Become a Wisdom Fellow!

This cohort-based learning program integrates three pilgrimage experiences with the power of online meeting tools to create a yearlong experience of fellowship, learning, discernment, and growth. Rooted in the spiritual tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this group will explore in a self-reflective community such critical spiritual challenges as aging, life transitions, family dynamics, personal and family spirituality, personal mission and vocational integration, and the priorities of the latter part of our lives. Fellows will emerge from this shared experience with a renewed self-understanding and vision for their lives, ready to serve their families and communities as wisdom leaders. The program will run from September 2025 to November 2026, and the participation fee of $25,500, payable in installments, includes everything except airfare to the four pilgrimage locations and some of the meals.

These are the dates for the four residencies:
Loyola University Chicago: September 22 to 26, 2025
Tucson, AZ, and Kino Border Initiative: January 23 to 28, 2026
Chicago: August 25 to 28, 2026
Ignatian Camino Pilgrimage: November 3 to 16, 2026

Drawing on more than half a century of experience in educating and forming leaders in spirituality and spiritual direction, pastoral care and ministry, and pastoral counseling, the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) at Loyola University Chicago is pleased to offer this unique program to adults who are ready to re-integrate, re-wire, and renew themselves for lives of service through wisdom leadership.

In this program application, we ask specific questions to learn more about you. You should think about these and then come back to complete this process. Please respond in whatever way is most comfortable for you and reflect on your perspective and experience. The prompts and questions in this application include:
  • Share some of your key accomplishments.
  • What adversities have you faced/are you facing?
  • What are your hopes for the next phase of your life?
  • What do you desire from this journey as an Ignatian Wisdom Fellow?
  • Tell us something about your family!
  • Please share your volunteer experience and a resume or CV.