Why is it that there are so many myths and misunderstandings about how Jesuits are trained?

Is it true that their studies are longer? Do they have a minimum age for ordination?

Click on the the links below to find out more about the different stages of Jesuit formation!

• First Contact
• Candidacy
• Novitiate
• Philosophy
• Regency
• Theology
• Special Studies
• Tertianship

First Contact

Anyone interested in joining the Jesuits should get in touch with the local vocations promoter.

Those making enquiries about religious life are actually quite numerous, so if you are one such person and are reading this, do not hesitate to get in touch… you are not alone, and you will be under no obligation! If the vocations promoter thinks that an enquirer would make a good and happy Jesuit, the man concerned starts the candidacy.

Please click here to contact the Vocations Director

Candidacy

Duration: about 2 years, depending on the person

Candidates continue with their normal lives, but keep in regular contact with the Jesuits through the vocations director and by visiting their local Jesuit community from time to time. In addition, each candidate is encouraged to make an annual retreat of about five days, sometimes together, sometimes tailor-made to suit the individual.

Those candidates who discern that they are serious about entering the Jesuits make an official application to join. There follows a series of interviews. A psychological test, and a full medical examination are required. Four Jesuits each interview the man and then come together to advise the major superior. Often a female co-worker from one of our apostolic works is asked to interview the man as well to give an alternative point of view about his potential. After the interviews the man may be accepted, turned down, or asked to reapply after a year or two.

This process can appear tough, but just as the Jesuits expect the candidate to be serious about a life-long commitment, so the candidate can expect that his life and future happiness are being taken very seriously by those who assess him.

Novitiate

Duration: 2 years

Candidates who pass their interviews enter the novitiate for two years. It is a time of spiritual development and of community life, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Novices are given several placements which expose them to different kinds of work and which help them to discern what God is asking from them. These placements may include things like teaching, hospital work, working with refugees, and a pilgrimage. After the two years, novices take first perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Some novices feel called to study for the priesthood, others to be Jesuit brothers. A brother’s studies after novitiate are not necessarily the same as those for the trainee priests, but they can be just as challenging and specialised for his area of work. The noviciate is in Birmingham, UK.

Philosophy

Duration: at least 2 years

Those who make their vows then go to studies. These usually start with two years of philosophy, although some get to study a variety of courses at this time. This first section of studies is often done in South Africa or Zimbabwe. At the moment John Enslin is doing higher studies in philosophy at Boston College in the USA.

Regency

In the middle of studies there is a period of pastoral work which Jesuits call regency. This is designed differently for each individual.

Steven Clegg will be going to teach at Wimbledon College in the UK in September 2005 for his regency.

Theology

Now follows four years of theology. Ordination may follow immediately after theology, although some are asked to delay this date until all their studies are over. This can be done in South Africa or anywhere else in the world.

Our four South African men in theology are: Matsetpane Morare at Heythrop in London, Shaun Carls in Berkeley California and Rampeoane Hlobo in Paris. Bruce Botha and Russell Pollit are both in South Africa doing post-graduate studies, Bruce at St. Augstine's College and Russell at St. Joseph’s, Cedara.

Special Studies

If a young Jesuit shows promise in any area of study, he may be sent to get a professional qualification either before or after theology, or even after ordination. Others may not study for a post-graduate degree, but may be asked to acquire practical skills to assist in their future ministry.

Tertianship

After studies and a few years work experience (and after ordination for those who are ordained), Jesuits do their final year of formation called tertianship. During tertianship Jesuits once again make the Spiritual Exercises and study the constitutions of the Society of Jesus. After tertianship, when judged right by the Society, the Jesuit takes final vows.

All of this looks very heavy to many young men who are thinking about vocations… they cannot see themselves studying for such a long time! It is important to remember, however, that the study is broken up into different sections and is done in various places, so it does not become too heavy or boring.

The Society of Jesus is a religious order. Once a young Jesuit has made his first vows, he is considered to be part of the Order, not just a priest-in-training, so he should not be in a rush to get ordained. His study, pastoral work, and contribution to community life are viewed as part of the corporate mission.