International Outreach of John Veltri, SJ
The international influence of John Veltri at Guelph and Pickering is of interest to many. Father Veltri along with John English SJ had the insight in the 1970s that Ignatian retreats should be directed rather than preached. It was important for retreatants to discover in prayer their own interior life which would inspire their lives. Catholics and Protestants responded in numbers to make directed retreats at the Loyola in Guelph or in their own parishes.
Physically limited Father Veltri met retreatants at a retreat house but his influence was international in that he moved people who had come to Canada from the United States, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Retreatants from around the world travelled to Guelph to make retreats which were adjusted to their needs, make an internship or workshop, and return home with Veltri’s 3-volume Orientations for future parish retreats. Veltri also put his writings online to make them available to the public.
Directed retreats at Loyola in Guelph and later Manresa in Pickering generated thousands of seekers who looked for spiritual direction. The extent of John Veltri’s spiritual outreach around the world was very real, is difficult to document, and needs further exploration by researchers.
Peter Bisson, SJ
Posted at 02:11h, 20 FebruaryThank you Terry!
John McManus
Posted at 05:06h, 20 FebruaryHe was also a simple man, direct and open-hearted, willing to be vulnerable, and he had the natural capacity to meet and be with people on their own terms. Maybe that is the secret to his success. I still remember with great fondness the occasions I had to sit and talk with him. A true Companion
Vicky Chen
Posted at 06:47h, 20 FebruaryHe was creative in mind and spirit, loving and well loved.
John Montague
Posted at 07:53h, 20 FebruaryFather Veltri was a very good friend of mine and I still miss him.
Susan Tomenson
Posted at 08:44h, 20 FebruaryThank you, Terry, for your words about the influence of John Veltri. What great insights he had into Ignatius Spirituality which he shared with so many people.
I liked your article on John so much.
Thank you.
Frances Everett
Posted at 11:39h, 25 FebruaryI was very privileged to partake in a Retreat given by him at Sacred Heart College in Regina when I was a novice of the sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. His humility, knowledge and serenity affected all of us very deeply as he led us closer to God.
Thank you, Terry!