Ignatian Formation
Deepening Faith, Exploring Justice, and Living the Mission
At Loyola University Maryland, Ignatian formation is at the heart of our Jesuit, Catholic identity, guiding students, faculty, and staff in their journey of faith, reflection, and service. Through immersive experiences, retreats, and pilgrimages, we invite our community to engage deeply with the Ignatian tradition, fostering personal growth and a commitment to justice. Whether through transformative immersion trips that connect participants with communities in need, reflective retreats that offer space for spiritual renewal, or pilgrimages that explore sacred places, these opportunities provide a path to discernment, compassion, and action. Rooted in cura personalis—care for the whole person—these experiences inspire individuals to seek meaning, serve others, and become agents of change in the world.
Elements of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm
Context/ Encounter
To teach well, teachers need to understand the learner’s environment, background, and potential. Jesuit education focuses on caring for each individual and requires teachers to understand the learner's life experiences. Teachers should know about the learner’s family, friends, peers, and society, as these factors influence their learning.
Experience
To engage learners fully, teachers should help them connect what they already know with new material. Learners should be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, feelings, and values. Teachers guide them to expand their knowledge in a meaningful way.
Reflection
Teachers help learners reflect deeply on what they’ve learned by using their memory, understanding, and feelings. This helps them see the broader meaning and connections of what they are studying and understand its relevance to the search for truth.
Action
Teachers encourage students to turn knowledge into action. They create opportunities for students to use what they've learned to make decisions and take action. While this may not immediately change the world, it should lead to new experiences and reflections.
Evaluation
Traditional tests assess academic knowledge, but Jesuit teaching looks at the whole person. Teachers observe how learners grow in character, generosity, and understanding, not just their mastery of the subject. This includes how they respond to others' needs and their development as compassionate individuals.
Adapted from: Korth, S. J. (2008). Precis of Ignatian pedagogy: A practical approach. In G. W. Traub (Ed.), A Jesuit education reader. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press.
Central Characteristics of Jesuit Spirituality
- See the gift of the universe and wonder
- Embrace your imagination, emotions, and intellect
- Find the divine in all things
- Become a leader in service
- Be aware of personal and social evil
- Know that God's love is more powerful
- Build a more justice and humane world
- Pursue freedom, discernment, and responsible action