Key Terms in CLC and Ignatian Spirituality
A
AMDG (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam)
Latin for "For the greater glory of God." The motto of the Jesuits, reflecting the Ignatian desire that all our choices and actions serve God's greater purpose.
Apostolic Discernment
A contemplative, prayerful process of paying attention to where God is leading us in our commitments — family, work, social life, Church. The question at its heart: What does God want of me, now, in this situation?
Awareness Examen
A daily prayer practice for noticing where God has been present in your day. Through this simple reflection on your experiences, feelings, and choices, you grow in sensitivity to God's presence in everyday lite. (See the full Examen guide in our Prayer Resources.)
C
CLC (Christian Life Community)
A worldwide lay Catholic organisation present in over 60 countries, rooted in Ignatian spirituality. Members meet in small groups to pray, reflect on their lives, and support one another in mission. The first Australian CLC was founded in Adelaide in 1976.
CLC Way of Life
The commitment CLC members make to ongoing personal and communal growth that is spiritual, human, and apostolic. This includes daily prayer, participation in the Eucharist, the Examen, regular spiritual direction, and an annual retreat.
Colloquy
An intimate, heart-to-heart conversation with God, Christ, Mary, or one of the saints during prayer. Not a formal recitation but a personal, honest dialogue — like speaking with a close friend.
Communal Discernment
The process of seeking God's will together as a group, combining personal prayer with hared reflection on the realities before us. This is central to how CLC groups make decisions.
Consolation
In Ignatian spirituality, consolation is any experience that draws you closer to God — an increase in faith, hope, or love, accompanied by a deep inner peace. Consolation is not always pleasant; what matters is the movement towards God.
Contemplation
A way of praying encouraged by Ignatius where you place yourself imaginatively into a Gospel scene, using all your senses. You see the people, hear the words, and interact with the story as if you were present.
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