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991-0871 local 1008vpformation@adzu.edu.phhttps://web.facebook.com/adzuformationofficeAmong the most meaningful moments of CAMINO 2026 were the spiritual conversations and breakout sessions. Participants appreciated the opportunity to listen deeply to one another, share personal experiences, and recognize the diverse yet complementary ways formation is lived across the university. Many described these conversations as affirming and transformative, providing a renewed sense of purpose and belonging within the larger formation community. The program evaluation reflected the positive impact of the gathering. Participants gave consistently high ratings across the different aspects of the program, particularly in helping them understand their identity and mission as formators, appreciate the keynote sessions, strengthen collaboration across offices, and experience personal and professional growth. Participants' reflections revealed the deeper fruits of CAMINO 2026. Many expressed gratitude for being reminded that authentic formation begins with one's own ongoing conversion. Others spoke of becoming more attentive listeners, accompanying students with greater empathy, and collaborating more intentionally with fellow formators. Several participants identified the spiritual conversations as the most impactful experience, while many expressed hope that CAMINO 2026 would become an annual gathering that continues to nurture both personal and communal formation. The closing message of the program captured the spirit that permeated the two-day experience: to remain open to the movements of the Holy Spirit, to embrace both the joys and challenges of accompanying today's young people, and to remember that "we are loved for who we are, not for what we do." It was a fitting reminder that, in an increasingly complex world, the ministry of formation begins with authentic relationships and compassionate accompaniment. As the participants return to their respective offices and ministries, they carry with them not only new insights and practical strategies but also a renewed conviction to walk with one another in mission. CAMINO 2026 has laid the foundation for a more integrated and collaborative culture of formation at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, one that seeks to ensure that every member of the community experiences care, accompaniment, and hope. Indeed, as the community journeys forward together, one message continues to resonate: No one in AdZU walks the Camino alone. C A M I N OC A M I N OAUGUST 2026 VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 1 The Formation Unit of Ateneo de Zamboanga University successfully conducted CAMINO 2026: AdZU Formation Unit In-Service Program on June 18–19, 2026, bringing together formators from the Basic Education, Higher Education, and Central Services for the university's first institution-wide formation in-service. More than a professional development activity, CAMINO 2026 became a journey of prayer, reflection, dialogue, and discernment. The two-day gathering invited participants to rediscover their vocation as formators while strengthening their shared commitment to accompany the Ateneo community in the Ignatian tradition. The program also marked the official launch of the CAMINO Ignatian Formation Roadmap 2026–2029, a strategic initiative that envisions a university where Ignatian spirituality is intentionally integrated into leadership, teaching, student development, and community life. Through keynote sessions by Fr. Manny Uy, SJ, Fr. Joel Liwanag, SJ, and Ms. Renee Vieve Vecina- Kanindot, participants reflected on the Spiritual Exercises as the foundation of formation, the emerging realities of today's learners, and the enduring call to be "called, formed, and sent." These sessions challenged participants to move beyond viewing formation as a series of activities and instead embrace it as a ministry of presence,listening, discernment, and love. CAMINO 2026 MARKS A NEW CHAPTER IN IGNATIAN FORMATION AT ADZUN E W S L E T T E RTHE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ADZU FORMATION OFFICE
991-0871 local 1008vpformation@adzu.edu.phhttps://web.facebook.com/adzuformationofficeMutual Learning and Discernment at Xavier University – Ateneo de CagayanLast June 8–9, 2026, the Higher Education Formators of Ateneo de Zamboanga University embarked on a meaningful benchmarking visit to Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, a journey marked not simply by the sharing of best practices but by a spirit of mutual learning, listening, and discernment. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, the two-day encounter became a sacred space where both institutions exchanged experiences, insights, and formative practices that continue to shape the hearts and minds of those entrusted with accompanying others. More than learning from one another, it was an opportunity to learn with one another, recognizing that every conversation, every story, and every shared challenge can become a grace-filled invitation to deepen our mission of formation. The Formators of Ateneo de Zamboanga University extend their heartfelt gratitude to Fr Mars Tan SJ, Fr Frank Savadera SJ, the different offices under the Office of Mission and Ministry, and to the Xavier University community for their warm hospitality, generous welcome, and willingness to share their time, expertise, and experiences. Your generosity reflects the very heart of Ignatian companionship and inspires us to continue striving for excellence in the ministry of formation.AUGUST 2026 VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 1 AUGUST 2026 VOLUME I ISSUE NO. 1C A M I N OC A M I N OWalking Together in Formation: Deepening the Ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment The CIS Module 2 Formation Program at Lantaka Campus, held from July 3–15, 2026, has been a grace-filled journey of prayer, learning, reflection, and shared experience for participating formators coming from the different units of the university. The two-week program is more than just a series of lectures. It has become an invitation to deepen the ministry of Ignatian retreat-giving and spiritual direction while nurturing the personal and spiritual growth of those called to accompany others. The formation began by inviting participants to embrace the foundations of spiritual accompaniment through prayer, reflection, workshops, and meaningful conversations. Formators were invited to grow in self-awareness and become more attentive to God's presence in their own lives, recognizing that effective accompaniment begins with a heart that first listens to the Lord. The formators explored the ministry of spiritual direction as a sacred encounter. Through prayer, case discussions, and the sharing of personal faith experiences, they reflected on how God continues to reveal Himself in the ordinary events of daily life. Revisiting moments of joy, struggle, consolation, and desolation enabled the formators to appreciate how every human story becomes a place where God gently speaks and invites a loving response. This deeper awareness prepares them to accompany others with compassion, discernment, and hope. Sessions on psychosocial, moral, and faith development highlighted how family life, relationships, developmental stages, and life experiences shape one's spiritual journey and invited the formators to understand the human person more deeply.Guided by Mr. Gary Faustino, participants reflected on the importance of integrating insights from human development into the ministry of spiritual accompaniment. These discussions reinforced that authentic spiritual direction begins with profound respect for the whole person and an attentive heart that seeks to understand before guiding. The formators focused on cultivating the essential helper skills that sustain authentic spiritual accompaniment as they had the practicum. Through practical exercises and case studies, they strengthened their capacity for attentive listening, empathic presence, meaningful questioning, and discerning responses. These sessions emphasized that the role of a spiritual director is not to solve another's problems but to create a sacred space where individuals can freely recognize and respond to God's movements in their lives. A significant milestone of the module was the full-day Practicum on Spiritual Direction. Each participant experienced the ministry from three perspectives (spiritual director, directee, and observer) allowing them to appreciate the richness and challenges of each role. Through prayerful listening, thoughtful reflection, compassionate responses, and discerning dialogue, the practicum became more than an academic exercise; it was a profound reminder that the Holy Spirit remains the true director of every spiritual conversation. Building on this experience, the program continued with sessions on supervision in spiritual direction, ethical guidelines in the ministry, the prayerful use of Sacred Scripture, and workshops on designing prayer points. These learning experiences further equipped participants with practical and spiritual tools to accompany others with wisdom, integrit