Depending on the number and availability of students, spiritual year can occur before or during theological studies. It is a one year immersion in the Constitutions and history of the Columbans, our founders, spirituality, vision of mission and way of life. The year has a special focus on the spiritual life, prayer, meditation, participation in a 30-day Ignatian retreat, as well as participating in one or more apostolates relevant to Columban mission.
During the Spiritual Year, the Society will provide candidates with the means whereby they can achieve a deeper understanding of the basic truths of the faith, strengthen their devotion to Christ, cultivate a habit of prayer, and gain a clear knowledge and appreciation of the missionary vocation as lived in the Society of St. Columban.
Spiritual Year candidates are expected to study the lives of St. Columban and other great missionaries, the spirit of our founders, the history of the Society and the Constitutions and Directory.