Courses and Retreats | Sophia Institute

Our Programs

Introduction to Theology

As a theological institute, SJ offers courses in theology to

Enable participants to critically assess their belief systems and assumed beliefs
Delve into the question of God and the gift of the Scripture
Deepen their knowledge, understanding, and practice of theology brewed in an African pot
Equip participants with the knowledge of the history and theology of religious life

Spiritual Formation for Religious Superiors in Leadership

At SI we believe that leadership is first and foremost a spiritual calling and experience. Nurturing the spiritual roots of our service of leadership in community and in other settings is indispensable. SI provides opportunities to

Explore and deepen the spirituality of leadership
Discover important leadership skills, like listening, communication, accompaniment, and community building
Reflect on the gifts and limitations of a leader
Challenge leaders to face into their own realities through conversations, a variety of tests, and silent reflection
Strengthen self-care and management of crisis

Retreats

Retreat is a sine qua non for a healthy, productive, and functional life in the Spirit. SI is an ideal, serene, and quiet location that offers various retreat formats for participants to

Come away from their busy lives to reflect on their discipleship with Christ
Reconnect with their interiors selves in communion with the Spirit of the Risen Christ
Engage on an journey of discovery of their purpose in life, community, and vocation
Explore and confront the shadows and challenges that affect their ministry
Renew their vocation, mission, and ministry

Formation of Formators

As vocation to religious life continues to grow exponentially in Africa there is a corresponding need to form formators of competence who are able to accompany women in formation and serve as role models, mentors and spiritual guides. While there are several institutions that offer opportunities for formation of formators, none is currently equipped to draw on diverse resources across regions and continents to offer a robust international program of formation of formators.

Spiritual Direction

SI offers ongoing spiritual direction and accompaniment tailored to the needs of various participants who seek to find their way forward and follow Jesus Christ through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual direction at SI enables participants to:

Explore the depth of their lives – the joys and hopes, the pain and anguish
Discover the meaning of their spiritual life of and how God daily acts in their lives
Experience a listening ear and a compassionate accompaniment by seasoned spiritual directors
Find strength to continue in their life, mission, and vocation

Retreats for First Vows and Final Vows

Making and keeping those vows that we make of poverty, chastity, and obedience challenge body, mind, and heart. SI designs and offers retreats for those preparing for first vows and final vows to

Respond to their calling with clarity, integrity, commitment, and generosity
Deepen their understanding and commitment to religious life in the midst of competing attractions
Discern the reasons for their commitment and the beauty of God’s call to religious life.

Inter-Novitiate Program

At SI we believe that it takes a village to form a religious. Walking with others who have the same commitment as ourselves strengthens our faith and deepens our commitment to the Lord. SI offers an inter-novitiate program to allow members from a variety of communities to

Meet together, share their common commitment with one another, share their reasons for being in the groups to which they have pledged themselves
Learn new dimensions of the theology of religious life
Share the particular gifts and charisms of the communities – recognizing that the presence of the Lord has many manifestations
Discover new insights about individual vocation and strengthen and deepen their desire for religious life.

Deepening Self-Care and Spiritual Renewal

This course explores the intersection of mental health and spirituality, equipping

religious women leaders with the knowledge and skills to foster emotional well-
being in themselves and their communities. Through theological reflection,

psychological insights, and practical strategies with cases, participants will learn
to navigate stress, trauma, and relational dynamics while deepening their spiritual
resilience.

Spirituality

Spirituality is the motor of religious life. This offering explores the rich traditions of spirituality in the Catholic Church from traditional to contemporary approaches to spirituality in order to equip participants with the most robust understanding, knowledge and practice of spirituality that will enable them to accompany women religious in formation.

Sophia & The Circle African Women Fireside Theology

This offering presents and equips participants with the knowledge of the history and theology of The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians and introduces emerging theological paths in Africa by leading African theologians, especially theologies of African women, like Mercy Amba Oduyoye, Teresa Okure, Musa Wenkosi Dube, Isabel Apowo Phiri, Musimbi Kanyoro, Philomena Njeri Mwaura, Nyambura J. Njoroge etc. that affirm the dignity and the unique giftedness of African women and their contribution to mission and ministry in the Church in the 21st century. To be facilitated in collaboration with the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians.

Religious Life

This offering uses the methodology of theological anthropology to explore various dimensions of religious life in today’s context. Resources include: Scripture, culture, and anthropology. This interdisciplinary approach reveals both the richness and relevance of religious life for African women today and provides practical insights for formators who accompany women in formation.

Sabbatical Programs

Living life as a religious can be challenging. Taking a sabbatical is a luxury that only a few can afford. SI offers the time, space, and facility for affordable sabbatical programs for participants to

Take time away from work, from the humdrum of endless tasks, and from daily challenges
Renew the core of our calling to religious life
Think, reflect, and experience rest, refreshment, and renewal of body, soul, mind, and heart