This book situates Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s classic fourteen Rules for the Discernment of Spirits within the larger Catholic spiritual tradition.

Each chapter provides a brief explanation of the rule in question and then presents the parallel wisdom of other saints and spiritual figures. A fundamental truth about Ignatius’ rules underlies this approach: He helps us grasp, often for the first time, the spiritual experience that always occurs in our hearts and thoughts.

In his rules, Ignatius describes universal spiritual experiences. We find similar teaching from other spiritual writers and saints that appear in this book, including Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas à Kempis, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, Francis de Sales, and more.

Ignatius’ rules are “Ignatian” only in formulation, in their structure and their wording; the experience he describes is that of every disciple of Jesus. Ignatius’ gift, guided by the Holy Spirit, was to perceive this experience clearly and express it succinctly, in an eminently practical way. This book offers the best way of amplifying Ignatius’ highly compact text, drawing on the wider Catholic spiritual tradition with many great spiritual writers.

“Father Gallagher, an expert in Ignatian spirituality, provides a wonderfully pragmatic work that offers immensely practical insights on the interior life of the soul in its relations with God. The inclusion of testimonies from a large supporting cast of saintly ‘witnesses’ applying each rule of discernment amplifies the great appeal of this book.”
—Fr. Donald Haggerty, Author, The Hour of Testing: Spiritual Depth and Insight in a Time of Ecclesial Uncertainty and Saint John of the Cross: Master of Contemplation

“For over forty years the name of Father Gallagher and Saint Ignatius’ rules for discernment have gone together. He draws on his vast experience to give us a treasure filled with wisdom.”
—Fr. James Kubicki, S.J., Author, A Year of Daily Offerings: Giving Your Life to God One Day at a Time

“You will find that this book enlightens your own spiritual experience, helping you learn how to follow your own path to sanctity.”
—Most Rev.  Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston, MN

“This book enables readers to understand themselves connected to the holy men and women of our tradition. It will be of assistance to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of discernment.”
—Sr. Gill Goulding, C.J., Professor Ordinarius of Systematic Theology, Regis College

“This book will be helpful for anyone desiring a deeper relationship with God.”
—Most Rev. David Toups, Bishop of Beaumont, TX

“This book offers profound insights into particular saints who have adopted the mind of Christ as a specific method for processing thoughts and emotions.”
—Very Rev. Angel Perez-Lopez, PhD, Rector, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary

“Father Gallagher lives like a saint and thinks like a saint.”
—Fr. Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J., Author, Choosing Christ in the World: Directing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

“This book is remarkable in two ways. First, it presents a pellucid exposition of Ignatius’ famous Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, supported by the best of Ignatian scholarship. Second, it sets these rules explicitly in the wider context of the profound Christian tradition on discernment.”
—Fr. Harvey Egan, S.J., Emeritus Professor of Systematic and Mystical Theology, Boston College

“Readers will delight in the abundance of witnesses to the wisdom portrayed in the rules, which include great saints, spiritual writers, authors, poets, and ordinary men and women of faith.”
—Fr. Richard Gabuzda, S.T.D., Executive Director Emeritus, Institute for Priestly Formation