Ignatian Pilgrimage

Short Program Description:

The College of the Holy Cross offers a ten-day pilgrimage to Spain and Rome every spring (May-June). The pilgrimage provides an opportunity for religiously diverse faculty to share a lived experience of early Jesuit history and Ignatian thought. It enriches their understanding of the College’s Jesuit mission and helps them think about ways to engage it. Participants attend a series of pre-departure seminars that examine the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits, and Jesuit education.

Program Goals/Intended Outcomes:

1. Introduce participants to significant places and moments in St. Ignatius’ life.
2. Foster a deeper appreciation for the Society of Jesus’ history.
3. Enrich participants’ understanding of Ignatian spirituality.
4. Help participants see their work in continuity with St. Ignatius and Jesuit education.

How long does it take to complete the program?: Multiple days

Total Program Length: Ten days

Key University/Other Partners: The pilgrimage is co-facilitated by the Director of the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture and the Associate Vice President for Mission and Ministry.

Funding Source(s): An endowed fund

Stipends Paid or Other Participant Benefits: Release Time, Travel Expenses Paid

Lessons Learned:

Four open-ended questions are used to assess the program. A unanimous high point of the experience is centered on the opportunity to build community with colleagues through shared meals and other social moments. Participants are often joined by colleagues from other AJCU schools, which deepens the sense of community beyond Holy Cross. Participants enjoy reading St. Ignatius’ autobiography, learning about the Spiritual Exercises, and completing readings on Jesuits and higher education prior to departure. It is particularly meaningful to then visit the places that they learned about during the pre-departure seminar.