As a new year begins, many of us carry a mixture of gratitude, fatigue, hope, and unanswered questions. Christmas has come and gone, the calendar has turned, and once again we find
ourselves standing at the threshold of what we cannot yet see. What will 2026 hold for us?
The opening line of Minnie Louise Haskins’ poem ‘The Gate of the Year’ seems especially apt: “And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’”
At the Jesuit Institute, we begin 2026 conscious that there are gifts within Ignatian spirituality that can help us as we start the year. This spirituality invites us to be honest before the Lord, to walk patiently with God and with one another, and to learn to notice God’s presence in the midst of our ordinary lives.
Already, the rhythm of the liturgical year is gently drawing us forward. In just a few weeks, we will enter the season of Lent—a time that invites us to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to allow God to meet us where we truly are. To help make the most of this season, we will once again offer a Day of Reflection on Ash Wednesday, and throughout Lent, we will share prayerful reflections for
those who wish to journey with us.
Many people who connect with us speak of a longing for something deeper: a steadier prayer life, a way to integrate faith into daily life, or companions for the journey. If that resonates with you, our Hearts on Fire and Tsoseletsa courses continue to offer a gentle and grounded introduction to Ignatian
spirituality. Later in the year, we will also be introducing a renewed approach to our Living Theology programme—something we are quietly excited about.
For others, the past year has been demanding, even draining. If you sense a need for rest and re-centring, we will offer 3/5/8-day retreats at Auckland Park throughout the year. Time set aside
for silence and prayer can be a profound gift. And if what you seek is ongoing accompaniment rather than a retreat, we are always glad to help connect you with someone who can walk with you in spiritual accompaniment.
Whatever 2026 holds for you, it may be enough to remember that we do not step into the future alone. As Haskins’ poem
continues: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
May this year be one in which we learn, again and again, to place our hands into the hands of God.
