Eight-Day Ignatian Retreat on Human Development

CONTENTS

1. Purpose of the Retreat

2. Foundational Framework

3. The Ignatian Spirit

4. Daily Structure and Rhythm

5. Morning Session

6. Christological Contemplation

7. Ignatian Reflection and Personal Integration

8. Relevance for Jesuit Ministry

9. Expected Fruits & Invitation

1. Purpose of the Retreat

Integrates psychology, Christology, and Ignatian spirituality.

Views human development as a sacred journey.

Helps participants recognize divine grace at work in human growth.

2. Foundational Framework

Three Interconnected Pillars:

Erik Erikson’s eight stages

human growth and virtue.

Christ’s human experience

sanctifying every stage.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

example of transformation through grace.

3. The Ignatian Spirit

Grace works through nature.

Finding God in all things.

Classic practices from the Spiritual Exercises:

• Composition of place.

• Application of the senses.

• Colloquy with Christ.

• Daily Examen.

4. Daily Structure and Rhythm

Each day corresponds to one stage of human development. Pattern:

Morning

Understand psychological stage.

Mid-Morning

Contemplate Christ’s experience.

Afternoon

Reflect on Ignatius’s journey.

Evening

Personal reflection and prayer.

5. Morning Session

Explore Erikson’s stage of the day.

Understand virtues and challenges.

Build emotional and intellectual foundation for prayer.

6. Christological Contemplation

Reflect on Jesus’ life in that developmental stage.

Discover how Christ sanctified every phase of human life.

Use Scripture and sacred imagination.

7. Ignatian Reflection and Personal Integration

Study Ignatius’s growth through that life stage.

Recognize grace in personal history.

Evening prayer leads to healing, growth, and peace.

8. Relevance for Jesuit Ministry

Deepens self-knowledge and union with God.

Heals developmental wounds affecting ministry.

Strengthens compassion and insight for others.

Encourages integration of personal and vocational life.

9. Expected Fruits & Invitation

Expected Fruits:

Healing of memories.

Deeper self-acceptance.

Renewed sense of vocation.

Peace in facing aging and mortality.

Invitation:

“Enter the silence, walk through every stage, and find that God has been present through it all.”

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Thank You