Javi was born in Valencia, Spain, and joined the Society of Jesus in the Spanish Province in 2015. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Master's Degree in Political Philosophy. He also took courses in Law. He studied Theology at the University of Comillas in Madrid and is currently pursuing his STL at Boston College, where he conducts research on the connection between Theology, Sports, and Ignatian Spirituality. He worked as a professor at Jesuit schools in Madrid, Valencia, and Gran Canaria. There, he had the opportunity to coach several soccer teams. He is currently working to create an international network of people involved in sports ministry within the Society of Jesus' network of educational projects.
Joined in 2025 1 posts jbailenllongosj@thejesuitpost.org
As a semi-professional soccer player, Javi Bailén, SJ understood the importance of routine reflection. As a Jesuit, he discovered how the Ignatian spirituality provides perfect tools for athletes and teams to reflect on their performance. In his first for TJP, Javi writes about how the Examen can be adapted for sports teams to find God in their game – and perhaps improve their future play.