The third Ignatian Leadership Programme took place in June/July 2024. The Programme was led by the recognised authority on Ignatian leadership, David McCallum SJ, and was held at Campion Hall, the Jesuit postgraduate Hall in the University of Oxford. 12 Jesuits participated, eleven from the European Conference. Those in attendance were Jesuits in their first leadership roles. The purpose of the two-week course was to cultivate the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of Ignatian leadership, drawing on Ignatian spirituality, contemporary leadership studies, and the psychology of human flourishing. In other words, the aim was to form Jesuits for leadership understood as contemplation in action.
The methodology on the course was varied, with the theoretical woven into the experiential and practical, offering a broad and enriching tapestry of learning. Throughout the programme, “seeds” were planted with care, to be nurtured and to grow over time. One participant shared “I am not sure what the fruit will be – I need time”. We therefore acknowledge contemplation continues, beyond the summer school.
A hallmark of the programme is the strong emphasis on discernment as characteristic, not only of Ignatian prayer, but also of Ignatian leadership. The participants commented on and appreciated this singular emphasis as they explored the conceptual self, versus the observing self, versus the experiencing self.
The following key words stood out on the programme: acceptance, freshness and spirit. Participants learned to accept their limitations and gifts, see their roles with fresh eyes, and enliven their spirit forthe magis. Growth in self-awareness and in magnanimity were deeply considered. Participants valued the safe spaces in which they could speak and share freely, sometimes about challenges. One participant said “(I was) able to slow down on the course (with) time to reflect, especially on self”. The programme was led by David MacCallum, who directs the Discerning Leadership Programme at the Curia in Rome, together with Roger Dawson. Other course instructors included John Dardis, Nick Austin, Dierdre Rowe and Austen Ivereigh. Participant feedback was very positive, with a strong recommendation of this programme to other Jesuits. Comments included:
• “Course was an excellent seed – fertile good in this group.”• “It’s helped me to follow Jesus in more discernment and leadership as service.”• “This course was the perfect course at the right time.”• “It deepened my discernment for leadership.”• “Confirmation especially in self-awareness; confident in listening skills. More confidence in dealing in conflict.”• “It gave me hope in a difficult situation. It gave me a path to consolation.”• “This course is a gift – and gave me deeper understanding. It gave me tools, practicalities and cont exp. It’s an invitation to go deeper, of conversion even.”In 2025 we anticipate a further summer school, which will build on the experience and learnings of July 2022, 2023 and 2024.
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