Spirit-led days: MI-ISF Visioning and Planning

On 19 - 21 July 2023, a simple yet profound gathering of minds and hearts took place at the Alingal Hall - University Residence Halls (URH) Complex as part of the Mission Integration (MI)- Ignatian Spirituality Formation (ISF) Visioning & Planning. During the three-day event, the different leaders of the MI-ISF sub-cluster, namely the Office of the Assistant Vice President for ISF, the Campus Ministry Coordinators, Directors & Chaplains of the Basic Education and Higher Education, the Residence Formation Administrator, the Director of Mission & Identity, and the Rector of the Church of the Gesu,  came together to reflect and dialogue on how we envision MI as a cluster for the Ateneo community and ISF’s role in it together with its priorities as a nearly one-year-old cluster. We were graced by the presence on Day 1 of Rizalino Rivera, the Vice-President for Mission Integration.

As a prelude to this Visioning, we held a sharing of our vocation stories on 7 July at Faber Hall 302 to retrace how we were led to this Ignatian formation work. 

Where has God been at work? Where is the Spirit leading us in this new school year?

Spiritual conversation was at the core of the proceedings, employing personal reflections, active listening, and intentional speaking anchored in prayer. It provided a safe and nurturing space to remember and open up our personal stories and the stories of our respective offices’ journeys and ministries.  Pondering in moments of silence, engaging in honest conversation both in small groups and in plenary as well as the casual talks and laughter during meals deepened friendship, affirmed our shared Ignatian mission and comforted us knowing that we are not alone, and more so, that it is indeed the Spirit that leads, works and sustains.

These, together with each day’s celebration of the Holy Eucharist by our Jesuit Chaplains, fostered a communion of hearts and minds discerning how the spirit of Christ has been actively present in the group and the larger Ateneo community, in our proceedings, and also in embracing and nuancing directions given today’s context. 

One of the participants said, “I am grateful that there has been respect and recognition… That there are things that cannot be rushed. That ‘how to achieve’ is as important as ‘the desire.’  Otherwise, there will be more time wasted, more cost spent, more pain felt, and a tendency to redo things.” Another one expressed and recognized the greater value of praying together.  This reinforces the truth that while spirituality is grace, it is also the work and response of each one.

Witnessing these Spirit-led days, we move forward hopeful, grateful, and inspired for Ateneo’s mission. AMDG.