Vocations
Understand Jesuit Formation
Jesuit formation is a lifelong journey of growth in prayer, community, learning, and mission. Rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola, it seeks to form men who are deeply grounded in faith, intellectually competent, and generously committed to the service of others.
Guided by the spirit of Magis, formation integrates spiritual development, academic study, and apostolic experience, preparing Jesuits to respond creatively and faithfully to the needs of the Church and the world.
The Novitiate
The novitiate is the beginning of Jesuit life, typically lasting two years. It is a time of deep spiritual formation, centered on prayer, community living, and the experience of the Spiritual Exercises. Novices are introduced to the Jesuit way of life through apostolic experiences and learn to discern God’s call more deeply.
First Studies
After the novitiate, Jesuits enter the stage of First Studies, focusing on academic formation, usually in philosophy and related disciplines. This period equips them intellectually while continuing their spiritual and community development, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the world.
Regency
Regency is a period of active ministry, often in schools, parishes, or social apostolates. Jesuits apply what they have learned in real-life settings, gaining pastoral and professional experience while deepening their commitment to service and mission.
Theology Studies
In this stage, Jesuits undertake formal studies in theology, preparing for priestly ordination. This period integrates intellectual formation with pastoral experience, helping them to understand and communicate the faith more deeply in service to the Church.
Tertianship
Often called the “third probation,” tertianship is a time of renewal and final preparation for lifelong commitment in the Society of Jesus. Jesuits revisit the Spiritual Exercises, reflect on their formation journey, and deepen their identity and mission as companions of Jesus.
The difference between a priest and a brother
,A Jesuit brother, like a Jesuit priest, is fully and completely a member of the Society of Jesus. Both share the same vocation, spirituality, and mission, serving God and others as companions of Jesus.
The difference lies in their roles. Jesuit priests are ordained and carry out sacramental ministry, such as celebrating the Eucharist and administering the sacraments. Jesuit brothers, while not ordained, live out their vocation through a wide range of apostolic works.
Their ministry is one of accompaniment: serving in education, administration, social ministries, pastoral work, and other fields-bringing the Gospel to life through their presence, skills, and dedication.
Together, Jesuit priests and brothers collaborate in the same mission, each contributing their unique gifts for the greater glory of God.
Do you feel called to join us?
Why not get in touch with us – Become a Jesuit
Are you thinking of becoming a Jesuit?
It is advisable to talk with Jesuits who work in your parish, school or whom you have come across. You may also talk with friends, your parish priest or any other religious about your desire to apply to become a Jesuit before writing the Vocation Director.
However, any personal questions about vocation to the Society of Jesus can be addressed to the Vocation Director. You may also want to keep regular correspondence with the Vocation Director for further information about the Society of Jesus in the North-West Africa Province (which encompasses the countries of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Gambia).
You may contact the Vocation Director by writing a formal letter to:
Vocation Director
P.O. Box 223
Surulere, Lagos Nigeria
Email: vocations /at/ jesuits-anw.org (In the vocation email address, please replace /at/ with the @ symbol with no spaces).
Or
Vocation Director
P.O. Box 1054
Cape Coast, Ghana
Email: vocationsgh /at/ jesuits-anw.org (In the vocation email address, please replace /at/ with the @ symbol with no spaces).
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