Association of Jesuit Collaborators (AJC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a workshop on June 18, 2025 at the university campus. The theme of the workshop was “Ignatian Spirituality-Finding Meaning in the Everyday: A Day of Reflection and Awareness Inspired by Ignatian Practices.”

The workshop aimed to introduce the Ignatian principles and practices to the AJC members. The event began with a prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola, followed by an inaugural speech by Father Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the President of AJC and the Vice-Chancellor of SXUK.

A series of transformative sessions were conducted to deepen participants’ inner awareness, clarify life’s purpose, and foster a discerning attitude toward personal and social responsibilities. The event unfolded in four insightful sessions, culminating in a reflective interaction with members of the Jesuit community.

The first two sessions were taken by Fr. Julian Sahayadas, S.J., where he focused on ‘examen’, a method of self-assessment in the presence of God and contemplative imagination. The second session was on “Living with purpose -values, vocation, and service.” These sessions explored the interconnectedness of personal values, vocational calling, and a life of service.

The third session was taken by Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. who explained the process of Ignatian discernment, a key theme in Ignatian spirituality. Participants were introduced to practical tools to "listen to the inner compass,” the deep-seated feelings and insights that guide ethical and spiritual decision-making.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session where participants engaged in a discourse with Father Felix Raj, S.J. Participants requested him to share his experience on faith, service, and spiritual life. In his reply to the participants, Father Felix Raj narrated various aspects of Ignatian spirituality like Jesuit life, achieving mindfulness, and importance of forgiveness.

The entire programme was coordinated by Fr. Maria Joseph Israel, S.J., Dr. Nitesh Tripathi and Prof. Soma Sur.

Dr. Somak Sen
Secretary, AJC