Since 2015 over 600 people from the United States, Canada and Eastern Europe have participated in Transformation Intensive courses.
Our history
The first Transformation Intensive Retreat in 2015 was an experiment: What would happen if we offered a nine-month experience of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola to our large suburban Anglican parish? Would it work to use a small group spiritual direction model rather than the traditional one-on-one format? Would the steep requirement for daily prayer turn people away?
We were shocked to receive 66 applications for the 30 spots we had available. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One person said, “I found out what people mean when they talk about having a personal relationship with God.” A seasoned leader said, “I received grace to know I am daughter of the King; grace to work through my pain to be with Jesus on his mission; grace for my heart and voice to come more forward.”
Since then over 600 people from the United States, Canada and Eastern Europe have participated in Transformation Intensive Retreats.
Our founder
Valerie McIntyre created the Transformation Intensive Retreat after having the life-changing experience of walking through the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola.
She has a master’s degree in History of Christianity from the Wheaton College Graduate School and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian Exercises from University of Loyola Chicago.
Valerie spent over a decade in pastoral ministry at an Anglican church and now gives her full attention to leading Transformation Intensive and offering spiritual direction. She lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband.
Our Distinctives
Partnership
Transformation Intensive operates in partnership with the ministry of Isaiah Forty, an organization dedicated to the work of healing and wholeness, has been building up people in their interior lives for the last forty years.
Accessibility and Depth
Our courses are accessible to people at beginning of their spiritual journey and rich enough to challenge experienced disciples of Jesus. We are passionate about including Christians from many faith traditions.
Experiential Formation
Our courses are designed to be schools of prayer and spiritual formation. You will learn new things along the way, but the focus is on your lived experience with God.
Equipping Contemplative Leaders
Those who have completed the Transformation Intensive Retreat are invited to serve as facilitators. We provide on-going training and support for leaders to equip them to be effective contemplative leaders wherever they go.
Companionship
The spiritual journey is meant to be shared with others. Participants in our courses are placed in listening groups with 3-4 others and a trained facilitator. It is a place to be listened to and to listen as you process your experiences.
Faithfulness to Ignatius’ Vision
Transformation Intensive honors the original vision of Ignatius Loyola. Our leaders are engaged in on-going growth and development in the rich heritage of Ignatian spirituality.
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