Andrew Garfield discusses impact of Jesuit spirituality

Actor Andrew Garfield has shared how his preparation for the Martin Scorsese film ‘Silence’ profoundly impacted his personal life and spiritual practices. To prepare for the role of Father Sebastião Rodrigues, Garfield spent nearly a year engaging with Ignatian spirituality, which included participating in silent retreats based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and maintaining a meditation journal.

Ten years after the production, Garfield continues to practice a nightly Ignatian examen, a method of prayerful reflection on the day's events. He has spoken openly about his faith and how the experience of studying the hidden life of Jesus provided him with a sense of inner freedom and the realization that he does not need to be more than he is to be worthy of love.