JESU/EDUC 7157 - InÌýthe FootstepsÌýof Leaders

The Certificate’s experiential learning and pilgrimage offers participants informed, scholarly direction and unique opportunities to critically examine the intellectual and spiritual foundations of the Society of Jesus through travel, readings, group discussions, and personal reflection.

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Summer 2025

Online: June 5–14, 2025
Immersion: June 15–27, 2025

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Course Summary

Each summer, the Institute offers a 12-day, guided immersion travel through Spain and Italy.Ìý

The three-credit, academic immersion course examines the historical and spiritual contexts for the foundation of the Society of Jesus. Online readings and discussions occur in the weeks before the participants meet in Spain to trace the footsteps of the early Jesuits. In Europe, participants immerse themselves in the key places that became the organization’s roots in order to examine how and why the early Jesuits formed and governed their new religious order. Daily readings, group presentations, and regular seminars foster thoughtful and informed reflections on the historical and spiritual importance of each day’s theme.

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Course Particulars

Those enrolled in the immersion course must pay a $2,500 deposit. The Institute provides a subsidy to cover the much of the travel expenses for time spent together in Europe (all accommodations, bus transportation, the flight from Barcelona to Rome, and most meals). Any participant withdrawing from the course after submitting a deposit will forfeit his/her deposit and may be required to reimburse the subsidized amount.Ìý

Those enrolled in the immersion course are also responsible for the three (3) credits of tuition. Tuition costs are set each year by the ÇéÉ«¿Õ¼ä and are subject to yearly increases.Ìý

During the travels in Europe, all rooms are double occupancy.

In addition to the deposit and tuition, participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Madrid and their return flight home from Rome. Additional financial support may be available. Contact the Institute with any questions.

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Instructors

Casey Beaumier, S.J.
Director of the Institute

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Matthew Schweitzer
Associate Director of the Institute

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Cristiano Casalini, Ph.D.
Research Scholar of the Institute

Barton Geger, S.J.
Research Scholar of the Institute


Course Offering

To see what courses are being offered this year, please visit the enrollment page.Ìý

Having walked into and through the spaces of Ignatius's life, my feet ached, a lot--and my heart sung. Sharing those sacred spaces with Jesuit educators has continued to breathe new life into my vocation and into my sense of place in this beautiful faith community and tradition we share.
Susan Cook, Certificate alumna, English teacher, St. Joseph's Preparatory School (Philadelphia)