The Center for Ignatian Spirituality (CIS) Philippines’ online offering on the Fundamentals of Ignatian Retreat-Giving and Spiritual Direction recently concluded after a 13-week run. The course, which is also known as the Study Circle, formally introduces participants to the nature and dynamics of retreat-giving and spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition. CIS offers the course once a year.

This year’s intake consisted of 25 participants from 10 nationalities, with a number of them taking the course from their respective home countries in Canada, Croatia, India, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The class also had a good mix of lay and religious that included Jesuits from Arrupe International Residence. The diversity added richness to the whole learning experience.

Over the course of 13 weeks, the participants went through different modules that introduced them to the nature and dynamics of retreat-giving and spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition. They were divided into small groups that met once a week. This not only helped them discuss their assigned tasks more thoroughly but also fostered interaction among the participants. The majority of them were able to attend the face-to-face Spiritual Direction Practicum, an integral component of the course.

The journey was meaningful for both the participants and the resource persons and facilitators. CIS Philippines is deeply grateful and looks forward to the next Study Circle, hoping that more people from outside the Philippines can participate through the online platform.

The schedule for the next offering is from 12 August to 9 November 2024. Interested individuals may email cisphilippines@cisphil.org for application details.