Advanced Training for Accompanying Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

Accompanying Ignatian Spiritual Exercises is a demanding and responsible ministry that calls for careful preparation. It requires theological, communicative, psychological, and spiritual competence as well as a thorough familiarity with St. Ignatius’ book of Spiritual Exercises.

This programme is intentionally designed as an advanced course. Applicants are expected to have prior training in spiritual direction and several years of practical experience, personal experiences with the dynamic of the full Ignatian exercises, and a sound understanding of the content and meaning of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s book of Spiritual Exercises.

The purpose of the course is to prepare participants to competently guide eight-day individual Ignatian retreats — whether as residential retreats under annotation 20 or as retreats in everyday life under annotation 19 of the Spiritual Exercises — in accordance with the standards of the German Bishops’ Conference.

The course is taught in English. Both active and passive command of English is therefore required. When candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to those under 50 years of age.

The programme is open without denominational restrictions to women and men and others — pastors, religious, and lay persons — whether employed full time or serving as volunteers. The training is promoted in several European countries.

The training consists of four in-person training units (Monday to Friday), one internship accompanying an eight-day retreat, a second internship accompanying Spiritual Exercises according to annotation 19. Between each course unit, participants are required to organise at least one online small-group meeting for peer supervision.

Successful completion of the course will be confirmed by a certificate.

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