Integração e formação continuada dos colaboradores do Colégio dos Jesuítas em Juiz de Fora-MG

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of the mission of the Society of Jesus into the processes of welcoming and continuing education of employees at the Jesuit College in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The focus is to understand how new educators can align themselves with Ignatian values from their first contact with the institution and throughout their professional journey, through systematic practices of integration and training. The theoretical framework is based on the principles of Ignatian pedagogy, the Common Educational Project (PEC) of the Jesuit Education Network, the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and the model of heroic leadership proposed by Chris Lowney, which articulates self-awareness, ingenuity, love, and heroism. The methodology adopted was qualitative, with an exploratory and descriptive approach. Electronic forms with open and closed questions were used, targeting employees from both academic and administrative areas. Document analysis of institutional materials from the Jesuit Education Network (RJE) was also conducted. Participation was voluntary, with anonymity and confidentiality guaranteed for all respondents. The results indicate that the processes of welcoming and continuing education are perceived positively by the employees, contributing significantly to the strengthening of institutional identity and alignment with the educational mission. Practices inspired by Ignatian spirituality—such as moments of listening, sharing, and systematic formation—were valued for fostering a sense of belonging, engagement, and purpose in professional performance. It is concluded that the Jesuit College has invested in solid training practices, but still faces the challenge of personalizing these experiences to reflect the diversity of its employees. As Saint Ignatius expresses: “Love ought to be expressed more in deeds than in words.”