Formation is central to the Society of Jesus’ ability to respond to the changing realities of its mission. As Jesuit ministries increasingly cross provincial, cultural and national boundaries, there is a growing need to prepare Jesuits not only with spiritual depth, but also with the skills to lead, collaborate and discern effectively in complex contexts.

The Ignatian Leadership Programme, hosted annually at Campion Hall in Oxford, contributes to this formation by bringing together Jesuits in formation from different parts of the Society. The fourth edition, held in July 2026, included Jesuits from several European provinces and regions, including a number from the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP), alongside participants from Africa, Asia and North America.

We share below the account from Campion Hall, which offers an insight into how the programme seeks to develop a style of leadership rooted in Ignatian spirituality — leadership understood not primarily as authority, but as discernment, service and availability for Christ’s mission.

Held from 16–30 July, the programme was led by David McCallum SJ, Director of the Discerning Leadership Programme in Rome, Roger Dawson SJ, Superior of the Jesuits in Scotland, and Sarah Broscombe, an executive leadership coach, facilitator and retreat guide specialising in leadership development, discernment, generative listening and team development. The three facilitators are pictured, below. Nick Austin SJ, Master of Campion Hall, contributed to the programme also. Together, the faculty brought expertise in Ignatian spirituality, leadership studies, psychology, coaching and organisational development, offering participants an integrated and highly practical approach to leadership formation. 

The 2026 programme brought together ten Jesuits in formation representing the Ukrainian, Slovenian, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, Canadian, Sri Lankan and African provinces and regions of the Society of Jesus, creating a rich environment for shared learning and international collaboration.

Rather than presenting leadership simply as a set of management techniques, the course invited participants to understand leadership as an expression of contemplation in action - grounded in discernment, generosity and service. Academic input was combined with spiritual reflection, peer coaching, case studies, practical workshops and shared prayer, enabling participants to integrate new insights with their own experience of ministry and community life.

During the summer school fortnight, participants explored themes including self-awareness and inner freedom, discernment, effective communication, conflict transformation, team development, psychological safety, collaborative leadership, strategic thinking and the role of virtues in leadership. Daily prayer, the Examen and spiritual conversation formed the rhythm of the programme, reinforcing the conviction that authentic Ignatian leadership begins with attentive listening to God, to others and to the realities of mission.

A distinctive feature of the programme was its emphasis on experiential learning. Participants gradually assumed responsibility for aspects of community life, prayer and reflection, while engaging in role play, peer coaching and collaborative exercises designed to develop practical leadership skills alongside spiritual maturity. This approach fostered a trusting learning community in which participants were encouraged to reflect honestly on both their gifts and their limitations.

Participant feedback demonstrated the programme's significant formative impact. Many described growing in self-awareness, confidence and interior freedom, while developing a deeper understanding of leadership as service rooted in Christ's mission rather than authority or status. Participants consistently highlighted the practical value of the programme, particularly its emphasis on attentive listening, discernment, constructive feedback, team building and creating psychologically safe communities. Several remarked that they would return to their apostolates with renewed confidence, a stronger sense of purpose and practical tools they could immediately apply in ministry and leadership.

The programme also fostered a strong sense of fraternity among participants. Living, praying and learning together at Campion Hall created opportunities for conversations that extended beyond the classroom, strengthening relationships across provinces and encouraging mutual support for future leadership within the Society of Jesus.

The Ignatian Leadership Programme continues to build on the success of previous years, equipping Jesuits in formation with the attitudes, skills and self-knowledge needed to exercise leadership in an increasingly complex world. 

As participants return to ministries across Europe, Africa and Asia, they do so not simply with new leadership techniques, but with a deeper understanding of leadership as a vocation of discernment, collaboration and service at the heart of the Society of Jesus' mission.