Manresa Program Faculty and Staff Perspectives

In a dark cave in Manresa, Spain, Ignatius of Loyola was enlightened. Ignatius, "the pilgrim," would pray in the cave for hours each day. And then he experienced a vision- an encounter with God after which all creation acquired a new meaning, and the pilgrim found God in all things.

Loyola and Faber Residential Life Staff with RD Pearse and Father Lito

Loyola and Faber Residential Life Staff with RD Pearse and Father Lito

My great desire is for Manresa Scholars to experience something of what Ignatius of Loyola experienced during his less than a year sojourn in that small Catalan town: a totally transformative experience, the beginning of a new life, a turning point. I want to see the Manresa residential program become a staging point for their lives to be marked by depth of thinking and imagination (intellectual, affective), passionate living (virtuous, disciplined), and always being in love (committed, self-sacrificing).

Fr. Lito Salazar, S.J. 

As a Manresa community member, you not only looked out for one another, but also enriched one another’s lives. An encouraging word, laugh, and positive attitude engaging in our Shared Expectations programming, events, meals, and Mass worked to bind us as reflective people who care. Since day one, I have talked about how the Manresa Program challenges the head (intellect), heart (beliefs), and hands (service), and so I am grateful for all your hard work and transforming spirit. 

Dean Parmach (Manresa Director & Professor of Philosophy)