Three institutions joined forces to host a conference that attracted nearly 800 participants from over 30 countries worldwide. The International Conference on Ignatian Spirituality, Pedagogy, and Leadership (ICIS) was proudly presented by the Loyola School of Theology (LST), in collaboration with the Center for Ignatian Spirituality, Philippines (CIS), and the Ateneo de Manila Gokongwei Brothers School of Education & Learning Design (GBSEALD).
Over the course of three enriching days, attendees were immersed in a profound exploration of Ignatian Spirituality, gaining deeper understanding and appreciation. The conference also offered engaging discussions and 20 interactive workshops on the evolving dimensions of Ignatian Pedagogy and Ignatian Leadership. The carefully crafted program highlighted the intrinsic interconnectedness of these three pillars, aiming to inspire participants “to live out Ignatian spirituality in the context of their communities and organisations, promoting a spirit-inflamed approach to leadership and education.”
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers who brought their expertise and passion to the themes of Ignatian Spirituality, Pedagogy, and Leadership. Three Jesuit priests, Fr. Ramon Bautista, SJ, Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, SJ, and Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ, delivered inspiring keynote addresses that explored the depths of Ignatian Spirituality. In a similar vein, Fr. Johnny Go, SJ and Ms. Ma. Rita Atienza from GBSEALD shared their insights on Ignatian Pedagogy, while Fr. Karel San Juan offered his perspectives on Ignatian Leadership, inspiring participants to reimagine their own views of and approaches to leadership
The conference has been an enriching experience for everyone, leading to new insights and awareness for many. As CIS Associate Gigi Tobias aptly put it, “The conference provided me with a deeper understanding and a stronger sense of grounding in the complex realities we face. Crucially, it reinforced my belief that Ignatian spirituality, with its emphasis on prayer, contemplation, and openness to God, offers a powerful framework for navigating these complexities and the uncertainties of the future. I feel more hopeful about what lies ahead, more confident that these principles will aid me in my personal life, relationships, ministry, and engagement with the wider world. Coming so soon after Pope Francis’ passing, the conference also highlighted for me his life as a compelling example of living with joy and hope through Ignatian spirituality and leadership.”
Rhea Gaddi from Magis Deo Community found certain keynote addresses “very insightful and provocative,” adding that Fr. Johnny Go’s “urgency and agency matrix was the push I needed to realise and remember that I am accountable for the change I want to see in the country, starting with small steps with my family and community.”
Ateneo De Zamboanga University’s Director for Formation, Honey Rod Alfaro, who has been affiliated with the Jesuit institution for over 20 years, described the conference as “a refreshing experience,” particularly the series of keynote speakers as “rejuvenating, akin to a refreshing dip in cool water during a scorching summer.” As a former novice of Fr. Mon Bautista, listening to him “evoked cherished memories from my time at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, where I began to explore my relationship with myself and with God.” Honey Rod further said that “the affirming words of Fr. Joe Quilongquilong resonated deeply with my current pursuits and heightened my sensitivity to God’s ongoing invitations in my life. The discussions led by Fr. Johnny Go, SJ, served as a reminder of our established processes, encouraging us to find comfort in exploring the depths beneath the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) surface and the globalisation of superficiality (Nicolas, 2010).”
As a young priest currently involved in the formation of seminarians, Fr. PJ Banaybay from the Diocese of Tagum has the following words to share about the conference: “Journeying through the roles of seminary formator, spiritual director, and professor, I have come to realise just how demanding—and yet deeply fulfilling—this vocation can be. Walking with seminarians as they discern their calling and guiding students who hunger to learn has stretched me in many ways. That’s why the conference on Ignatian Spirituality, Pedagogy, and Leadership was such a gift. It offered not just new knowledge, but meaningful insights that I can now carry into my ministry—helping me better accompany young men in prayer and discernment, create classroom spaces that nurture real learning, and ultimately, draw more hearts closer to God.”
Fittingly held during the year LST celebrates its 25th anniversary as an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Theology, this international gathering stood as a true celebration of the enduring gift of Ignatian spirituality—embracing the global Church and the countless institutions and individuals whose lives have been profoundly inspired, enriched, and transformed by its timeless wisdom.
