Jesuit formation is a comprehensive, roughly 10-to-15-year process of spiritual, academic, and pastoral training designed to prepare men for ministry in the Society of Jesus, established by St. Ignatius Loyola. It involves distinct stages—novitiate, religious and secular studies, regency, theology, and tertianship—alternating between academic work and apostolic service, culminating in final vows. These stages of Jesuit formation prepare men to become priests and brothers who are well education, trained in Spiritual Exercises of the founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Throughout this journey, Jesuits are known as “scholastics” (if training for the priesthood) or else “brothers” (if they opt for brotherhood).
Those men considering entering, or applying to, the Society of Jesus after completing their class 10 studies are called candidates. At this stage, a rigorous English language coaching and basic faith formation is given. The selected candidates at the end of this stage are sent to pursue their higher secondary studies.
Those men discerning a vocation to the Society of Jesus, after completing their class 12 studies are called Pre-Novices. The Pre-Novitiate is a formative stage designed to help candidates discern their vocation while preparing for entry into the Novitiate. It places a strong emphasis on English language learning.
The novitiate marks the beginning of formal formation in the Society of Jesus, offering men discerning a Jesuit vocation the opportunity to get on a journey of profound spiritual and apostolic growth. Over two years, this foundational stage helps novices deepen their relationship with Christ, clarify their calling, and immerse themselves in the principles of Ignatian spirituality.
The Novices, having pronounced their simple vows, move to the next stage of formation called ‘juniorate’. They have an intense ten-month long training on deepening intellectual foundations, languages, humanities, Jesuit identity and other skills. In the Juniorate, the young Jesuits are trained to face the world as they move on to begin their secular studies.
If a Jesuit has not completed a bachelor's degree before entering the Society of Jesus, he is sent to do his graduation degree for three years often at our own Jesuit college or university. As part of the formation process, this study helps them think critically and broaden their intellectual knowledge.
The Jesuit formation also includes studying philosophy. This study prepares them for priesthood and ministry, focusing on critical thinking, ethics, and the history of philosophy and to develop a, deep, critical, and analytical understanding of human existence, while integrating intellectual growth with spiritual practice.
Regents live in active Jesuit communities with priests and brothers, moving away from the more secluded formation houses of earlier stages. It is generally for two years. It is a time for testing one's vocation in practical. It is often described as a, test of a, Jesuit's ability to integrate a life of prayer with demanding, full-time apostolic work.
While all Jesuits undergo extensive philosophical and theological training, many are missioned for further specialized postgraduate studies to equip them for specific missions, such as teaching in universities, scientific research, or specialized ministry.
Theology is four years of ecclesiastical studies. It is to prepare Jesuits for ordained ministry, specifically the priesthood. Study includes academic theology, systematics, ethics, pastoral ministry, Church history and practical training in celebrating sacraments, preaching, and counselling. After one completes theology, he is ordained a priest.
This final stage in Jesuit formation comes after the Jesuit has worked for at least three years as a priest of a brother. This stage is also called as ‘school of heart. The Jesuit, now called a tertian, undergoes six months of spiritual training during which he makes the full Spiritual Exercises again.
Final vows for a Jesuit represent the culmination of many years of training. Jesuits, having already taken first vows years prior, make perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, plus a "fourth vow" regarding special obedience to the Pope regarding missions. This act signifies full incorporation into the Society of Jesus.
Xavier Sadan
Jesuit Provincial’s Residence
9/3 Middleton Row
Calcutta 700 071
West Bengal, India
Mon-Fri:
Saturday:
Sunday: Closed
Phone: (033) 22296818
Provincial: ccuprovsj@gmail.com
Socius: caljesuits@gmail.com
Treasurer: ccutrea@gmail.com
