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Becoming a Jesuit: A Calling, a Journey ?
How to Become a Jesuit: A Guide to the Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, is a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. Known for their commitment to education, social justice, and global missions, the Jesuits attract men who feel called to a life of service, intellectual rigor, and spiritual depth. If you find yourself drawn to this vocation, understanding the path to becoming a Jesuit is crucial. This article will guide you through the process of "how to become a Jesuit," offering insights into the requirements, the formation, and the life that awaits.
How to Become a Jesuit: Discerning the Call
The first step in "how to become a Jesuit" is discerning whether you truly have a vocation to the Society of Jesus. This involves deep prayer, reflection, and consultation with spiritual directors or Jesuit priests. Ask yourself:
- Am I drawn to a life of service? Jesuits dedicate their lives to serving others, especially the poor and marginalized.
- Do I value intellectual pursuits? The Jesuits have a strong tradition of education and intellectual engagement.
- Do I feel called to religious life within the Catholic Church? This commitment requires a willingness to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
- Do I resonate with Ignatian spirituality? This spirituality emphasizes finding God in all things and making decisions through prayerful discernment.
How to Become a Jesuit: Meeting the Requirements
Before formally applying to "how to become a Jesuit," you must meet certain requirements:
- Age: Typically, candidates are between 21 and 45 years old, but exceptions can be made.
- Catholic Faith: You must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- Education: A college degree is usually required, though some provinces might consider applicants with significant life experience in lieu of a degree.
- Health: You must be in good physical and mental health.
- Personal Qualities: The Jesuits look for men who are mature, emotionally stable, open to growth, and capable of living in community.
- Citizenship/Immigration Status: You must be a citizen or have legal residency in the country where you are applying.
How to Become a Jesuit: The Application Process
The application process for "how to become a Jesuit" is rigorous and involves several stages:
- Initial Contact: Reach out to a vocation director in the Jesuit province where you feel called to serve. They will provide guidance and answer your questions.
- Application: Submit a formal application, which typically includes essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal autobiography.
- Interviews: Participate in multiple interviews with Jesuit priests and other members of the formation team.
- Psychological Testing: Undergo psychological evaluations to assess your suitability for religious life.
- Medical Examination: Complete a thorough medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements.
- Background Check: A comprehensive background check is conducted to ensure your suitability for working with vulnerable populations.
How to Become a Jesuit: The Novitiate (First Two Years)
If accepted, you enter the novitiate, a two-year period of intense spiritual formation and discernment. This is a critical phase in "how to become a Jesuit."
- Prayer and Reflection: You will spend significant time in prayer, meditation, and spiritual direction.
- Community Living: You will live in community with other novices, learning to share your life and work with others.
- Experiments: You will participate in various "experiments," such as working with the poor, teaching religious education, or serving in hospitals. These experiences help you discern your vocation and develop your skills.
- Jesuit History and Spirituality: You will study the history, spirituality, and mission of the Society of Jesus.
- First Vows: At the end of the novitiate, if you and the Society agree that you are called to continue, you will profess first vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
How to Become a Jesuit: First Studies (Philosophy and Theology)
After first vows, you begin a period of intellectual formation, typically lasting two to three years. This is a crucial stage in "how to become a Jesuit" because it lays the foundation for your future ministry.
- Philosophy Studies: You will study philosophy, exploring questions of ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology.
- Language Studies: You may study Latin and other languages relevant to your future ministry.
- Theology Studies (Introduction): Some introductory theology courses may be included.
How to Become a Jesuit: Regency (Practical Experience)
Regency is a period of full-time apostolic work, typically lasting two to three years. This phase of "how to become a Jesuit" allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice.
- Teaching: Many regents work as teachers in Jesuit high schools or universities.
- Pastoral Work: Some regents work in parishes or other pastoral settings.
- Social Justice: Others work in social justice ministries, advocating for the poor and marginalized.
How to Become a Jesuit: Theology Studies (Advanced)
After regency, you return to theological studies for three to four years, culminating in ordination to the priesthood (for those called to be priests). This is the final formal academic preparation in "how to become a Jesuit."
- Systematic Theology: You will study the core doctrines of the Catholic Church.
- Sacramental Theology: You will study the sacraments and their meaning.
- Moral Theology: You will study ethical principles and their application to daily life.
- Pastoral Theology: You will study the practical aspects of ministry.
How to Become a Jesuit: Ordination and Tertianship
For those called to the priesthood, ordination typically occurs after theology studies. However, the journey of "how to become a Jesuit" isn't over yet.
- Ordination: After completing theological studies, those called to the priesthood are ordained as deacons and then as priests.
- Tertianship: After ordination (or, for brothers, after several years of ministry), all Jesuits undergo Tertianship, a final period of spiritual formation. This usually lasts several months and involves a review of Jesuit history, spirituality, and constitutions. It is a time for deepening your commitment to the Society.
How to Become a Jesuit: Final Vows
After Tertianship, and with the approval of the Superior General, you will profess final vows in the Society of Jesus. This is the culmination of the journey of "how to become a Jesuit," marking your permanent commitment to the Society.
- Life of Service: You will continue to live a life dedicated to God and to serving others, wherever you are sent.
- Continuing Formation: Formation doesn't end with final vows. Jesuits are committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth.
Famous Jesuits
The Society of Jesus has produced many notable figures throughout history. One such figure is Pope Francis, the current pontiff of the Catholic Church.
- Pope Francis: Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013. He was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas. His papacy is characterized by a focus on mercy, social justice, and dialogue with other faiths.
How to Become a Jesuit: A Summary
Becoming a Jesuit is a long and demanding process, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. If you feel called to a life of service, intellectual rigor, and spiritual depth, the Society of Jesus may be the right place for you. The key steps are: discerning the call, meeting the requirements, applying, undergoing formation (novitiate, studies, regency, tertianship), and professing final vows.
Q&A
Q: What are the basic requirements to become a Jesuit? A: Practicing Catholic faith, usually a college degree, good health, and being between 21 and 45 years old (with possible exceptions).
Q: What is the novitiate? A: A two-year period of intense spiritual formation and discernment.
Q: What is regency? A: A period of full-time apostolic work, typically lasting two to three years, where you put your knowledge into practice.
Q: When do Jesuits take final vows? A: After Tertianship, marking their permanent commitment to the Society of Jesus.
Keywords: how to become a jesuit, jesuit vocation, society of jesus, jesuit formation, jesuit requirements, religious order, catholic priesthood, ignatian spirituality, vocation discernment, pope francis.