The International Accompaniment Network is one of the key offerings of the Discerning Leadership Team. It is a worldwide community of practice composed of executive coaches, spiritual directors, facilitators and consultants who support Church leaders in Rome and around the world.
Members bring experience from across the globe – representing a wide cross-section of leadership coaching grounded in Ignatian spirituality, spiritual direction, organisational consultation and apostolic planning.
The network currently spans over 20 nationalities and 12 languages. Its members share a genuine desire to support a movement of spiritual renewal and to accompany leaders and organisations on the path of synodality.
A Week of Connection and Synodal Reflection
The March gathering in Rome brought together the full network for an intense and enriching week. Participants engaged in deep connection, the cultivation and sharing of gifts, and a shared exploration of what it truly means to be “synodal” in leadership.
Sr Estela’s participation reflects the Congregatio Jesu’s commitment to collaborative leadership and its deep roots in Ignatian spirituality. As a congregation founded by Mary Ward – who was inspired by the spirituality and apostolic vision of St Ignatius of Loyola – the CJ shares the conviction that discernment, accompaniment and synodality are essential to effective leadership in the Church today.
Why This Matters for the Congregatio Jesu
Pope Francis has consistently called for a Church that listens, discerns and walks together. The concept of synodality – a style of leadership marked by shared responsibility, mutual listening and communal discernment – lies at the heart of his vision for Church renewal.
For the Congregatio Jesu, this resonates deeply with the charism of Mary Ward, who advocated for women’s active participation in the mission of the Church and modelled a style of leadership rooted in freedom, justice and discernment. By engaging with the International Accompaniment Network, the CJ strengthens its capacity to lead in ways that are both faithful to its foundress and responsive to the needs of the Church in our time.
Background:
The Discerning Leadership Program is an initiative of the General Curia of the Society of Jesus, designed to support Church leaders through formation, accompaniment, professional coaching and resources.
Formally instituted by Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Jesuits, the programme is rooted in Ignatian spirituality and draws on contemporary leadership and organisational development practices.
Its core mission is to foster more synodal, effective and discerning leadership in service of the Church’s mission – responding directly to Pope Francis’ call for a deep spiritual renewal in how the Church is led.
The Discerning Leadership Team – the group responsible for designing and facilitating the programme – hosted this March gathering. The team convenes formation modules, builds learning communities and accompanies Church leaders on their path towards a more collaborative and discerning style of governance.
