Manresa Program in Catholic, Jesuit Studies:

What is the Manresa Program?

An interdisciplinary study focusing on traditions basic to the University.

The Manresa Program in the College of Arts and Sciences offers interdisciplinary and integrated study in the intellectual and social traditions of the Church from the New Testament period to the present. Designed to explore major questions that have occupied Christian philosophers and theologians, artists and literary writers, political theorists and historians, and natural and social scientists, the program welcomes students of all religious faiths and all academic majors. In addition to a variety of courses in the Christian intellectual tradition, the Manresa Program offers interested students opportunities to explore the history and mission of the Society of Jesus and the traditions underlying Saint Louis University as a Catholic, Jesuit institution. Along with course work, the program also offers a variety of social and spiritual activities and opportunities for community service in neighborhoods near the University.

Who is it for?

The Manresa Program is for students of all religious faiths and all academic majors.

What is required?

• A Foundations Course*
• 12 additional hours
• A Capstone Course

*A cross listed MP section of Theological Foundations (TH A-100)
or
A cross listed MP section of Survey of Christian Beliefs (TH A-242)
or
A cross listed MP section of The Church Today (TH A-243)

Ideally, the Manresa Program is begun in the freshman year. Sections of Theological Foundations cross listed as MP A-100 fulfill the requirement for an initial foundational course. For students who begin the program later in their studies, certain 200-level Theology courses also fulfill this requirement. After the foundational course, students in the program enroll in an additional 12 hours of Manresa courses that match their interests. A final Capstone Course, which is normally taken in the senior year, provides students with an opportunity to synthesize and reflect on their studies and to relate their experiences in the program to their academic majors and their future goals.

For more information, please look at our Certificate Requirements page.

Certificate in the Christian Intellectual Tradition

Those who successfully complete the required 18 hours of course work receive a Certificate in the Christian Intellectual Tradition, which can be an important credential in applying for graduate school or for employment. Since most Manresa Program courses also fulfill requirements in the core or in a student's major or minor, participation in the program typically involves only a few additions to a student's plan of study.

History of Manresa

Manresa is a town in northeastern Spain where, in 1522-23, Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, had powerful spiritual experiences. These experiences led to his famous Spiritual Exercises and guided the founding of Jesuit schools. The Manresa Program incorporates many of the ideas addressed by Ignatius and are foundational to a Jesuit education.

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