Brian O'Leary, SJ

This year we have been honouring Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, and Pierre Favre. They formed the nucleus of that group who met at the University of Paris and would eventually found the Society of Jesus. While the first two names are famed in Catholic circles, that of Favre is almost totally unknown. Yet he is as important and interesting as the other two. Among Jesuits one often finds feelings of greater warmth and affection for Favre than for the rather intimidating figure of Ignatius. While the latter is revered as the primary bearer of the Society's charism, Pierre's is a more reassuring presence. He is "one of us".

Another early companion, Simon Rodriguez, wrote of Favre: "In some way or other, he so won the friendship of other people and gradually stole into their souls that by his whole manner, and the gentleness of his words, he irresistibly drew them to a love of God". People from all walks of life allude to Pierre's charm, people he met during seven years of ministry in sixteenth century Europe. He was most comfortable in one-on-one situations, and Ignatius considered him the best giver of the Spiritual Exercises. His gentleness led him to relate with respect and love to the Reformers, an attitude that contrasted with the usual polemics of the day.

We are fortunate to have his Spiritual Diary, known as the Memoriale [1] . This gives a unique insight into his inner life. It is written with great simplicity and honesty. He describes his intention is keeping the diary: "This was to jot down, lest I forget them, at least some of the graces given me by God for the betterment of my prayer, my contemplation, my understanding, my work, or for any other spiritual advantage". He combines the purpose of showing gratitude to God with that of discerning his way forward in prayer and ministry [2]. The Memoriale reveals a person in a vibrant relationship with God but who struggles constantly with his own weakness and limitations. To read this diary is to see oneself reflected in it.

Brian O'Leary, SJ

Purchase online from: www.theway.org.uk

Book Reviews

Review by Bernadette Mclvor

The Memoriale is a type of spiritual journal begun in 1542 by Pierre Favre, one of the first followers of Ignatius and founding fathers of the Society of Jesus. Favre states the purpose of the Memoriale as "to remember at least some of the graces given me by God for the betterment of my prayer, my contemplation, my work, or for any other spiritual advantage".

Though obviously a man of his times, Favre's reflections in the Memoriale come across as remarkably fresh and of enduring value for the spiritual life. The Memoriale is a tool that allows Favre to reflect on every aspect of his apostolic and spiritual life. O'Leary elucidates and expounds on Favre's interior life in an eloquent, scholarly and engaging way. Favre's spiritual life was "fluctuating and turbulent, vibrant, alive and authentic" (p. 53). The continuous and active practice of the discernment of spirits was an integral part of this spiritual life.

The existence of an invisible world inhabited by spirits both good and evil was taken for granted in sixteenth century Europe. The unseen was as real as the seen, a useful and timely corrective for Europe of the twenty- first century. Favre understands that the world and the human soul are the battleground of the spirits, hence the need for discernment and clarification of the motions of good and evil spirits.

Favre's experience and description of the spiritual life, recounted with simplicity, searing honesty and humility, ring true today. The section on 'Consolation and Desolation', which details the particular effects of both good and evil spirits on the soul, is instructive and relevant to Christians of all ages. O'Leary's clear and perceptive analysis of the Memoriale in this book shows that Favre has much to teach our world.

Favre reminds us of the need to be Christ-centred and God-centred rather than self-centred, and of remaining firmly within the ecclesial fold. He knows the value of interiority in the search for self-knowledge and the existential T. O'Leary makes the important observations that "Favre sees that the more perfect order is from the interior to the exterior and not vice-versa" (p. 68) and that "prayer and apostolate interact, intermingle and fuse" (p. 62) in the spiritual life. Discernment of spirits is a sine qua non for all who embark on the spiritual journey.

Bernadette Mclvor Budapest, Hungary

Review by Senan Timoney, SJ

This book by Brian O'Leary explores the theme of discernment in the Memoriale or spiritual journal of Bl. Pierre Favre. It is a work worthy of a monumental figure in the early history of the Society of Jesus. Favre, who was a key founding member of the Society, managed to cover much of Western Europe in the final seven years of his short life of forty years. Italy, France, Germany, Flanders, Portugal, Spain were all part of his itinerary, but there was also an inner journey going on. His Memoriale is a reflective account of his inner life and of what St. Ignatius calls the "movements" of his soul.

This is where O'Leary shows a mastery of his subject. To say that this book is scholarly may for some readers connote dullness, but this is far from the case. All the time the author keeps us in close touch with the text but with a delightful detachment. This reflects his obvious interest in Favre, but also, in the best sense, a critical view of the text and of its author.

Favre was probably the most appealing and charming of the early Jesuits. Why this is so is shown by his real sympathy for all those affected by the struggle for faith in the turmoil of the Reformation, those years leading up to the Council of Trent. Indeed the Pope summoned Favre to attend the Council but he never reached it.

This book is an excellent exploration of discernment in the spiritual journal of a great man.

Senan Timoney, SJ
Peter Faber Residence, Belfast