Mary Ward’s Embodiment of the Ignatian Meditation on the Two Standards

This article explores the link between the meditation known as the Two Standards from the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and its embodiment in Mary Ward’s (1585-1645) spiritual life. The Two Standards is meant to help retreatants to understand that their life is under the influence of the forces of both good and evil and that their decisions always have a spiritual dimension. Focusing on the Ignatian concept found in the Two Standards of spiritual battle between the standards of Christ and those of Lucifer, the paper explores key moments in Mary Ward’s spiritual life through the lens of the integration of Christ’s call to poverty, humiliation and freedom, the grace asked by the retreatant in this meditation. This finds full expression in Mary Ward’s prayer life and actions and in her growth in spiritual life.