Group discernment of spirits | Ignite the Way
In the eleventh episode of Ignite the Way series, Fr Bart van Emmerik, SJ explores the concept of spiritual movements within groups, emphasizing the inner experiences of individuals and the collective soul of the group as they seek direction toward God or away from it.
Using the example of a contemplative community of elderly sisters in the Netherlands, Fr Bart illustrates how a group grapples with significant decisions about their future amid challenges like declining numbers. Through open dialogue, prayer, and structured exercises weighing pros and cons, the sisters navigate diverse perspectives about whether to accept new candidates, ultimately finding freedom in their decision-making process, and a shared sense of direction. The role of a facilitator in creating safe spaces for honest expression and prayerful discernment is highlighted as crucial for guiding the group toward consensus and integration of their core values.
Related Posts:
The Society of Jesus has designated Loyola University Chicago as the new home for the Discerning Leadership Program (DLP) which provides leadership formation, accompaniment and resources for senior Church leaders. Loyola University Chicago will henceforth steward...
When nearly one hundred facilitators of discernment gathered in Salamanca in late 2025, something more than a meeting took place. Convened at the desire of Fr Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the Ignite the Way gathering set out to form facilitators for processes of communal discernment...
Luis Valdés Castellanos, a Jesuit from the Mexican Province, discusses the vital role of spiritual conversation as a tool for shared discernment within religious communities. He emphasizes that neither discernment nor spiritual conversation is exclusive to the Society of Jesus...
Sister Pat Murray, a member of the Congregation of Jesus, in episode 21 of Ignite the Way series delivers an insightful presentation on the role of facilitation in general chapters, which are pivotal events in the life of any religious congregation. She emphasizes that general chapters serve as...
In episode 20 of Ignite the Way video series, Fr Hung Pham, a Vietnamese American Jesuit, explores the challenges and strategies involved in discernment within a mixed cultural or intercultural context. Drawing from his personal experience navigating dual cultural identities, Fr Pham emphasizes...
Fr Somy Matthew Mannoor, SJ, a Jesuit from India and formation delegate, presents a case study in the 19th episode of Ignite the Way video series on discernment in common, particularly focusing on young religious in formation. He shares two concrete examples illustrating...
