Fr Arrupe's retreat notes published

A new English translation of Fr Pedro Arrupe's Retreat Notes from the summer of 1965 has just been published by Way Books.  This unique manuscript in Spanish was originally authorised for publication by Fr Arrupe's successor as Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, and was published in a faithfully transcribed and annotated edition by Fr Ignacio Iglesias SJ.

They date from two months after his election, when Pedro Arrupe went on retreat.  His notebook of personal jottings from this period give direct testimony to the God who is passing through his life, and to what is going on within him as God passes.  Under the title Pedro Arrupe - Chosen by God, these Retreat Notes have now been translated into English by Jesuit writer, Fr Joseph A.  Munitiz SJ, who also provides an introduction to the work.

'The intelligence of the man is constantly shining through,' says Fr Munitiz. 'But at the same time, and much more strikingly, a remarkable holiness.  It is a rare privilege to be allowed to come so close to the inner workings of [Arrupe's] mind and heart...'

More than any other document, this notebook reflects Fr Arrupe's state of mind when he received his mission as General and when, with complete confidence in God, he opened himself up to fulfilling it without reserve or delay.  In it we see him developing schemes, thinking about people, and elaborating strategies in order to confront the challenges that the Church and the world have put before him.

The publishers hope the translation will enable 'English-speaking readers (to) share the rich interior life of this prophet of the twentieth century whose intuitions and initiatives are still vital and relevant today.  These pages show how clearly and passionately Pedro Arrupe was a man of God.'

Pedro Arrupe, Chosen by God: Pedro Arrupe's Retreat Notes 1965, translated and with an introduction by Joseph A.  Munitiz SJ is published by Way Books, price: £8.00.  ISBN: 978 0 904717 29 7.  Click on the link below to buy.


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