Retreat Apostolate

“I am glad that they are doing the holy Exercises and may they bring forth much fruit so that they may be very holy …” (Cándida María de Jesús)

The 16th General Congregation of the Hijas de Jesus pondered the importance of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in the life and mission of the Hijas de Jesus. The updated reading of the Formula of the Congregation -synthesis of the foundational charismatic intuition- affirms that the Spiritual Exercises and personal accompaniment are “forms of piety and charity” that help to respond to the needs of today’s world (Cf. EURF 20 ). The same rereading encourages sharing the spirituality of the Congregation with lay men and women (Cf. EURF 28).

The action of God in the journey of the history of the Congregation rekindled with strength and hope the charm of the Spiritual Exercises as an effective means of evangelization in our mission, an experience of God that invites us to communicate it, “fire that kindles other fires”. We are living in a time of rediscovery of the Spiritual Exercises as an effective tool that integrates personal sanctification and the spiritual welfare of our neighbors, faith and life, consecration and mission, spirituality and apostolic commitment (Cf. EURF 13).

From the beginning of the life of the Congregation, Mother Candida makes the Spiritual Exercises and encourages the Hijas de Jesus to make them. “I am glad that they are making the holy Exercises and that they draw much fruit so that they may become very holy …” (MF Letter 189 of 23 August 1900). The students in the schools were also experiencing the Exercises in some way. “The girls who have come out of the Exercises, I am glad that they are fervent, that their purposes are firm and that they persevere in goodness” (MF Letter 156 of November 26, 1898).

At present, in all the continents where there is a presence of the Hijas de Jesus, this ministry is being carried out by sisters and laity who share the same model of Christian life. Spiritual Exercises are offered to different groups: educators, young people, religious… in various modalities: monthly, 8 days, 5 days, personalized, in retreat and in daily life, an experience that normally lasts a year, having weekly meetings. Some Hijas de Jesus collaborate with the Jesuits in different projects.