Formation
Spiritual Formation deepens experience and understanding of a person’s relationship with God. ISI's spiritual companioning formation program is for mature adults invited by the Lord into our ministry. Beyond the spiritual formation program, ISI regularly presents workshops and practicums for persons in the ministry of Ignatian spiritual direction and guiding others in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
The Art of Companioning: Ignatian Insights for Spiritual Directors
At the heart of spiritual direction lies the sacred art of companioning—walking with another as God labors within their story. Drawing from the Ignatian tradition, this workshop offers spiritual directors an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the interior dispositions, practices, and graces that shape faithful accompaniment.
Through prayer, reflection, and guided conversation, participants will explore themes such as presence and reverence, listening beneath words, discerning the movements of consolation and desolation, and trusting the freedom of the Holy Spirit. Attention will be given not only to what we do as spiritual directors, but who we are becoming in the act of companioning.
Workshop: Giving Witness
This practicum is designed to form lay persons, Jesuits, priests, religious sisters and brothers, involved in or moving into the ministries of parish missions, days of reflection, or preached retreats rooted in the Ignatian spiritual tradition. The practicum will be held Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, 2026.
Spiritual Companioning Formation Program
The ISI Spiritual Companioning formation program is for persons who feel invited to the ministry of spiritual companioning in the Ignatian tradition as well as persons who desire to guide others in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Persons interested in the program will have completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (complete 19th annotation or 30-day retreat). Applications of the next cohort will open in Spring 2024.