Marquette students, faculty, and parishioners of Gesu Church gathered in the Cudahy Hall auditorium Nov. 6 for a presentation from retired clergyman the Rev. Frank Burke.

The presentation drew about 50 people and was the first in a series of four Burke will give on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius' exercises include the steps that are necessary in order to find the love of God, oneself, and one's neighbors.

Burke began his speech by giving a short overview of the first two exercises which he said followers of God should perform. The first exercise he mentioned was realizing that God loves everyone here and now, no matter what the circumstances. Burke said that whatever acts of sin his followers commit, God will always forgive and wants to lead his faithful back to holiness. This realization is the first step towards the path to God's love, Burke said.

The second step Burke spoke of was gaining a personal awareness of Christ dying for his believers' sins. He stated that if it is known that Christ sacrificed his life for his devotees, it will give them more appreciation of the significance of Christ's love. Burke suggested the best way to do this is to look at Christ as a role model. By looking at Christ repeatedly, his actions and his words, his followers will be able to act more like him and realize what Christ-like behavior really is, Burke said.

The third exercise was what Burke focused on for much of his presentation. This exercise, according to Burke, is the most difficult to accomplish: to stand by Christ when he asks us to follow him. This involves individuals taking up their personal crosses and experiencing suffering, yet remaining by Christ's side through it all.

Burke also included forgiveness in this exercise. He mentioned the stories of Judas' betrayal of Jesus and also Peter's denial, and how Christ forgave both of them for what they had done.

Robert Fedran, a retired Marquette professor and his wife Joanne said they thoroughly enjoyed the presentation.

"It was excellent, very informative, and a new experience," Joanne said.

"It was new information and a new idea but very simple and easy to follow. The fact that (Burke) is a retreat master shows that he is firm in his views and that he has had a lifetime of studying," Robert said.

All four presentations will be videotaped and be available to borrow from the Gesu parish office library.