“¿De qué manera los elementos fundamentales de la Espiritualidad Ignaciana inciden en el desarrollo de la inteligencia espiritual de los integrantes de la comunidad juventud Amigoniana del Colegio São Francisco de Caçapava?’’

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between Ignatian spirituality and the development of spiritual intelligence among adolescents who participate in the Amigonian Youth Community (JUVAM) at São Francisco School in Caçapava, Brazil. In a context marked by crises of meaning, fragile interpersonal relationships, information overload, and mental health challenges, there is an increasing need to provide accompaniment processes that foster the integral development of young people. The aim of this study is to analyze how the fundamental elements of Ignatian spirituality influence the development of spiritual intelligence among JUVAM members. The research is conducted through a qualitative approach, employing a theological-hermeneutical perspective and a narrative methodology, epistemologically grounded in Karl Rahner’s transcendental method, which recognizes human experience as a privileged place for encountering God and constructing meaning. The theoretical analysis made it possible to identify that key elements of Ignatian spirituality, such as the Principle and Foundation, interiority, spiritual discernment, inner knowledge of God, cura personalis, evangelical relationality, and the Ignatian magis, foster the development of capacities associated with spiritual intelligence. These include self-awareness, the search for meaning, inner freedom, responsible decision-making, the capacity for transcendence, and the construction of value-based life projects. The study concludes that Ignatian spirituality offers a solid formative framework for strengthening adolescents’ spiritual intelligence by providing practical tools for human and spiritual accompaniment in educational settings. Furthermore, its articulation with Amigonian pedagogy constitutes a meaningful path toward the integral formation of young leaders committed to their personal, communal, and Christian development.