By Paul Hwang, Seoul

Korean Jesuits have launched a summer camp program for high school students to help them see “God everywhere.”

Logo of the Jesuit-run program for high school students

Jesuit Father Choe song-yong said the Korean Province of the Society of Jesus has previously run many programs for university students but none for those in high schools.

The Aug. 6-8 program aims to help students reflect on their daily life and relationships through a five-point spiritual technique called the Examen of Conscience.

This entails a prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence in one’s every day experience. The Examen of Conscience is the heart of the spirituality developed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founding father of the Society of Jesus.

“Due to the pressure of university entrance examinations, high school years are the hardest for young Koreans,” Father Choe said.

“We hope they can refresh themselves with this program,” he added. “Our program aims to illustrate the Jesuit spirit and help students learn from it.”

The Jesuit program also includes recreational activities as well as prayers and reflections on students’ relations with God and others.

Jesuits are expected to take about 15 minutes practicing the Examen at noon and after finishing work each day, Father Choe said.

This allows them to look at themselves, others and the world “with new eyes” and “cultivate a sense of solidarity.”

Father Choe said 70 students applied for the program but only 50 could be accepted.

Others will be invited to another session in September.

In recent years, several Catholic congregations have developed programs to help young people experience Religious life. These are modeled after various Buddhist “temple stay” programs conducted in Korea.