Dear ,

For centuries, May been dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, a dedication which takes on a special significance this year, with the recent passing of Pope Francis and his desire to be buried at the papal basilica, Saint Mary Major. Francis had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and the icon above, Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman people) where he would often be found praying, especially before and after his Apostolic journeys. 

The Marion icon has held a special place in the life of Jesuits, as it was here, in Saint Mary Major Basilica, that Saint Ignatius of Loyola celebrated his first Christmas Mass in 1538.

As Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, now rests beside the loving gaze of Mary, we give thanks for his life, committing ourselves to continuing his legacy, sowing seeds of hope, love, and compassion, especially to the most vulnerable and marginalized of our world.

What is Discernment? Pope Francis’ Legacy to our Ignatian Ministry

In his General Audiences from August 2022 to January 2023, Pope Francis explored Discernment with us; the process of making sound decisions about the meaning and direction of our lives. In a series of fourteen chapters, he shared his knowledge, insight, and experience and reminded us that discernment is about wisdom of the heart, firm commitment, and unremitting effort. As an exercise of our God-given freedom, spiritual discernment seeks to know our place in the Creator’s plan for ourselves and for our world.

In his last chapter, he suggested “aids that can and must support the discernment process” in particular spiritual accompaniment.

Michael Hansen SJ reflects on Pope Francis’ Discernment Catechesis

Pope Francis has guided us at depth in the process of Ignatian discernment, especially to make good decisions. My reflections are more the small daily discernment of how the spirits are moving in my life. With God’s divine grace, and the Examen, I will surely find the road that is the clearest and happiest and most blessed in this life.

IM25 IGNATIAN EARTHING – NEW DATES

Since sending our invitation to the IM25 event this year, we realized we had a group of 1700 people deep into the JISA daily Lenten Reflections, and our original May date for IM25 clashed with important Christian conferences and events – not the least being the 10th Laudato Si Anniversary events and Pope Francis memorials.

Most of all, we wanted to give you some post-Easter space and rest before looking at our next offering IM25 – now months away in June.

So this is a heads up of our new dates and pricing. 

Created by Michael Hansen SJ, and bought to you by JISA’s First Spiritual Exercises and Being with God in Nature ministries:

Ignatian Earthing I – NEW DATES

Sunday 22 June – Wednesday 25 June 2025

Daily 10.00-12.00 pm or 6.30-8.30 pm AEST

Pricing

$120 For all four sessions

$40 For a single session

‌If you find this event helpful, we will be offering a follow up event.

Ignatian Earthing II

Sun 31 Aug – Wed 3 Sep 2025 (registrations open end June)

Daily 10.00-12.00 pm or 6.30-8.30 pm AEST