Mid-life Renewal for Ignatian Leadership

Why a sabbatical programme?

After some years of active work, and relating to the people one works with, concerned for their lives and growth, one normally feels the need for some quality time to take care of the self and further one’s own personal and spiritual growth. In short, one needs a renewal experience to discover both the riches and the challenges of mid-life.

Through reflection on self and a deeper understanding of our human giftedness, one incorporates new ways of living life fully and of being for others in Christ. Participants who so wish will be offered spiritual accompaniment throughout the programme.

The programme combines input and reflection in the areas of

• Leadership — using insights from St. Ignatius Loyola and contemporary best practices.
• The spirituality of mid-life — the challenges of aging and the wisdom-seeking years.
• Theology — African spirituality; the Church in Africa; social justice; caring for our common home; spiritual discernment and Scripture.

Who can benefit?

The course is addressed to committed Christian men and women, aged 45+, who live and work in East Africa:

• Religious women and men involved in the formation of candidates who seek an opportunity for personal renewal in a conducive, prayerful and restful environment.
• Priests and pastoral agents working in parishes, pastoral centres and chaplaincies; schools and universities; health centres and hospitals; and social projects for the empowerment of the poor, the displaced and refugees — who feel the need for renewal, prayer and rest.
• Lay women and men who have reached their middle age and wish to devote quality time to their personal growth in a learning and prayerful atmosphere.

Application procedures

• Submit the application form together with a one-page reflection on your faith journey.
• Applicants must have made at least one personally guided 8-day Ignatian retreat.
• Two letters of recommendation from people able to comment on the applicant’s potential as a retreat guide, forwarded to the Director of Mwangaza Jesuit Centre.
• An interview with the Centre’s director.

Deadline: Applications should be completed by November 15, 2026.

Elements of the programme

• An 8-day individually guided retreat.
• The Paschal Triduum (quiet time with optional inputs).

Topics covered

Plus ongoing spiritual direction, growth counselling and personal appropriation sessions; two cultural outings and one safari.

Residential Core Staff

• Sr. Beth Mugo, S.E., MAcs
• Fr. Terry Charlton, S.J., PhD
• Bishop Rodrigo Mejía, S.J., STD
• Fr. Graham Pugin, S.J., MTh
• Fr. Patrick Ng'ang'a, S.J., STL
• Fr. Miguel Angel Garcia, S.J., STD
• Fr. John Ferone, S.J., MRE
• Fr. Thomas A.D. Ramadhani, S.J., STD

Other qualified resource personnel will be invited to facilitate specific sessions.