New Ignatian Discernment Institute Launches in Denver, Offers Retreats and Training on Spiritual Discernment

Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV, has led workshops on St. Ignatius of Loyola's Rules of Discernment for decades. Now, with the launch of the Ignatian Discernment Institute, he and Father Mark Yavarone, OMV, seek to expand access to the Church's rich tradition of spiritual discernment. (Photo courtesy of the Ignatian Discernment Institute)

A quiet yet powerful movement is taking root in the heart of Denver, offering Catholics new tools to deepen their spiritual lives. In January 2025, the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMVs), a religious order founded in 1826 by Venerable Bruno Lanteri and dedicated to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, launched the Ignatian Discernment Institute (IDI) to expand access to the Church’s rich tradition of spiritual discernment.

Rooted in centuries of Catholic spirituality and mission, the IDI builds on the decades-long work of Father Timothy Gallagher, OMV, whose teachings have brought the discernment of spirits — especially St. Ignatius’ 14 “First Week” rules — to thousands of souls across the world.

A Lifelong Mission

Father Gallagher began teaching the discernment rules in retreat settings in the early 1980s. What was unique about his approach was his ability to make the centuries-old teachings accessible to a broad audience, far beyond specialized Ignatian centers.

The impact was transformative. Attendees frequently told Father Gallagher, “I wish I had known this ten, twenty, thirty years ago,” and urged, “Everyone should know this!”

By the early 1990s, he was offering his insights in parishes and priestly formation programs. In 2005, he published the first of what would become more than 20 books — many of which have been translated into several languages. His podcasts and Catholic media series, including programs on EWTN, have reached hundreds of thousands of English-speaking listeners worldwide.

But with the growing demand came a growing need for help. In 2025, Father Mark Yavarone, OMV — an experienced retreat leader and teacher with more than 20 years in the field — joined Father Gallagher in Denver. Together, they officially launched the Ignatian Discernment Institute to meet the need for formation in discernment.

Fall 2025 Events in the Archdiocese

Though both priests travel extensively, they remain committed to serving Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver. Several one-day retreats are planned for this fall:

• Friday, Oct. 24: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Boulder, led by Father Mark Yavarone, OMV. (Sponsored by the Serra Club of Boulder. To register, contact Jan Landers at jan.landers@gmail.com.)

• Saturday, Dec. 13: Our Lady of Peace / St. Mary’s Parish in Silverthorne, CO, led by Father Mark Yavarone, OMV. (For information or registration, call the parish office at 970-668-0250.)

Additionally, for those already familiar with St. Ignatius’ rules and looking to teach or guide others, Father Gallagher will offer a four-day seminar from Nov. 6–9 at the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver. The training will focus on applying the rules in spiritual direction. Both in-person and online participation are available.(Visit discernment.institute/institute/events for details.)

A Mission for the Whole Church

The IDI is more than a local initiative — it is a response to a growing hunger in the Church for deeper prayer, discernment and clarity in spiritual life. By equipping the faithful to recognize how the Holy Spirit moves — and how the enemy attempts to sow confusion — the Ignatian Discernment Institute seeks to renew the Church one soul at a time.

To learn more about the Ignatian Discernment Institute, access free resources or explore upcoming retreats and seminars, visit discernment.institute.