“I will not have my faith questioned.” The following are the meaningful words uttered by Saint Ignatius of Loyola when facing the first of many trials, questioning the Spiritual Exercises that he believed in and lived. His tenacity as a knight before his leg was injured in battle made him a person who was also tenacious in living his pilgrimage. This scene is part of the play INIGO: Ignatius of Loyola, a retelling of Saint Ignatius Loyola’s life journey, written by Jonathan Moore. The Gonzaga College High School Community presented the drama at Ciputra Artpreneur Theater on September 23, 2025.

Communal Harmony during the Play Performance INIGO: Ignatius of Loyola
Kolese Gonzaga High School promotes values of cooperation and brotherhood through its theater production “Teater INIGO: Ignatius of Loyola.” This play tells the story of Saint Ignatius Loyola and reflects the school’s Jesuit identity in Indonesia. The performance encourages participation and reflection among everyone involved.

Pater Eduard Calistus Ratu Dopo led the initiative, organizing a selection process for student performers. The meaningful script emerged from collaboration among various contributors, including Pater Emmanuel Baskoro Poedjinoegroho, director Ibe Karyanto, assistant director Putri Dewi, choreographer Janabelia Ayu Tafarannisa, and student composers like Adiel Uri Zabdianto. All students participated in some capacity, whether acting, singing, or helping with production. Parents supported the effort by creating cookies for the performers, showcasing the community spirit.

Holistic Learning Process through the Play Performance of INIGO: Ignatius of Loyola
Through the play INIGO: Ignatius of Loyola, students learn to develop their abilities and become reliable individuals. During the preparation process, students are encouraged to understand themselves more deeply and become agents of change with a humble attitude of continuous
learning. They are expected to grow into adaptive and innovative leaders while deepening their Ignatian spirituality, rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola. This play helps students understand the importance of the Examen Conscientiae, which is implemented in schools.

This performance also challenges students to use their imagination in English, especially in speaking confidently, so they can be more expressive and interactive. The story of Saint Ignatius Loyola’s life journey in this play depicts the Spiritual Exercises and God’s will. The play incorporates music and dance, as well as the aesthetics of visual art created by students and teachers, which is displayed before the performance.

This play not only tells the life story of Saint Ignatius but also preserves it. Overall, this play is a project-based learning experience that encourages students to actively engage in solving complex real-world problems. It is hoped that the life story of Saint Ignatius, which is presented in this performance, will inspire all those involved and the audience to reflect on their experiences.Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.

Contributor: Theresia Rianika Septianingtyas, S.Pd. – Teacher of Kolese Gonzaga High School