ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY, QUEZON CITY
Loyola School of Theology’s
60th foundation
Join the Conference
Explore and Appreciate the rich heritage of Ignatian spirituality
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About the Conference
Building on the rich conversations and shared learning of its first iteration, this follow-up conference on Ignatian Spirituality offers yet another wonderful opportunity for scholars, formators, pastoral workers, educators, and partners in mission to come together once more—this time to engage three of the most pressing and interconnected concerns of our day: Mental Health, Communal Discernment, and Artificial Intelligence.
Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, the conference seeks not only to deepen understanding of these “burning issues,” but also to create a genuine space for encounter, dialogue, and mutual enrichment. Through shared reflection and exchange of experience, participants are invited to listen attentively to one another, to the movements of the Spirit, and to the signs of the times. It is our hope that this gathering will enable participants to acquire new insights, perspectives, and practical skills that can fruitfully inform their ministries and professional contexts.
Ultimately, this conference is an invitation to renew our common commitment to service—so that, in responding more faithfully and creatively to our respective calls, we may better accompany others in their journeys of faith and help form men and women who are ever more authentic Christians and generous instruments of God’s mission in the world.
ICIS2026 is open to both lay and religious who appreciate the legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola in both the church and society: congregations inspired by an Ignatian spirit and their lay collaborators; faculty, staff, and administrators of Jesuit schools in the Philippines and abroad; parish pastoral workers, campus ministers, retreat givers, and counselors; lay professionals seeking to live as contemplatives-in-action.
Only a limited 300 seats are available to non-LST students. Online pre-registration is required with a minimal non-refundable fee of PhP 2,500.00, which covers 3 lunches, 5 snacks and other incidentals during the conference.
Features
Keynote Speakers
Fr. Christopher Staab, SJ
Fr. Christopher M. Staab, S.J. is an American Jesuit priest, scholar, and educator from the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus. After teaching and mission work in the United States and abroad, he studied philosophy in Lima, Peru, and completed advanced theological studies — including a Licentiate and Doctorate in Sacred Theology with a specialization in Ignatian Spirituality — at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid. Fr. Staab has taught at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and, as of 2024, serves as Professor of the Practice in Ignatian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in California, where he focuses on Ignatian sources, spiritual diaries, and experiential approaches to Ignatian spirituality. His work emphasizes dialogue between historical Ignatian texts and contemporary spiritual practice, and he contributes to research and teaching on the Spiritual Exercises, early companions of St. Ignatius, and related devotional traditions.
Fr. Jordan J. Orbe, SJ
Fr. Jordan J. Orbe, S.J., Psy.D. is a Filipino Jesuit priest, clinical psychologist, therapist, and educator serving as Executive Director of the Emmaus Center for Psycho‑Spiritual Formation and Accompaniment in Quezon City, Philippines. In this role he integrates psychological insight with spiritual formation, offering programs, retreats, and accompaniment for individuals in ministry, religious life, and leadership to support personal growth, well‑being, and vocational discernment. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, USA. His professional experience includes clinical work in various U.S. mental‑health settings as well as campus and hospital ministry in the Philippines.
Dr. Christina Kheng
Fr. Francis D. Alvarez, SJ
Fr. Francis D. Alvarez, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Biblical Theology and Religious Education at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, where he teaches courses on the Synoptic Gospels, Psalms, ecology from a biblical perspective, and methods in religious education. His academic interests include Scripture and religious education, grounded in rigorous theological scholarship and pedagogical reflection.
Workshop Speakers
Ms. Eva K. Galvey
Eva is known as a lay formator (specialist in psycho-spiritual formation), a spiritual director and a giver of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She is a co-founder and former director of Emmaus Center for Psycho-spiritual Formation and Accompaniment (est 1981) which focuses on integrating psychological principles with spiritual development to help individuals overcome “unfreedom” and foster integrity. She was the first laywoman spiritual director at the Jesuit-run San Jose Seminary and first laywoman head of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality-Philippines. For the past 15 years she has given the 30day Ignatian Retreat at Sacred Heart Novitiate Retreat House. She continues to be involved in the training of spiritual directors.
Fr. Paul Rolphy Pinto, SJ
Fr. Paul Rolphy Pinto, S.J. is an Indian Jesuit priest, theologian, and professor of Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he teaches courses on Ignatian spirituality, discernment, and the history of the Society of Jesus. He also serves as Director of the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality at the Gregorian University, a role to which he was appointed for a three‑year term beginning in September 2023.
Fr. Christopher Staab, SJ
Fr. Christopher M. Staab, S.J. is an American Jesuit priest, scholar, and educator from the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus. After teaching and mission work in the United States and abroad, he studied philosophy in Lima, Peru, and completed advanced theological studies — including a Licentiate and Doctorate in Sacred Theology with a specialization in Ignatian Spirituality — at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid. Fr. Staab has taught at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and, as of 2024, serves as Professor of the Practice in Ignatian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in California, where he focuses on Ignatian sources, spiritual diaries, and experiential approaches to Ignatian spirituality. His work emphasizes dialogue between historical Ignatian texts and contemporary spiritual practice, and he contributes to research and teaching on the Spiritual Exercises, early companions of St. Ignatius, and related devotional traditions.
Fr. Jordan J. Orbe, SJ
Fr. Jordan J. Orbe, S.J., Psy.D. is a Filipino Jesuit priest, clinical psychologist, therapist, and educator serving as Executive Director of the Emmaus Center for Psycho‑Spiritual Formation and Accompaniment in Quezon City, Philippines. In this role he integrates psychological insight with spiritual formation, offering programs, retreats, and accompaniment for individuals in ministry, religious life, and leadership to support personal growth, well‑being, and vocational discernment. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, USA. His professional experience includes clinical work in various U.S. mental‑health settings as well as campus and hospital ministry in the Philippines.
Dr. Christina Kheng
Ms. Maria Riza V. Carasig
Before assuming her current post as the Director for Programs and Retreats of the Center for Ignatian Spirituality, Philippines (CIS), Riza has been a long time Associate of CIS where she received her training in spiritual direction, retreat-giving and SD supervision. As a Center Associate in the last 20 years, she has been involved in giving retreats, spiritual direction and supervision of spiritual directors, as well as in the training programs for aspiring spiritual directors and retreat givers. As Programs Director, she coordinates with both existing and potential clients seeking the CIS’ services. Riza made her 30-day retreat in Cova Sant Ignasi in Manresa, Spain. Prior to a fuller involvement in CIS, she was also into education as a College Faculty in Mathematics at De La Salle University.
Fr. Manuel V. Francisco, SJ
Fr. Manuel “Manoling” V. Francisco, S.J., S.T.D. is an Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at the Loyola School of Theology (Ateneo de Manila University), where he teaches courses such as Revelation‑Faith, Christology, and Practicum in Liturgical Songwriting. He holds a Doctorate and Licentiate in Systematic Theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Massachusetts, as well as earlier degrees from Ateneo de Manila University.
Fr. Arnel dC Aquino, SJ
Fr. Arnel dC Aquino, S.J., S.T.D. is an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, where he teaches courses such as Revelation and Faith, Creation and Eschatology, Sin and Grace, and Church and Sacraments. He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and completed his licentiate and earlier theological formation at the Loyola School of Theology, with additional degrees in philosophy and communication arts from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Fr. Jose Mari V. Manzano SJ
Fr. Jomari V. Manzano, S.J. is a Jesuit priest from the Philippines actively involved in indigenous peoples (IP) ministry, pastoral leadership, and community engagement, particularly in Mindanao. He has served as Province Coordinator for the Philippine Jesuit Indigenous Peoples Ministry, where he has worked to support cultural identity, rights awareness, and collaboration among Indigenous communities, civil society partners, and governmental agencies in areas like Bukidnon.
Fr. Gil C. Donayre, SJ
Fr. Gil Chua Donayre, S.J. is a Filipino Jesuit priest, scholar, and educator who has served in both pastoral ministry and Jesuit formation settings in the Philippines and abroad. He completed a Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Sankt Georgen Jesuit University in Frankfurt, Germany, with a dissertation on comparative theological approaches to the environmental crisis.
Fr. Silvino L. Borres, Jr., SJ
Fr. Silvino “Junjun” L. Borres, Jr., S.J. is a Filipino Jesuit priest known for his work in formation, spirituality, and pastoral ministry. He completed his theological studies at the Loyola School of Theology and holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral & Spiritual Care from Fordham University in New York. He also pursued specialized formation in retreat giving and Ignatian spirituality in Canada and Spain. He is currently chaplain at the Jesuit Retreat House in Cebu City.
Fr. Jessel Gerard Gonzales, SJ
Fr. Jessel Gerard “JBoy” M. Gonzales, S.J. is a Filipino Jesuit priest known for his formation work, pastoral ministry, and engagement with youth and campus communities. He currently holds leadership roles in Ignatian spiritual formation and formation offices at Ateneo de Davao University and Associate Principal for Formation at Ateneo de Davao High School — where he guides students in holistic formation grounded in Ignatian values.
Sr. Ma. Anicia Co, RVM
Sr. Ma. Anicia B. Co, R.V.M., S.T.D., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Biblical Theology at LST. She holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Religious Studies as well as a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium), with specialization in Scripture, especially the New Testament.
Fr. Thomas Sherman, SJ
Fr. Thomas Sherman, S.J. is an American Jesuit priest, philosopher, and educator currently serving as visiting professor at Loyola School of Theology where he teaches philosophy and spirituality. He belongs to the United States West Province of the Society of Jesus and previously was Associate Lecturer of Philosophy at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Fr. Victor Carmelo O. Diola
Fr. Victor Carmelo O. Diola is a Roman Catholic priest and biblical scholar from Cebu, Philippines, ordained on 14 August 1990, and currently serving as Parish Priest of San Isidro Labrador, Talamban, Cebu City. He is also the Executive Director of the Dilaab Foundation, Inc., a volunteer‑driven non‑profit movement that promotes good governance, civic engagement, and servant leadership in Philippine society. Under his leadership, the Foundation has launched initiatives such as the “I Vote Good Campaign,” “Circles of Discernment for Empowerment,” and programs supporting ethical public service and electoral participation.
Fr. Noel Y. Bava, SJ
Fr. Noel “Weng” Y. Bava, S.J. is a Filipino Jesuit priest and campus minister serving as Chaplain of Ateneo de Manila Senior High School, where he accompanies students and the school community in spiritual formation, pastoral care, and Ignatian‑inspired living. In his ministry he regularly presides at liturgies, offers homilies grounded in justice and compassion, and encourages young people to live out their faith in everyday life, urging them to be a light to others through forgiveness, service, and solidarity with the marginalized. He is also a film enthusiast and critic.
Program
| Ignatian Spirituality & Wellbeing | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Inaugural Ceremonies |
|
– Philippine National Anthem
– Hymn of the Vatican City State
– Opening Prayer
– Welcome Address
– Cultural Presentation
|
|
| 9:00 am |
Keynote Address 1: The First Companions: Finding Grace in Conflict, Sickness, and Dispersion
Fr. Christopher Staab, S.J., S.T.D.
Adjunct Associate Professor of the Practice of Ignatian Spirituality
JST-SCU, California, U.S.A.
|
| 9:45 am | Open Forum |
| 10:00 am | Merienda Break |
| 10:30 am |
Keynote Address 2: From Chaos to Clarity: Ignatian Approaches to Mental Health
Fr. Jordan J. Orbe, S.J., Psy.D.
Associate Professor of Spirituality
Loyola School of Theology
|
| 11:15 am | Open Forum |
| 11:30 am | Consciousness Examen |
| 11:45 am | Holy Eucharist |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:30 pm | Afternoon Workshops (@LST, LHS, CIS) |
| 4:30 pm | Consciousness Examen |
| 4:45 pm | Merienda and Departure |
| Ignatian Spirituality & Communal Discernment | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Opening Prayer |
| 8:40 am | Cultural Presentation |
| 9:00 am |
Keynote Address 3: From ‘I’ to ‘We’: Communal Discernment as a Transformative Experience
Dr. Christina Kheng
Professor, East Asian Pastoral Institute
Loyola School of Theology
|
| 10:00 am | Merienda Break |
| 10:30 am | Open Forum |
| 11:00 am |
Guided Interiorization Exercise & Consciousness Examen
Mrs. Cristina A. Mossesgeld
Center for Ignatian Spirituality
|
| 11:30 am | Holy Eucharist |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:30 pm | Afternoon Workshops at LST, LHS, CIS |
| 4:30 pm | Consciousness Examen |
| 4:45 pm | Merienda and Departure |
| Ignatian Spirituality & Artificial Intelligence | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Opening Prayer |
| 8:40 am | Cultural Presentation |
| 9:00 am |
Keynote Address 4: Artificial Intelligence & Religious Education
Fr. Francis D. Alvarez, S.J.
Professor, LST, GBSEALD
|
| 10:00 am | Merienda Break |
| 10:30 am |
Open Forum
|
| 11:00 am |
Guided Interiorization Exercise & Consciousness Examen
Fr. Francis D. Alvarez, S.J.
|
| 11:30 am | Concluding Holy Eucharist |
| 12:15 pm |
Closing Remarks
Fr. Rogel L. Abais, S.J.
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Loyola School of Theology
|
| 12:30 pm | Lunch and Departure |
Workshops
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Essentials in Discerning a Choice of LifeMs. Eva Galvey
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The Essentials of Ignatian Spiritual Accompaniment (Basics of Spiritual Direction)Fr. Paul Rolphy Pinto, S.J.
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Praying and Discerning with Ignatius of Loyola: A Concrete and Practical Reading of the Spiritual DiaryFr. Christopher Staab, S.J.
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Ignatian Approach to Retreats and RecollectionsMs. Riza V. Carasig
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Song Writing and Ignatian ContemplationFr. Manuel V. Francisco, S.J.
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Who’s Afraid of the Human Jesus? Catholic Guilt & Spiritual HealthFr. Arnel dC Aquino, S.J.
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Ecological Justice and Ignatian SpiritualityFr. Jomari Manzano, S.J. & Fr. Gil C. Donayre, S.J.
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Preparing Retreatants for a 30-day retreatFr. Silvino L. Borres, Jr., S.J.
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Clarity in Action: Integrating Psychology in DiscernmentFr. Jordan J. Orbe, S.J.
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Ignatian Spirituality & Youth MinistryFr. Jessel Gerard Gonzales, S.J.
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Ignatian Spirituality in Basic EducationSr. Ma. Anicia Co, R.V.M & Team
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The Spirituality of the Ignatian ColloquyFr. Thomas Sherman, S.J.
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Ignatian Spirituality and Political FormationFr. Victor Carmelo O. Diola
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The Synodal Conversion of Theological MethodDr. Christina Kheng
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Designing Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Generation (or Giving a Retreat to People who can’t be bothered to Stay Silent)Fr. Noel Y. Bava, S.J.
Venue
The Conference will be held in the beautiful Loyola Heights Campus of the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Philippines. The campus is known for its vast green and open spaces and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Overlooking the Marikina Valley, the 90-hectare campus is located along the eastern side of Katipunan Avenue, and is south of and adjacent to the campus of Miriam College.
LST Students
Open to currently enrolled students. Register with your LST EDU email.
Others
Only a limited 300 seats are available to non-LST students. Online pre-registration is required with a minimal non-refundable fee of PhP 2,500.00, which covers 3 lunches, 5 snacks and other incidentals during the conference.
Registration is now closed.
Google Map
Accommodation
Studio 89 Residences
Tel: (02) 8920-3888
MyPlace Residence Hall
Phone: (02) 8433-0667
Mobile: 0917-8914677
Contact: Rose B. Redaon
Email: rosemarie_r@kabayanhotel.com.ph
Oracle Hotel & Residences
Tel. (02) 8926-7777
mobile: 0951-1449942; 0927-5798593
contact: Milyn Ocampo
email: milyn.oraclehotel@gmail.com
SMRC Dormitoryana
Mobile: 0927-5745809
email 1: openlinejrg@gmail.com
email 2: SMRCDORM@gmail.com
University Residence Halls
Tel: (02) 8426-6119
email: residencehalls@ateneo.edu
Cervini / Eliazo Halls
Tel: (02) 8426-6119
email: residencehalls@ateneo.edu
Institute of Social Order (ISO) Residence Hall
Tel. (02) 8426-6134; 8426-5989
email: isofacilities@gmail.com