Ministerio Hispano Ignaciano Holds Three Retreats in Early April
by Zandra Schiemann
St. Ignatius Loyola and Ignatian Spirituality Ignatian Retreat at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Brooklyn, NY
On Saturday, April 5, more than 70 leaders from various ministries gathered at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, convened by the pastor, Fr. Rafael Pérez, with the aim of delving into Ignatian Spirituality.
Convened by the pastor, Fr. Rafael Pérez, the community came together with the purpose of learning more about Ignatian Spirituality.
The day was led by Zandra Schiemann, from the Office of Ignatian Spirituality, with valuable support from Alicia Ángeles and Rosmery Madera, coordinators of the Ignatian Hispanic Communities at St. Aedan Parish, NJ, and St. Anthony Parish in Long Island, NY.
During the retreat, participants learned about the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the key characteristics of Ignatian Spirituality. They also experienced moments of prayer and silence, concluding the day with a guided Contemplation and the Daily Examen of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Where do you want to take me, Lord?
Pilgrim's Spiritual Exercises Retreat and Companions Retreat via Zoom
Office of Ignatian Spirituality and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality, Casa Kino
Also on April 5, 53 people, including participants and their prayer companions, participated in a virtual retreat via Zoom led by Fr. Andrés Hernández, SJ, from Bogotá, Colombia.
Fr. Andrés, a lawyer and director of the San Francisco Javier Pastoral Center at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, was responsible for designing the material for the Pilgrim’s Spiritual Exercises, a program of the Hispanic Ignatian Ministry in collaboration with the Casa Kino Center for Ignatian Spirituality.
The purpose of the gathering was to provide a space for prayer and reflection on following Jesus in the Second Week of the Exercises. Participants were introduced to this experience with the short film “Cocodrilo” ,which invited us to remember where we belong, the love that sustains us, and the love we cannot deny, no matter how many years pass.
After a moment of silence, the session continued with an introductory prayer accompanied by the song “Tu Modo” by the Chilean singer-songwriter Father Cristóbal Fones, SJ, Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. This song highlighted the many ways of following Jesus, as there are as many "ways of following" as there are people touched by Him.
Next, prayer points were shared, which each participant reflected on in silence.
The session concluded with a colloquy and a dynamic activity where participants wrote, on their footprints, the personal ways they take their steps. The retreat ended with a special blessing for these paths.
Washing Stories, Building Bridges
Day of Ignatian Prayer and Reflection Office of Ignatian Spirituality – St. Ignatius School, Bronx, NY
On Sunday, April 6, 20 families responded to Fr. Vinny Marchionni, SJ’s, invitation to participate in a day of Ignatian Prayer and Reflection at the San Ignacio School Library in the Bronx.
The goal of the gathering was to provide a space for reflecting on how the resurrection of Lazarus and his family's faith can inspire us to strengthen family relationships and heal the wounds that affect the heart of the family.
The day began with a prayer session guided by Zandra Schiemann and Fr. Jack Fagan, SJ, both from the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. Following a time for reflection, the main activity involved a symbolic exercise where families "washed away" the stains they carried from the past.
Subsequently, each family built their own bridge, founded on core values such as love, patience, and faith. These values help connect hearts, overcome obstacles, and open pathways to draw closer to God.
At the conclusion of the activities, Fr. Vinny presided over the Eucharist, which was followed by a communal lunch. Finally, with the help of a group of volunteers, food baskets and soaps were distributed to all participating families.
