Introduction to this Online Activity
In line with the current focus of the education apostolate of the Society of Jesus, educating for faith, we are promoting a 90-minutes Online Session focusing on the Ignatian prayer method called “Imaginative Contemplation”.
In our other online session on prayer (Let’s talk about Prayer – Foundations) we offer a general introduction to prayer and then explore the ancient method of praying with the Scriptures called Lectio Divina. In this session, we begin with a time for open conversation about our current prayer experiences, followed by a short explanation about how to do Ignatian Imaginative Contemplation. Then participants take time for individual silent prayer, and finally, we return to the Zoom call for processing and questions.
Here is an overview of what will be discussed in the session:
Conversation about prayer:
a. Ideally, what should personal prayer look like? (What do you consider good prayer?
b. In reality, what does your personal experience of prayer, in recent times, look like? What happens inside you when you pray?
2. Introduction to Ignatian Imaginative Contemplatio
a. Why Imagination? Is it just daydreaming?
b. St. Ignatius’ instructions for how to pray with the Imagination.
3. Silent Prayer time
4. Processing our experience, Q&A
Who is this activity for?
These online sessions are open to anyone who works in our Jesuit schools in Europe and who has a desire to learn more about faith topics, to deepen their spiritual life, and be enriched by sharing with colleagues from other European countries. Anyone interested in the topic of Ignatian Imaginative Contemplation is welcomed to join. Each of our online sessions is designed as a stand-alone activity and can be attended without having participated in any of the other sessions. Some participants, however, may prefer to explore the session Let’s talk about Prayer – Foundations prior to learning about Ignatian Imaginative Contemplation. These sessions will be held several times throughout the school year.
This activity, held virtually via Zoom video call will take place
on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 4:30 to 6pm CET
For registration or for questions, please fill this FORM
Introducing the facilitator: Francisco Machado
Francisco, spent several years as a Jesuit in formation discerning his calling, first in Portugal, then in China and the Philippines. He decided not to ask for priestly ordination and to continue serving the mission as a layperson in the Ignatian tradition. In the past 10 years, he has led many Ignatian retreats and facilitated workshops on prayer and Ignatian Discernment. He is also a spiritual director, passionate about offering individual and group accompaniment to people seeking to deepen their relationship with God. In 2022 Francisco joined JECSE’s executive team and has focused on the areas of faith formation, mission and identity for Jesuit Schools in Europe.
