Forming Givers of the Spiritual Exercises
The Arrupe Program is the Australian Jesuits’ national formation pathway for those called to accompany others through the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius and to serve as spiritual directors in the Ignatian tradition. It is a ministry of the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus, offered in collaboration with Australian Catholic University (ACU).
At its heart, the Arrupe Program is about forming people to accompany others in discerning the movement of God in their lives, and in responding with freedom, generosity, and love.
A Journey of Formation
The program is typically undertaken over two-to-three years, combining study, supervised practice, and ongoing discernment. It integrates academic formation in spiritual direction with an experiential, apprenticeship-style learning process.
Participants are supported to:
- deepen their own experience of the Spiritual Exercises,
- grow in the practice of spiritual direction,
- learn the craft of giving the Exercises in their various forms,
- develop practises of reflection, supervision, and discernment, and
- participate in a national community of givers.
Formation includes weekly gatherings , personal mentoring, individual and group supervision, and practical experience in accompanying others through the Exercises.
A Community of Discernment
The Arrupe Program is a faith learning community where students journey together with experienced formators, Jesuits, and lay companions, supported by a wider network of retreat centres, giving communities, and professional associations.
Called to Accompany
The program is designed for those who:
- have made the full Spiritual Exercises,
- feel drawn to accompany others through their journey through the Exercises,
- wish to undertake or have completed formation in spiritual direction, and
- sense a call to serve the Church and the world through Ignatian spirituality.
For the Service of Mission
Inspired by Pedro Arrupe’s vision of ‘men and women for others’, the Arrupe Program forms people to help others to encounter God, discern wisely, and respond generously in their lives and communities.
Through this work, the Arrupe Program contributes to a growing network of companions across Australia and New Zealand who offer retreats, spiritual direction, leadership formation, and discernment in a wide range of contexts.
Learn more or enquire:
https://arrupe.org.au/
Photo of Pedro Arrupe courtesy of Jesuit.Media | General Curia Communications Office.