The Jesuit formation process holistically nurtures mind, body, and spirit to prepare individuals for the Society's global mission serving the Church. Extensive time is devoted to prayer, spirituality, personal growth, intellectual pursuits, cultural awareness, media literacy, and immersion in developing regions. This comprehensive approach cultivates an openness to the Jesuits' far-reaching apostolic work spanning academic, cultural, and spiritual realms across the world. The formation's thoroughness aims to instill availability to embrace any mission, equipping Jesuits with the versatility their vocation demands.
Jesuit formation is a comprehensive journey spanning several stages, with the entire process potentially lasting up to 20 years. The formation commences with entrance into the Novitiate, a two-year foundational period. Throughout the journey, phases of study alternate with apostolic engagement, punctuated by the professing of first vows, ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood, and final vows as a formed member of the Society of Jesus.
Jesuits of Canada: Scholastic? Novice? Jesuit? Brother? The 5 (Nearly!) Easy Steps to Becoming a Jesuit - Canada Province (jesuits.ca)
The Novitiate marks the initial stage, providing a crucial time for taking the first steps in the Society and continuing the discernment process. During this period, one begins living according to the vows and chooses between two paths of Jesuit life: the scholastic route, oriented toward priestly ordination, or the brother's vocation.
Four formative experiences are central to the Novitiate: 1) The month-long Spiritual Exercises retreat; 2) A month of service in a hospital setting; 3) Time immersed in a Jesuit community; 4) A pilgrimage without money.
Upon completion of the Novitiate, perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, known as the "First Vows," are professed.
Exploring Philosophy: After taking their first vows, Jesuit members embark on a philosophical journey lasting three to four years. This phase is dedicated to delving into philosophical and humanistic studies, allowing for intellectual and personal growth.
The Regency Experience: Following the initial years of study, Jesuits take a pause from academic pursuits. During this two- to three-year period, known as the Regency, they are assigned to one of the Society's apostolic works or missions. This hands-on experience allows them to integrate their personal, spiritual, and intellectual formation into the daily service of the apostolate.
Deepening Theological Understanding
After the Regency experience, Jesuit scholastics embark on a journey of theological studies. This phase typically consists of an initial three-year cycle, followed by a two-year period of specialization. Jesuit brothers (those not pursuing priestly ordination) also undertake a tailored path of theological education, designed to meet the needs of the Society and align with their individual strengths. The purpose of these studies, for both scholastics and brothers, is to better prepare them for apostolic service within the Church, equipping them with a deeper understanding of their faith.
The Call to Ordination: For Jesuit scholastics, their theological studies pave the way toward the sacrament of ordination. At the conclusion of their third year of theology, the scholastic is ordained as a deacon, and one year later, receives the sacred ordination to the priesthood.
Embarking on Pastoral Ministry: After completing their theological formation, Jesuits receive their "prima missio" – their first assignment in one of the Society's apostolic works. After many years of preparation, this moment marks the beginning of their life dedicated to generous and wholehearted apostolic service.
The Tertianship: A Culminating Journey
After their apostolic assignment(s), Jesuits are called to embark on the final phase of their formation, known as the Tertianship or "third probation." This approximately six-month period serves as a time of synthesis, allowing the Jesuit to reflect on their spiritual, apostolic, and intellectual journey. It is a profound experience that helps them renew and confirm their desire to live fully in the Society.
The Final Vows: A Lifelong Commitment
Some time after completing the Tertianship, the Society extends an invitation to the formed Jesuit to join it "definitively." This pivotal moment marks the taking of Final Vows, which signifies the Jesuit's complete incorporation into the Society of Jesus. In addition to the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, some Jesuits also profess a fourth vow of special obedience to the Pope concerning missions.
Through this sacred commitment, the Jesuit embraces a lifelong dedication to the Society's mission and charism, ready to serve wherever the need may arise.