and one's place in the world. It's designed to be used in various settings, whether as a solitary practice, within a group setting, or as part of a structured retreat.

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The book, "First Belong to God: On Retreat with Pope Francis", offers a guided spiritual journey, and it's a testament to the power of the Ignatian tradition as interpreted and lived by Pope Francis. The emphasis is placed on three primary forms of belonging: to God, to creation, and to others. These are seen as the essential building blocks of a fulfilling spiritual life. Ivereigh expertly navigates the reader through these core concepts, providing both practical guidance and insightful commentary.

Category	Information
Full Name	Austen Ivereigh
Occupation	Writer, Journalist, Scholar, Contemporary Church History Fellow
Known For	Author of "First Belong to God", "Francis: The Pope of a New World", and his expertise on Pope Francis and the Catholic Church.
Affiliations	Campion Hall, Oxford
Expertise	Pope Francis's teachings, Ignatian spirituality, Church History
Notable Works	"First Belong to God: On Retreat with Pope Francis", "Francis: The Pope of a New World"
Published Works	Numerous articles, books, and essays on religious and cultural topics.
Education	Details not widely available, but his work implies advanced studies.
Key Areas of Focus	Interpreting the pontificate of Pope Francis, connecting Ignatian spirituality to contemporary issues.
Reference	Loyola Press

Pope Francis himself contributes a foreword to Ivereigh's book. In this foreword, the Pope likely shares his own reflections and insights on the themes explored within the book. This contribution adds significant weight and authority to the work, giving readers a sense that they are indeed participating in a retreat guided by the Holy Father.

The book's publication date, Tuesday, February 13th, marks its formal introduction to the public. It is released by two prominent publishers: Messenger Publications and Loyola Press. The selection of these publishers speaks to the book's intended audience and its significance within the Catholic community and among those interested in spiritual practice.

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First Belong to God is structured in a way that allows it to be used in various ways. Whether used individually or within a group, the book adapts to the readers needs. It is a useful resource for parishes, communities, or individuals seeking to enrich their faith and spiritual life, and it offers a structured approach to Lent or Advent.

The core principles of Ignatian spirituality, as articulated by St. Ignatius of Loyola, are woven throughout the book. The "Spiritual Exercises," created by St. Ignatius, are designed to facilitate a deeper encounter with God through prayer, contemplation, and discernment. Ivereigh draws upon these core principles, adding to them the wisdom and reflections of Pope Francis.

The books structure is not just a collection of thoughts; it's a guide. The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises offer a framework for prayer, meditation, and reflection, supporting the reader's journey toward spiritual growth.

Austen Ivereigh, as a renowned "Francis watcher" and scholar, is ideally positioned to create this guide. His deep understanding of Pope Francis's thought, teachings, and the context in which he operates gives authenticity to the project. Ivereigh has carefully studied the Pope's words and actions, providing readers with unique insights into the Holy Father's spirituality.

The book's content is rooted in the spiritual exercises Pope Francis himself engages in. It incorporates material from Bergoglios Jesuit retreat talks. It draws also on the spiritual exercises the Pope gave to the Spanish bishops in 2006. This gives the book further authenticity, connecting readers with the very practices that inform Pope Francis's own spiritual life.

The book also delves into the meaning of belonging. It explores the essence of being "to God, to creation, and to others." It addresses the fundamental questions of human existence, and invites readers to connect these areas of life. The book offers a pathway to a more complete understanding of the self, within the framework of faith and community.

The books focus is not just about intellectual understanding; it is designed to encourage a lived experience. It offers the next best thing to an actual, personal retreat with Pope Francis. The book will help readers to connect with the divine on their journey.

Drawing upon the wisdom of both Pope Francis and St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ivereigh's work offers a spiritual guide that is both accessible and profound. This is especially important in our current times, which can often feel overwhelming or uncertain.

The publication of this book highlights the continuing relevance of Ignatian spirituality in the modern world, and the impact of Pope Francis. It demonstrates the importance of seeking spiritual guidance from within, guided by the key teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.