We are delighted to share an interview with Yasmine Galea, assistant head junior school at St. Aloysius’ College in Australia, who participated in the 4 Key Practices in Ignatian Spirituality Course.
This a facilitator-led global course which offers a new synchronous global learning experience for Ignatian educators. A new course modality that gives members of our global community the opportunity to learn together as a global group with educators from different schools and countries around the world.
We would like to thank Yasmine for sharing his learning experience with other members of our global community through this interview. Thank you Yasmine!
Q1. Which of the topics covered in this course most interested you during this group learning experience? And why.
I personally think that most of the course was very much balanced however I always looked forward to read the historical part of Ignatius’ spiritual development along the years. His journey towards what he wanted to achieve was vey interesting and also a mind opener as to how certain things were developed to which we still practice in today’s church.
Q2. Did you feel you gained a richer or deeper understanding of this topic by reflecting on and discussing it with a global group? If so, please explain.
Discussion was always a good link to our readings. At times I felt that perhaps I had nothing in common apart from working in a Jesuit school but I was wrong. I met with various people from different time zones and occasionally I also changed cohort. It was a blessing being able to discuss, reflect and apprehend further the Ignatian way of life.
Q3. Was this your first time taking a course related to “Ignatian Spirituality” as a global group? Please explain your experience.
Yes, this was my first time. I didn’t know what to expect and hoped it would not be an online course where one simply dictates what the readings were about. Luckily, the course took a different route. We discussed the texts we had mini groups to reflect and discuss. Our course handlers were very flexible as sometimes we posed questions which took discussions to another level but always focusing through St Ignatius.
Q4. What other takeaways would you like to share with other educators who might be thinking of taking this course?
BE READY TO TAKE PART, DON’T TAKE THE BACK SEAT AND JUST LISTEN. The beauty of this course is that you develop an inner spirituality based on today’s reality. Read the suggested readings as they are pleasant texts and reflect on what you have gained from today’s lesson.
