In a world where information flows freely but human connection seems to be fading, a fresh and revitalizing proposal emerges: the Hispanic Institute of Humanistic Formation  Incarnatus Est . Officially presented on February 17, 2026, in Madrid, this new Catholic-inspired center promises to open its doors in September of the same year, offering young people aged 18 to 28 a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional classrooms. What makes Incarnatus Est so special? Let’s explore it step by step, highlighting its core principles and the enthusiasm it generates.

Imagine a place where the study of the humanities is not just theory, but an embodied experience. That is precisely what  Incarnatus Est offers : a holistic education that intertwines intellectual, spiritual, and community life. The students, primarily from Spain and Latin American countries, will live together for nine months at the campus located in Boadilla del Monte, a charming town near Madrid known for its tranquility and proximity to nature.

There, they will not only attend philosophy and theology classes taught by professors from renowned Spanish universities, but will also participate in practical activities such as gardening, carpentry workshops, horticulture, crafts, and theater. These experiences aim to foster a deep dialogue with contemporary reality, helping young people to grapple with the ideas of our time with wisdom and patience, rather than aggressive confrontation.

At the helm of this ambitious project is Fabrice Hadjadj, a world-renowned French philosopher and writer, author of a vast body of essays and a member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, appointed by Pope Francis. Hadjadj, who recently moved to Spain to direct the institute, emphasizes the need to shift from a “besieged fortress mentality” to one of cultural gardeners. In his words during the presentation: “Incarnatus Est aims to rid us of a besieged fortress mentality. Here, the positive aspects of the Catholic faith as a source of hope and inspiration will be explored. There is much talk of the culture war, and soldiers are placed in front of the garden to protect it. Meanwhile, the plants wither. What we want above all is to train gardeners of culture.”

Hadjadj adds a profound and poetic touch: “I am not here to lecture Spaniards. My ‘exile from the French language’ is to unearth the treasures of Spain, and especially this, which goes back to Hosius of Cordoba: that our relationship with reality is not based on information, but on embodiment…” This vision resonates with the idea that true knowledge arises from lived experience, not just from accumulated data.

Miguel Gabián, a key member of the driving team, adds to this perspective: “Incarnatus Est aims to be a community-based learning environment, with teachers and peers, to gradually cultivate, little by little, a new kind of Christian who can grapple with the ideas of our time. And not defensively or aggressively, with the spirit of a soldier, but with the patient spirit of a gardener who wants to cultivate a better society.” Gabián also emphasizes the inclusion of meaningful journeys, so that students stop being “virtual tourists” and grasp the key aspects of a postmodern world influenced by artificial intelligence.

What makes Incarnatus Est even more appealing is its practical and accredited approach. As a non-profit organization, it has the institutional support of the Diocese of Getafe and an academic partnership with Francisco de Vitoria University. Thanks to this, the studies completed during the course can be validated for 60 ECTS credits, integrating students into university campus activities. María Lacalle, Vice-Rector for Faculty and Educational Model at UFV, perfectly summarizes it: “This collaboration represents an opportunity to continue promoting high-quality humanistic education, focused on the holistic development of the individual.”

For the first cohort, 40 students will be selected to embark on this educational adventure. The application process is now open and accessible through the website  .  If you are a young Spanish speaker seeking a path that nourishes your mind, spirit, and relationships, Incarnatus Est could be the perfect place to take root. An initiative that not only educates but also inspires you to flourish in a world that so desperately needs it!