The Spiritual Exercises are at the heart of Jesuit spirituality, helping people to know God more deeply and discern their life path. Traditionally undertaken over 30 days, the Exercises can be difficult to fit into modern lives. Even in the 16th century, St Ignatius recognised that spending many hours per day in prayer over 30 days was not possible for everyone. He made provision, in what is now called the 19th Annotation, for people to undertake the Exercises in daily life, with shorter periods of prayer spread over a longer period.
Building on this, the Jesuit Institute has developed the Hybrid Spiritual Exercises to make them accessible to more people. This hybrid format combines daily guided prayer with two shorter residential retreats, allowing participants to experience the depth of retreat life while integrating prayer into everyday routines. Guides support participants throughout the programme, meeting weekly online or in person and accompanying them during the residential retreats.
The programme is open to anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God, discern life direction, or explore major life transitions, and welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds and life stages.
Participants have described the programme as deeply transformative: “The Hybrid Spiritual Exercises were probably the most important thing I've ever done in my life. It was incredibly helpful in knowing myself; who I am to God and who I am in Christ. The skills learnt and gifts received were too numerous to mention and I'm already using them every single day…” Others report spiritual renewal, greater integration of prayer and daily life, and the support of a welcoming community.
The 2026 programme runs from June to December, starting with an online opening day, followed by a six‑day residential retreat at Manresa House, Birmingham, ongoing weekly guidance, a four‑day residential retreat, and a concluding online session. The suggested donation is £1,500, covering accommodation, meals, and spiritual direction, with funding support available. Applicants are invited to submit two references and commit to the full programme.
Applications are expected to close by the end of February 2026, or once places are filled, so early applications are encouraged. Full details and the application form are available on the Jesuit Institute website.
