“The Spiritual Exercises enable those who make them to search and discern the direction of their lives and their personal present destiny in light of the eternal, and to live out the consequences of their discoveries through the choices and decisions indicated. The Exercises effect an unveiling which causes masks to fall away and which permits persons to discover themselves in deeper truth. Certainly this is a painful truth, but it is the true path to joy, because the truth will make us free.”

— Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus

Ignatian Retreat The Ignatian Retreat, sponsored by the University Chaplain, is a three-day intensive program of prayer and reflection based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The Spiritual Exercises are geared to help you to encounter the Living God and to discern how that same God is inviting you to live out your faith in the concrete details and choices presented to you every day. We are convinced that the Ignatian tradition can be of great service to you in your personal and professional lives and can help shape the culture of the University.

What happens during the retreat? Each morning, a retreat director offers a short presentation on a theme of the Spiritual Exercises and makes suggestions for your prayer. The rest of the day is spent mostly in silence, allowing you to be alone with God in prayer and recollection. Retreatants gather for Eucharist and meet again each evening for common prayer or discussion. A director meets with you individually every day in order to tailor the retreat to your particular needs and faith history.

Who may go on the Ignatian Retreat? The Ignatian Retreat is open to members of the Fordham faculty and administration, professional staff and graduate students. No previous retreat experience is presumed, only a generous heart and a desire to deepen one’s relationship with God.