Overview
The diploma goes for two semesters and covers many different aspects of Ignatian Spirituality – scriptural, theological, psychological, social and cultural. It includes doing a six-week retreat in daily life according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It enables students to deepen their own personal and spiritual lives, and equips them to help others in their spiritual growth through teaching, spiritual direction and counselling, and retreat giving.
Classes are held (in class or online) on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each semester has a one -week session of classes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Entry requirements are a minimum of five O-Levels, or at least five years of experience in a related field.
Six courses are done in each semester:
First Semester:
- Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality. 2. Introduction to World Spiritualities. 3. Old Testament Prophets and Psalms. 4. Christian Mystical Traditions. 5. Psychological Foundations of Spiritualities. 6. African Traditions and Spirituality.
Second Semester:
- Ignatian Practicum plus Retreat-Giving and Spiritual Direction. 2. Social Spirituality. Leadership and Spirituality. 4. New Testament: Gospels and Paul’s Letters. 5. Pentecostalism in Africa. 6. Spirituality and Science.
There are also the following Electives offered: 1. Second Vatican Council. 2. Ignatian Pedagogy Paradigm.
Students do a six-week Ignatian retreat in daily life.
Distinctive Features
The Diploma has both a personal and social dimension. It provides students with resources and strategies to discover the ‘God within’, and to experience the consolation, love, and peace of God in their lives. This gives them inner strength and direction in these difficult times they are facing. And it equips them to reach out and support others in their spiritual struggles and hunger for inner growth.
US$100 per semester.
The Diploma could equip students for careers (or be a step toward careers) in the following areas:
- Spiritual Direction and Counselling.
- Retreat Giving.
- Religious teaching in schools.
- Chaplaincy work in various institutions.