Direttrice: Prof.ssa Donna Orsuto

The Diploma in Ignatian Spirituality is a one-year academic and formative programme designed for women and men who wish to deepen their understanding and lived experience of Ignatian Spirituality. Rooted in the rich spiritual heritage of St Ignatius of Loyola, the programme brings together rigorous academic study, personal and communal reflection, and practical spiritual engagement.

I.  FOR WHOM
The Diploma is intended for women and men who wish to deepen their understanding of Ignatian Spirituality, including those who:
• are engaged in spiritual accompaniment, formation, education, or pastoral ministry
• seek personal and spiritual growth rooted in the Ignatian tradition
• desire to integrate prayer, discernment, and mission more fully into their lives

II. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must hold:
• a university degree in any academic field, or equivalent

Applicants must have knowledge of English (B1) and are also expected to demonstrate a willingness to engage full time in the year-long diploma programme.

 

III. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme extends over two semesters and corresponds to a total of 60 ECTS credits, structured as follows:

Academic Coursework – 38 ECTS
a) 10 courses (TS – proper, optional or communal courses), including at least 8 courses specifically dedicated to Ignatian Spirituality (30 ECTS)
b) 2 specialized seminars (8 ECTS)

Final Paper – 22 ECTS
Under the supervision of a professor, students will prepare a final paper of at least 25 pages (excluding bibliography). The paper must be submitted in digital format (PDF) via upload to the General Secretariat (see the Ordo for further details).

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
The Diploma also includes formative experiences:
• Guided visits of Ignatian sites
• Spiritual conversation
These activities help participants connect theological study with place, history, and lived spiritual practice.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES IN DAILY LIFE
All participants are strongly encouraged to engage in the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, either:
• as guides (under supervision), or
• as exercitants,
according to their background and prior formation.

COURSES AND SEMINARS

Courses
TSC003 Ignatius of Loyola: Person, Mysticism and Spirituality
TS2025 Spiritual Exercises: Structure, Underlying Theology and Practice
TS2035 Ignatian Mystical Tradition and Jesuit Mysticism
TS2027 Ignatian Rome: A Pilgrim’s Journey
TS2024 Apostolic Spirituality of the Constitutions
TS2036 Autobiography of Ignatius and the Rules for Discernment
TS2037 Ite, inflammate omnia: Elements of a Missionary Spirituality
TS2038 Ignatian Spirituality, Theology and Sports

TS2028 Ignatian Spiritual Accompaniment: theory and practice

TIC003 Consumer Culture and the Mission of the Church

Seminars (choose two)
TSS009 Ignatian Prayer in the Christian Tradition
TSS012 St. Ignatius and Woman: Yesterday and Today
TSS013 Ignatian Sources
TSS014 Discernment: a Key to Finding the Will of God

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are invited to submit the following documents for an initial assessment:

• a curriculum vitae (CV)
• academic transcripts
• one letter of recommendation
• a letter of motivation
• a copy of their passport

All materials should be sent to the Director of the Department of Moral Theology and Spiritual Theology at tmorspi@unigre.it.   Once this initial assessment is completed and approved, a formal online registration is possible through the normal university channels.

COSTS:  see https://www.unigre.it/en/students/resources/tuition-and-fees/tuition-fees-collegium-maximum/