Welcome to the Participants of the Ignatian Immersion Course in Spanish

The Cave of Saint Ignatius welcomes the participants of the First Ignatian Immersion Course in Spanish, who are coming from Colombia, Portugal, Ecuador, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Italy, Paraguay, Spain, Brazil, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Lebanon.

During 5 weeks, 15 women and 15 men- lay, religious sisters, Jesuits and a diocesan priest- will share and will deepen Ignatian spirituality through study, reflection, prayer, liturgy, pilgrimage and visits to relevant places. And they will do so, immersed in the cave in Manresa where Ignatius of Loyola experienced a profound and transforming encounter with God.

http://www.covamanresa.cat/docs/immersio_ignasiana_castella.pdf

Bienvenida a los participantes del 1er Curso de Inmersión Ignaciana en castellano

La Cova de Sant Ignasi da la bienvenida a los participantes del primer Curso de Inmersión Ignaciana en castellano, procedentes de Colombia, Portugal, Ecuador, Bolivia, República Dominicana, Italia, Paraguay, España, Brasil, Francia, Méjico, Puerto Rico, y Líbano.

Durante 5 semanas, 15 mujeres y 15 hombres- laicas, y laicos, jesuitas, religiosas y un sacerdote diocesano- compartirán y profundizarán la espiritualidad ignaciana a través del estudio, reflexión, oración, liturgia, peregrinaje y visitas a lugares significativos. Todo ello, inmersos en la cueva de Manresa donde Ignacio de Loyola vivió un profundo y transformador encuentro con Dios.

http://www.covamanresa.cat/docs/immersio_ignasiana_castella.pdf

Immersed in Love

An article by Camille Devaney, from Chicago, a "companion on the journey" in our last 2013 Ignatian Immersion Course. She is an active member of Ignatian Volunteer Corps and her reflections on her experience have been published at their blog: http://www.ivcusa.org/chicago_blog/immersed-in-love/

Immersed in Love

How to describe this experience..?

The brochure on the Immersion course was quite clear: a) learn more about the man Ignatius; b) have a guided 8-day retreat; c) walk some of the streets/paths he walked; d) experience the cave at Manresa, the river, the holy mountain, the chapel of conversion; e) read and try to comprehend some very “heady” material presented by very passionate and talented writers. All this at a fairly reasonable, all-inclusive cost of approximately $53 per day. The above is all true but does not begin to capture the lived reality of the immersion experience.

What happened for me and the members of our pilgrim group was an experience of profound grace. It was now me walking the walk, climbing the mountain, savoring the sounds and tastes, breaking bread as an inclusive family, and experiencing moments of unconditional love. Am I being too dramatic or flamboyant in my description? Maybe, but how does one explain 35 total strangers from 14 different countries—ordained, lay and religious men and women—becoming not only friends but truly becoming a community and companions on a journey?

I was awed by the hospitality we received at the Jesuit communities in Manresa, Loyola, Javier: At each place we stayed, the men greeted us warmly and extended their homes to us freely, saying “Welcome, our home is your home.” Our personal guide, a Jesuit responsible for 35 individuals, did everything humanly possible to support us and make us feel loved and accepted. Every day, our guide was at the service of everyone in this way.

Blessings Received

This experience was marked by many moments of grace. Walking the camino (road) from Monserrat to Manresa, my companions and I sometimes spoke, sometimes walked in silence in private prayer. At one point, we talked about the friendship of Ignatius and Peter Faber, Ignatius’ first companion, who once walked this same road together. Ignatius and Faber were focused on their mission to save souls (through the teaching of the Exercises), but because they were always on foot, they also had the blessed opportunity to commune with nature and with one another. These men, like us, were pilgrims on a journey, “finding God in all things and all things in God.”

There were many graces in community. Each day a name from our group was picked and posted in the chapel and dining room as this person’s day and country to be prayed for. Amazingly, my day happened to be in the middle of our silent retreat, on a day when my heart was aching because I wanted to be home for my granddaughter’s First Holy Communion but I was on pilgrimage and wanted this as well. This was confirmation to me and provided a deep consolation that I was where God wanted me.

If you are in IVC we all know the Suscipe (“Take, Lord, and receive all I have and possess…”). During this immersion experience, through our talks, lectures, and prayer times, I understood much more deeply how the Father, through the Son, has given All to us so that, in the words of Scripture, His love is fulfilled in us and us in Him. Such experiences and understandings are difficult to put into words.

Returning Home

Besides missing my family and friends while I was away, I also really missed my resident-friends at Pavilion and Bayside nursing homes, where I serve with IVC. When I returned to Bayside for the first time last week for a surprise visit, I was hugged and kissed by so many people. They surrounded me saying “Where were you?” and “We are glad you came back!” Right there, I was in the presence of the Divine. I joined the Bayside community for Mass that day and our celebrant Fr. Jake’s words made me know again this is where I belong this is where I find God.

One day, in leading a session on Ignatius’ Contemplation to Attain Divine Love, Cecil Azzopardi, SJ, our retreat master, said that to know and experience the love Ignatius speaks about only happens when we are in Service to another. We can do service for many reasons—guilt, obedience, to feel good, etc.—none of which are bad. But True Love in only manifest in Loving Service which sees and experiences the Other as God/Love. This Ignatian immersion experience has returned me back home, to my family and friends, to the IVC, with more love to give and receive.

I invite you to come, taste and see this experience. Information on this course can be found at www.covamanresa.cat.

Thank you Camille!

A New Beginning

An article from Claire Bangasser, a "companion on the journey" from our last 2013 Ignatian Immersion Course. Published in her blog: http://acatholicwomansplace.blogspot.com.es :

A New Beginning

"Paul and I are just back from six weeks in Manresa, Spain, where we were invited to go deeper into Ignatius' autobiography and spiritual diaries, the sources of his Spiritual Exercises and how they developed over his lifetime; some of his letters; the origins and foundation of the Society of Jesus; its first Companions; its voluminous archives (Monumenta); its Constitutions; and, finally, Ignatian spirituality for today. Add to this daily morning prayers and evening masses, an eight-day silent retreat the second week, and a walking tour of Manresa where Ignatius lived nine months in 1522-23 (there he prayed, fasted, worked, meditated, had visions, and fell sick...), and trips to Montserrat, Loyola, Javier, and Barcelona.

We were thirty-five participants from fourteen different countries (with large contingents from India, the Philippines, Australia, and the U.S.). Our youngest member turned 32 during the Course and the older participant was 76. A majority of men and Jesuits, some religious sisters, a few laypeople and just one couple, Paul and me.

The Course was made of seven modules, the second one being the silent retreat, with one transition day in-between each. Those days were meant to help us process all that had been given to us (e.g. the medieval origins of the Autobiography, connecting the Spiritual Exercises with mysteries in our faith; the personalities of Ignatius' first companions; the importance of Juan de Polanco in the creation of the Society of Jesus, his importance as well in the writing of the Constitutions and Ignatius' very unique style of participative management. Finally, the new cosmic theology and new ways of looking at Jesus' teachings (e.g. table fellowship, inclusiveness and openness to sinners and marginalized folks).

Our lecturers are all University teachers, whether at the University of Barcelona, Javier Melloni SJ (a scholar and writer of many books, involved in inter-denominational dialogues); Jose García de Castro, from Comillas University in Madrid, with an insatiable love for archives and books, able to pass on his passion for old papers and the first Jesuits; Carlos Coupeau, SJ, from both Boston U. and the Gregorian University in Rome, who helped us understand the composition and intent of the Constitutions; and finally George Pattery SJ, from Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth in Pune, India, who introduced us to a cosmic vision of the Spiritual Exercises, bringing together Ignatius’s cosmic experience on the banks of the river Cardoner with Teilhard de Chardin’s very own understanding.

This time out-of-time was made possible thanks to the support and care of Josep Sugranyes SJ, the Director of the Course, Joachi Salord SJ a wonderful patient and ever smiling shepherd to us all, and Asun Puche, the Course’s feminine smile and intelligent presence.

Dear to everyone of us, as well,  were the women in the kitchen who fixed three meals a day and two snacks, making sure we could sustain those brains of ours so heavily taxed at times. Teams of us worked along them, clearing and setting tables, and drying dishes. Our Spanish improved at their side; we even caught a couple of Catalan words.

I come back with my head filled with images of young noble men giving up their wealth and station in life to walk thousands of miles across Europe, begging on the way, their hearts filled with love for Godde and her creation. Finding Godde in all things...

I think of the many women who helped Ignatius all throughout his life, the very first persons who were guided by him through his Spiritual Exercises, those who cared for him when he was on death’s doorsteps, who paid for his studies and his many journeys, many of these women asking him to become a Jesuit themselves.

My heart is filled with the graces of many moments, looking out to the mountains of Montserrat, inspired with a Spirit of openness, adventure, and longing. I catch myself humming songs sung every day or for special moments. I remember holding Ignatius’ begging bowl...

We drove home with boxes of books to read and a list of more to buy, papers and lectures to process and digest, a longing for prayer, quiet times, long walks, and notes to write.

Many times in Manresa I wondered what I had done to deserve such a blessing and grace to be there in the very place where he had prayed, met Mary and Jesus or understood the Trinity. I hope to share some insights received here, because I cannot stand the idea of keeping all this to myself.

Blessings and joy."

Thank you Claire! And Paul!

2014 Ignatian Immersion Course (4th Year, English)

We are pleased to announce that registrations for the next Ignatian Immersion Course (English) are now open.

Dates for the Course are: 27^th April to 7^th June 2014.

 Application forms may be requested from: ignatiancourse@covamanresa.cat

Full leaflet can be found at :http://www.covamanresa.cat/docs/ignatian_immersion_course.pdf

Curso de Inmersión Ignaciana en castellano (3 Noviembre-14 Diciembre 2013)

Después de tres ediciones del curso en inglés, se inicia el próximo mes de noviembre, en la Cueva de San Ignacio en Manresa, el primer Curso de Inmersión Ignaciana en castellano.

Se puede consultar el tríptico en: http://www.covamanresa.cat/docs/immersio_ignasiana_castella.pdf

Para mayor información y para solicitar plaza escribir un email a Carles Marcet sj, Coordinador: cmarcet@jesuites.net

 

Ignatian Immersion Course 2013: A Report from Australia

In April this year, the Australian Province provided Shane Hogan, former Headmaster of Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, with the opportunity to attend a six-week retreat program in Manresa, Spain. This is his report:

In mid April this year, 34 people gathered in Spain for the Third Ignatian Immersion Course offered by the Centre of Spirituality in Manresa. Attending the course were people from 15 countries across five continents. Twenty of the participants were from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The group was very diverse. It included lay people, religious sisters, people of different Christian denominations and a very varied group of Jesuits: some former Provincials, some current Masters of Novices, theologians, and pastors. 

And while we were indeed a varied group, we were all part of the worldwide Ignatian family. 

‘Companions on a Journey’, apart from being sung often, was a most appropriate description of the experiences we shared at Manresa - the very same place where Ignatius had such intimate and life-changing interactions with God, Jesus, Mary and the ordinary people of his time. At Manresa we, too, had the opportunity to grow and deepen our faith, and to come to know and understand Ignatius the saint and the man who has left such a significant impact on the world for more than four centuries. 

The six-week Ignatian Immersion Course was presented by the team from The Centre of Spirituality at the “Cave of Saint Ignatius (Manresa)”, along with an outstanding team of scholars from universities in Rome, Madrid, Catalonia and India.

We began the course with a study of the spiritual experiences of Ignatius himself – experiences recorded in his Autobiography and his Spiritual Diary. We then reflected on our own spiritual experiences as we undertook an 8-day guided silent retreat.  We also studied the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus and reflected on how Ignatian Spirituality can and does inspire people today.

For six weeks we followed the journey of Ignatius the pilgrim from Loyola to Montserrat, and then spent time finding the places in Manresa that were so significant in his formation, in his writings and in his life – places that are still important to people today.

As a participant on this course, the opportunity to live, breath and deepen my spiritual connections with the Ignatian story, in such a mystical place, was pure magic. Having worked alongside some very inspiring Jesuits for the past 33 years, it was wonderful to have the time to study, and to discuss in depth, the origins of the Society and the significant men, apart from Ignatius, who founded the Society.

It was exciting to spend time studying the early documents of the Society - documents that have served the Society so well for so long. It was also a privilege to read the letters of Ignatius that are so rich in history and the every day issues the first Jesuits faced in the early years of the Society.

I was also inspired by my three colleagues Larry, Jen and Stephanie, who work with the Australian Centres of Ignatian Spirituality which provide opportunities for people to participate in retreats and the Spiritual Exercises with trained spiritual directors. Our time together was a most memorable experience and we will certainly be Companions on a Journey for the rest of our days!

A team from the Australian Province has participated at each of the previous two Ignatian Immersion Course offered by the Centre of Spirituality in Manresa, Spain. The work being done by the Province, through its Centres of Ignatian Spirituality, providing retreats and the Spiritual Exercises to a wide range of people across Australia, is quite outstanding. 

To live with people from all over the world for six weeks could be, and was, a unique experience in itself. However, to share this wonderful Immersion with so many people from so many different contexts, but with a similar ethos and mission, will certainly enhance our lives and our ability to enhance the lives of others, forever.

Thank you to the team from La Cova, Manresa and the Australian Province for allowing each of us, and myself in particular, the opportunity to have such a remarkable Immersion.

Shane Hogan

Shane Hogan.  Jennifer Sanders.  Stephanie Brabin.  Larry Cox.

Holy ground

Video produced by George Ponodath, SJ, from India, during his participation at the Ignatian Immersion Course 2013, Cova Sant Ignasi.

Ignatian Immersion Course 2013: Overall Impressions from Participants

The Third edition of the Ignatian Immersion Course at la Cova Sant Ignasi in Manresa has concluded. Thirty-four participants from the five continents formed during these six weeks a temporal, plural and mixed community of Jesuits (17), religious women (6) and lay men and women (11). The course has a sapiential approach more than an academic focus and it includes a guided 8-day Ignatian retreat and pilgrimages to relevant Ignatian sites, such as Montserrat, Loyola and Javier. The course is grounded in the Cave, the holy place where St. Ignatius experienced his profound inner transformation by the Lord’s grace whom he wanted “in all things to love and to serve”.  

We thank the participants- “companions on the journey”- for sharing with us their resonances and impressions of the course and their experience. We thank them also for their comments on how to keep improving the overall and concrete aspects of their stay with us.

We let themselves express through the written testimonies that we have received. 

Our gratitude to each and all of them,

Ignatian Course Team

* * * * *

“This whole Immersion has been a life changing gift that I know will continue to be a grace as I return home and to my ministry. Each week was an unfolding of treasure and I am so grateful for each of our lecturers. I go back to my country with a deepened appreciation of Ignatius, the Spiritual Exercises and all of you, and much gratitude”.

* * * * *

“Overall, the course was excellent! Well organized, good in infrastructure, excellent “being looked after”, instructors who truly command their subject and who communicate their personal enthusiasm for it, very inclusive and multicultural liturgy, a deep underlying current of spirituality,…This course was superb!”

* * * * *

“… and now I go back to the world with new eyes”

* * * * *

“My deepest gratitude to you all for your welcoming presence, generosity, love, care and passion for this sacred place which you have passed on to me”.

* * * * *

“Discovered new aspects of self, renew a sense of joy, deeper love for the Jesuits, the Church and humanity. I have a better sense-knowledge of Ignatius and a more intimate sense of God’s invitation. I love, treasure this time and I’m profoundly grateful to you all”.

* * * * *

 “I am very grateful o the community of Manresa, Loyola, Javier for your hospitality and generosity. “Ignatian Immersion Course”, the name has proved its worth and value. The whole experience has been going deeper and deeper, into the depth of God. I am inspired and challenged to live by what I have experienced here. Each of you, especially the organizing team of the course, so generous, thoughtful, sense of humor, simplicity, humility- very exemplary. Well done! Keep it up! Do even better!”.

* * * * *

 “This 6 week Immersion course has met my desires, further immersing me in the Ignatian charism. This experience has put flesh onto many aspects for me, especially spiritually and knowledge/grounding of the foundations. My ministry within the “Companions in the Ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises” has definitely been enriched, and this will enable my involvement with retreatants to be enhanced”.

* * * * *

We interacted with one another and I was enriched because of the diversity of our cultures, thoughts, aspirations,… It helped to see myself differently.

* * * * *

I found this place a Holy Place; a place of Encounter with God in a very unique way. It is a rediscovery of my roots as a Jesuit, it has offered a re-igniting of the light of my spirituality and I feel greatly enabled to face whatever mission that will be entrusted to me. The lecturers were not only masters in their areas but people who live out, who embody the charism they teach. The “community” worked out well bringing many nations together.”

* * * * *

 “It was a very good experience and what I learned from the time of novitiate became alive to me. I have journeyed with St Ignatius in his spiritual pilgrimage. The pilgrimages to Montserrat, Loyola, Javier, etc, was an excellent and enriching experience,…- not getting words to express it. With regard to the input given by the lecturers, they were very good and I was able to get new insights and interpretations of Ignatian spirituality. All of them tried their best to take us to the Core of the Ignatian spirituality”. 

* * * * *

 “Some experiences happen in your life at the right time and the right place. This was one”.

* * * * *

 “A well thought of and well crafted Immersion program. It has its own richness and uniqueness all of its own, treasures of the presence of historical spots meaningful to the life of St Ignatius, like the Cave and the Cardoner River, and the accessibility to Montserrat, Loyola, Javier, Barcelona,... The Immersion staff and lectures brought life and light to our life. We have experienced richness and greater freedom”.

* * * * *

 “The whole experience was most helpful. The lecturers were very knowledgeable and skilful in delivering the lectures. They journey with us. They were passionate.  I could go to the Cave at any time to pray. The gardens are also beautiful and conducive for reflection and prayer”.

* * * * *

 “I never imagined the intensity, the depth and the vast horizon of this Course”.

* * * * *

 “The Autobiography, the Spiritual Journal, the Spiritual Exercises, the Constitutions,…  the study of each one took me deeper. But it was the gift of the people (the professors) who shared their experiential knowledge that made my stay in Manresa an “Experience”.

 * * * * *

 “I am grateful and have had the privilege to be here in the holy place of St. Ignatius. All the programs run very well and helped me to go deeper and moving forward in the way of St. Ignatius in the Society of Jesus. It is a moment full of grace in preparing my final vows. It has enlightened and kindled my heart with the fire of Ignatian charism. (…) Manresa has given me an openness and inner freedom in my heart”.

* * * * *

 “To be at the Cardoner River and strive to have Ignatius touch my life more deeply. (…) Our participants became “Friends in the Lord”.

* * * * *

 “Everything was helpful. Loved my experience here and would recommend to other lay/ecumenical friends in Ignatian spirituality”.

* * * * *

 “It was a graced time; the physical space, the holy space, was the major source of joyful response. I liked the group, its geographic and ethnic diversity and natural friendliness”.

                                                                   * * * * *

Ignatius in Montserrat

He hung up his sword and his dagger in the church… 

He took off his own costly garments and he then put on the pilgrim's dress…

Colgó la espada y el puñal en el altar…

Se despojó de sus vestidos y se vistió de peregrino…

IIC Pilgrimage to Montserrat

As part of their "immersion" experience, the IIC particpants went on a pilgrimage to Montserrat.

This was the transition day between the Autobiography and the Spiritual Diary.

After celebrating mass, all climbed up the mountain- by funicular or on foot.

There was a prayer in a cave that used to be an old hermitage.

Also picnic lunch, sharing, and contemplative moments.

Los participantes del Curso de Inmersión Ignaciana fueron de peregrinaje a Montserrat.
Misa, subida a las ermitas, oración, picnic, compartir, y momentos de contemplación, en el día de transición entre la Autobiografía y el Diario Espiritual de Ignacio de Loyola.

Multi-Generational and International Ignatian Encounter / Encuentro Multi-Generacional e Internacional

Last week-end the "Multi-Generational Retreat" took place in la Cova Sant Ignasi.
It is an Ignatian oriented retreat addressed to families with children. There were near 50 participants, 23 of which were young children from 12 to 4 years old.
Some of the children interacted casually with the Ignatian Immersion participants, showing a good level of English!

Eda from the Philippines offered beautiful rosaries to the young girls who showed themselves very grateful!.

Los niños del "Retiro multi-generacional"- un fín de semana ignaciano para familias- conversaron con algunos participantes extranjeros del curso de Immersión Ignaciana.
Eda, les regaló unas pulseras rosarios que había traído de Filipinas.
Encuentros ignacianos multi-generacionales e internacionales!

Contemplative Prayer

The Cova offers a new large space for contemplative quiet prayer.
As part of the important work of restoration that is being undertaken at the Spiritual Center, the new 4th floor has been designed for contemplative practices.
On the week-end of 19-21th April it was inaugurated by a group of near 30 retreatants.

                        

Contemplative prayer hall

                     

Ignatian Immersion Course (IIC 2013)

The thrird edition of the Ignatian Immersion Course has started!
We welcome our 34 particpants coming from the five continents, speaking 20 different mother tongues, and having English as common language.

The opnening session was presided by Father Provintial on Sunday, April 21.
The participants are already "immersed" in the Cave of Manresa where they will be sharing lectures, reflections, prayers, visits to relevant places... And all that, in the same place where Ignatius of Loyola experienced a profound inner transformation, the fruits of which are still flourishing today.

Opening Session

Praying in the caves

New Blog!

We are pleased to start our blog "From Cova Manresa" and we hope that it will be a good way to stay in touch with all our friends around the world.
To update you with the activities from The International Spiritual Center Cova de Sant Ignasi in Manresa, Spain. To keep in touch with you.

Welcome to our blog!