Diploma in Ignatian Retreat-Directing
 |
 |
Forming Spiritual Companions and Retreat Directors in the Ignatian Tradition
The Diploma in Ignatian Retreat-Directing is an invitation to enter more deeply into the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and to be formed as a discerning companion of others. Designed for those who feel called to accompany people in their search for God, the program weaves together prayer, theological study, personal formation, and supervised ministry experience. As participants engage the Spiritual Exercises and the Ignatian tradition, they are invited to grow in freedom, attentiveness to the movements of the Spirit, and a deeper awareness of God’s loving presence in all things. In turn, they are prepared to guide retreats and accompany others in spiritual direction, helping them discover the ways God continues to labor and speak in their lives.
Offered in collaboration with the Center for Ignatian Spirituality Philippines (CIS), the program combines theological, scriptural, pastoral, and spiritual formation to cultivate competent, reflective, and discerning ministers capable of serving the Church and society in diverse contexts.
Why Study Ignatian Retreat-Directing?
Ignatian spirituality has enriched the lives of Christians for more than four centuries through its emphasis on discernment, prayer, and finding God in all things. In response to the growing need for qualified spiritual companions and retreat facilitators, this diploma provides systematic formation that integrates:
- Ignatian spirituality, theological and biblical reflection
- Spiritual direction and pastoral accompaniment
- Discernment of spirits and vocational decision-making
- Supervised retreat-giving experience
- Personal and ministerial formation
The program seeks not only to impart knowledge but also to foster the personal maturity, spiritual depth, and pastoral sensitivity necessary for accompanying others in faith.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Diploma, graduates will be able to:
1. Ignatian Foundations
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the theological, spiritual, and pastoral foundations of the Ignatian tradition and articulate their relevance to contemporary life and ministry.
2. Spiritual Accompaniment
Apply Ignatian principles and methods in offering spiritual accompaniment characterized by attentive listening, discernment, pastoral sensitivity, and ethical responsibility.
3. Retreat Ministry
Design, facilitate, and evaluate Ignatian-inspired retreats that are scripturally grounded, theologically informed, and faithful to the Spiritual Exercises.
4. Integrative Reflection
Integrate insights from spirituality, theology, scripture, and pastoral practice in responding to personal, ecclesial, and societal realities.
5. Ministerial Formation
Demonstrate habits of discernment, reflective practice, and ongoing spiritual growth necessary for responsible ministry.
Program Structure
The Diploma combines intensive formation modules offered by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality and semestral academic courses offered by the Loyola School of Theology, comprising 10 courses of 3 credits each for a total of 30 credits. The timeframe for completion is flexible, depending on students’ availability, with full-time students able to complete the program in one year.
Because the CIS modules are conducted in an intensive format, students may not enroll in both CIS modules and regular semestral courses simultaneously. Participants may begin with either component and complete the remaining requirements in accordance with their formation plan.
- CIS Formation Modules (Modules 1–4): Students must first complete these foundational modules at the Center for Ignatian Spirituality according to the Center’s specific schedule and fees.
- Crediting via LST: To earn official credit toward the Diploma, students must subsequently enroll these completed modules at the Loyola School of Theology and settle the corresponding LST fees. Academic performance is evaluated through reflection papers, book reports, and other assigned coursework, with final marks released at the end of the semester.
- LST Semestral Courses: The remaining components of the program are taken directly at LST as regular semestral courses during a separate academic period.
Formation Modules (Center for Ignatian Spirituality)
TMP 258.03 Foundations of Ignatian Retreat-Giving and Spiritual Direction (Module 1)
TMP 258.04 Fundamentals of Ignatian Retreat-Giving and Spiritual Direction (Module 2)
TMP 258.05 Supervised Retreat-Giving Experience (Module 3)
TMP 258.06 Giving the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (Module 4)
Academic Courses (Loyola School of Theology)
Spirituality
- TMP 256 Ignatian Spirituality
- TMP 256.05 Discernment and Spiritual Direction
Systematic Theology
- TMP 204 Christology or TMP 221.15 Theological Anthropology: Sin and Grace
Biblical Theology
- TMP 212.20 Synoptic Gospels
- TMP 212.40 Pauline Literature or TMP 212.30 Johannine Literature
Psychology
- TMP 267 Pastoral Psychology and Counseling
Download Course Descriptions here.
Formation Components
The program emphasizes holistic formation through:
- Academic study and formation
- Personal prayer and reflection
- Spiritual accompaniment
- Directed retreat experience
- Supervised retreat-giving practicum
- Integration seminars and written theological reflection
Participants are expected to engage actively in spiritual, academic, and pastoral formation.
Who Should Apply?
The program is intended for:
- Priests, religious, and lay seminary formators
- Prospective retreat facilitators and spiritual directors
- Campus and youth ministers
- Teachers and parish servant-leaders
- Individuals seeking deeper formation in Ignatian spirituality
REQUIREMENTS / PREREQUISITES
No prior philosophy or theology courses are required. Applicants must possess sufficient proficiency in English to participate in academic coursework and formation activities.
Certificate Awarded
Students who successfully complete all academic and formation requirements will be awarded the Diploma in Ignatian Retreat-Directing by the Loyola School of Theology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a degree program?
No. The Diploma in Ignatian Retreat-Directing is a non-degree academic and formation program.
May I begin with the CIS modules?
Yes. Students may begin with either the CIS modules or the LST academic courses, subject to scheduling and program requirements.
Are CIS modules credited toward the Diploma?
Yes. CIS modules form an integral part of the Diploma and are credited upon fulfillment of the corresponding LST academic requirements.
Can the Diploma be completed part-time?
The program offers flexibility in sequencing courses and modules, subject to program regulations and course availability.
How to Apply
Step 1
Complete the LST Student Online Application Receiver (SOAR) and upload all requirements: https://forms.lst.edu/forms/a002/
Step 2
Wait for admission and enrollment instructions from LST’s Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Step 3
Coordinate registration for the CIS formation modules directly with the Center for Ignatian Spirituality.
Contact Information
-
Loyola School of Theology
Ateneo de Manila University CampusQuezon City, PhilippinesTel: +63 8426-6430 to 35Email: vpacademic@lst.edu & avpaa@lst.eduWebsite: https://lst.edu -
Center for Ignatian Spirituality – Philippines
Ground Floor, RMT-CEFAM BuildingAteneo de Manila University CampusPhone: +63 8426-4250Mobile: +63 917-852-2755Email: cisphilippines@cisphil.orgWebsite: https://cisphil.phjesuits.org