The Kircher Network recently concluded the third edition of the Canisius Formation, its flagship course on Identity and Mission designed for faculty, researchers, and university leaders across Europe and the Near East.
With 16 participants taking part in this third edition, the program has now reached a milestone of approximately 50 professors, researchers, and academic directors formed through this initiative.
Advancing Strategic Goals & Promoting Solidarity
The Canisius Formation aligns directly with Priority 3 of the Kircher Network Strategic Plan: “Facilitating training initiatives and exchange of best practices and know-how to strengthen the hallmarks of Jesuit higher education.” By fostering shared reflection, deep discernment, and collaborative learning, the program plays a key role in promoting a vibrant culture of solidarity across our member institutions.
Speakers & Organizing Committee
The program benefited from the leadership and coordination of its Organizing Committee: Susana Di Trolio (Executive Director of the Kircher Network), Gonzalo Villagrán, SJ, Pep Maria, SJ, and Lidia Fioravanti.
Together with the organizing team, key experts and spiritual guides led dynamic sessions on Ignatian spirituality, institutional leadership, and discernment:
- Fr. José García de Castro, SJ (Universidad Pontificia Comillas) guided participants through Ignatian spirituality and self-knowledge as foundational tools for personal and academic leadership.
- Elisa Pérez Avellán, alongside the key speakers and facilitators, contributed to the academic and spiritual formation modules of the program.
- Fr. Fernando Ponce León, SJ (PUCE / President of AUSJAL) shared insights on global Jesuit higher education and leadership in complex contexts.
- Fr. Tiziano Ferraroni, SJ (Pontifical Gregorian University) reflected on Ignatius of Loyola’s role as General in Rome, extracting institutional lessons for contemporary university management.
- Fr. David McCallum, SJ (Discerning Leadership Program), together with Prof. Ramón García and Prof. Esteban Mogas (ESADE Business School), facilitated modules on Ignatian leadership and communal discernment.
Institutional Collaboration & Visit to Deusto
A highlight of this third edition was a visit to the University of Deusto (Bilbao, Spain), providing participants with first-hand experience of Ignatian leadership in practice within a historic Jesuit university campus.
This edition brought together representatives from 12 member institutions:
- Université de Namur (Belgium)
- Ignatianum University in Krakow (Poland)
- Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Spain)
- Universidad Loyola (Spain)
- Saint Joseph University of Beirut (Lebanon)
- Pontifical Gregorian University (Italy)
- The Newman Institute (Sweden)
- Saint Louis University Madrid (Spain)
- Faculty of Theology of the Catholic University of Portugal – Braga (Portugal)
- National College of Ireland (Ireland)
- Facultés Loyola Paris (France)
- Collegium Bobolanum (Poland)
Through continued reflection and networking, the Canisius Formation continues to build a strong community of educators committed to shaping compassionate, competent, and socially responsible leaders for today’s world.
