Growing up in an abusive household, Issac Sneed wasn’t allowed to have friends. He learned to fend for himself. As an adult, he kept people at arm’s length. For years, he struggled with substance abuse and, at times, lived on the streets. While staying in a homeless shelter, he began attending reflection circles with Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP)—a Jesuit ministry across the U.S., Canada and Ireland.

With ISP, Issac began his journey of recovery. “They validated me and affirmed me, in a way that I had never been validated and affirmed in my own family,” Issac says. Now, a decade later, he leads weekly reflection programs and retreats with ISP Boston.

On this episode, host MegAnne Liebsch explores how Ignatian Spirituality Project offers spiritual companionship to people facing homelessness and substance addiction. She talks to alumni leaders like Issac, as well as volunteers and ISP staff about their cannonball moments, transformative friendships, and why St. Ignatius is so relatable.

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For more information about ISP:

Ignatian Spirituality Project provides spiritual retreat and reflection programs at shelters and recovery centers in cities across the US, Canada and Ireland. Learn more about how you can help their mission: www.ispretreats.org

Check out this video on ISP produced by MegAnne Liebsch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuxSNNq8yTM