Letters
St Ignatius of Loyola urged his Jesuit companions to write each letter twice — first in draft, then in a carefully revised version — primarily to ensure clarity, charity, and spiritual discernment in communication.
📜 Historical Context
In the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus and in his correspondence, Ignatius emphasized the importance of well-composed letters, especially because:
The Society of Jesus was rapidly expanding across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Letters were the main form of governance, instruction, and spiritual support across long distances.
Written words needed to carry not just information, but consolation, correction, and communion in mission.
✍️ Why two versions?
Ignatius advised Jesuits to write each letter twice — once as a first draft, and again after careful review. The reasons were deeply Ignatian:
1. For Clarity and Order (Discretio Spirituum)
Just as in spiritual discernment, Ignatius wanted Jesuits to discern their words — to sift out confusion, exaggeration, or emotional overflows. A revised letter was more likely to be: clear in content charitable in tone focused on mission
2. To Remove Rashness or Imprudence
The first draft often reveals raw emotion. Ignatius wanted his companions to review and purify their expression — especially when giving fraternal correction or spiritual advice.
"Letters should be written with discretion, and they should be revised so that nothing is written lightly or without sufficient thought."— Letters of Ignatius of Loyola
3. To Model the Exercises: Repetition and Reflection
Just as the Spiritual Exercises require repetition to deepen understanding, writing letters twice allowed the writer to: grow in self-awareness, ensure the letter builds up the recipient, avoid miscommunication that could cause division.
💡 In short:
Ignatius believed that letters are an extension of prayer and mission. By urging his companions to revise them carefully, he was forming them in: apostolic prudence, discernment of spirits, and loving, deliberate communication.
Would you like this idea turned into a short spiritual reflection or practice for modern communication? It works beautifully for retreats or workshops on “Writing as Ministry.”
