January 19, 2024 – by Joe Williams

This story originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of JESUITS magazine, published by the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus.

The Office of Ignatian Spirituality’s Ministerio Hispano Ignaciano (MHI) and its new website, MinisterioHispanoIgnaciano.org, aim to make Ignatian spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius available to those who feel more comfortable speaking in Spanish; offer practical resources to participants not geographically close to Jesuit retreat houses; and, most importantly, form leaders at the community level. 

The programs include an Intro to the Spiritual Exercises (Ejercicios Espirituales de Iniciación), the School of Ignatian Spirituality (Escuela de Espiritualidad Ignaciana), Spiritual Conversation Groups (Grupos de Conversación Espiritual), and Ignatian Communities (Comunidades Hispanas Ignacianas).

“Ultimately, the goal is to form those who can help others develop a relationship with God and get closer to the Exercises,” explains Carlos Aedo, executive director of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality (OIS). “The Spiritual Conversations Groups are a way to share with people the process of having a spiritual conversation. We want people to learn about and enjoy this way of talking about God and their faith, which is very Ignatian. Overall, 99% of our leaders are lay folks. It’s what the Church needs now.”

The Spiritual Conversation Groups (Grupos de Conversación Espiritual) meet monthly for online discussions after reading a chapter of a book. One member facilitates based on methodologies and prayer suggestions presented at previous gatherings. This shared Ignatian spiritual pilgrimage is important to participants.

“Being part of a group helped me understand Ignatian spirituality and learn to really discern in a group setting,” describes Alicia Ángeles from St. Aedan Church in Jersey City, N.J., and a participant in multiple programs. “We learn from each other. Hearing about different views and experiences allows you to see an outside perspective, which opens your mind and heart.”

The Intro to the Spiritual Exercises (Ejercicios Espirituales de Iniciación) offers a virtual first experience of the Exercises. Participants receive weekly accompaniment in Spanish with volunteer lay companions from all over the world who are trained and supervised by Casa Kino, a center for Ignatian Spirituality located in San Diego, California. Partnering with the center has been key, and participants have been grateful for the opportunity.

“I’d heard of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises before, but I didn’t know what it entailed,” says Nathaly Reyes, a current participant from St. Anthony Oceanside in New York. “When I was told that I needed to pray for an hour a day, I thought to myself that I would try to pray for a half hour. To my surprise, I went over the hour! I was shocked. I felt happy, energized, and excited to see what I would feel in the days to come. This is something that I have never experienced before.”

The School of Ignatian Spirituality (a.k.a., the Escuela) goes a little bit deeper. It consists of five in-person sessions throughout the year, along with regular individual check-ins and support available online.

“I am learning so much more about what I always believed is true: acting on good works and caring for our Earth and each other,” says Alicia. “And I am learning to have better conversations with Jesus.”

Sindy Collazo, associate director of Hispanic Ministries for OIS, has witnessed the effect the graces of Ignatian spirituality have had on participants. “Of course, we have the saying ‘finding God in all things.’ But literally, participants in the programs have expanded their vision of where God is and how God works in their lives. These are cradle Catholics, practicing all their lives, and yet this aspect that Christ is with me, side by side, on my journey and I’m helping with His mission is new for them. It’s a treasure for them. It gives me real joy to see this change in them. And it makes me wonder how many more people need to hear this message.” 

In describing the new programing, Zandra Schiemann, program coordinator for Hispanic Ministries at OIS, says, “Sometimes when people start talking about these concepts, it’s like something far away, or beyond them. We have made it simpler, a bridge for people to enter into Ignatian spirituality. Simple steps. They can do it. They can learn.” 

Ministerio Hispano Ignaciano isn’t just introducing Ignatian spirituality to participants but mentoring them as well. 

“My dream is for the program to be sustainable, that the participants will ultimately not depend on us,” continues Zandra. “Our participants don’t necessarily stay in the same place. There are deportations, people get sick, you never know if they are okay or not. But in any place that they are, they can continue this spirituality that we have brought to them.

“Participants like Alicia. She always says, ‘Teach me to be a better person. Teach me how I can speak in public.’” Zandra tears up as she continues, “This is the reality of what our programs are doing. More than just helping someone learn the Exercises or spirituality. It’s to be a better person who is able to share with other people.”

Alicia, in kind, expresses gratitude for what shehas received. “I am thankful for the full support I have. I don’t know what I would do without it. I wanted to make sure I could tell others about these concepts through my experiences. Ignatius said, if the other saints could do it, he could do it better. Well, I figured I better try it for myself, so I could tell others what they were missing out on.”

To learn more about the Escuela,the Spiritual Conversation Groups,and other events offered by Ministerio Hispano Ignaciano and the Office of Ignatian Spirituality’s Hispanic Ministries, visit MinisterioHispanoIgnaciano.org.