Becoming a Jesuit

We are often asked about our formation. It is true that it is quite long. Some are impressed, thinking we must be specially prepared. Perhaps, more honestly, we are all too human, and slow learners as well. Formation takes years because it is a slow process. You cannot force grass to grow by pulling it!

To give an idea of our formation, we may accompany a young man through the different stages of formation. Clearly the formation may vary according to age, and to previous studies (especially those of philosophy and theology).
 

Vocational discernment

A first stage, before joining the Society, is that of vocational discernment. A young man desires to join, or feels he might have a vocation. To help him understand further, and see more clearly, the young man is accompanied spirituality, helped to understand better his desires in prayer, and through experiences on an apostolic and community level. This stage, which is very flexible in time-span and modality, also serves as a first introduction to the Society, to its charism, and its spirituality.
[read further]
 

Novitiate

Having considered seriously his vocation, the young man asks to join. The two years of novitiate is a period of formation and of trial. The young man is accompanied, through a series of experiences in discerning better his vocation, and understanding better whether God is really calling him to this life. [read further] [visit the novitiate in Genoa, Italy]

Having discerned the vocation through the novitiate, the novice has to see whether he is called to this life, and has to choose to embrace it. Having also considered the vocation with the novice, the Society accepts him to do his first vows - poverty, chastity and obedience for life in the Society of Jesus.[read further]
 

Years of formation

With the First Vows, the person is accepted as a Jesuit student to the priesthood, or as a Jesuit brother in formation.

The road ahead for students to the priesthood is marked by a number of stages. Generally first come two or three years of philosophical studies. Following these are two years of "regency" where the Jesuit student is involved primarily in an apostolic commitment, although in some case these may be years of study in preparation for future apostolates. Finally the years of theological studies (generally five) in preparation for the priesthood. In the final years of theology, the Jesuit student is ordained first deacon, and a year later priest. This description can only give a very general idea - the formation does vary from person to person, adapting to the persons' needs, previous formation, etc.

The formation of the Jesuit brother is even more flexible. It varies according to the potential of the person, although an enphasis is given a foundation of theological studies and preparation for the various missions he may be assigned to.
 

Tertianship and final vows

Following some years of active ministry (some years after ordination, in the case of Jesuit priests), comes the last stage of formation: Tertainship. This tertainship, in some ways, takes up again the novitiate, with its experiments (the month retreat, apostolic experiments), and its emphasis on knowing better the Society and its vocation ... clearly now not as a first step, but a priveledged moment to go deeper!

After completing all these years of formation, the Jesuit is called by the Society to become a formed member with the Final Vows - each in his own call, as Brother or Father. Even then actually, only the initial formation is over ... formation in religious life has to remain an ongoing process!