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, philosophy, 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 educated, 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).
Men who consider entering or applying to the Society of Jesus after completing their Class 10 studies are called candidates. At this initial stage, they are provided with: Rigorous English language coaching to strengthen communication skills, Basic faith formation, helping them grow in prayer, discipline, and Christian values. This period serves as a time of discernment and preparation.
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.
After pronouncing their simple vows, the novices enter the Juniorate, a ten-month formation program focused on intellectual growth, languages, humanities, Jesuit identity, and essential skills. This stage prepares them to engage the world as they begin their secular studies.
If a Jesuit scholastic has not completed a bachelor’s degree before entering the Society, he is ordinarily sent to pursue a three-year undergraduate program, often at a Jesuit college or university. This period of academic study is not merely about earning a degree. It is an essential part of Jesuit formation.
This period of study prepares scholastics for priesthood and future ministries by grounding them in critical thinking, ethics, and the history of philosophy. It fosters a deep and analytical understanding of human existence, truth, freedom, and moral responsibility.
Regency is a period when Jesuits in formation live in active communities with priests and brothers, moving away from the more secluded formation houses of the earlier stages. It generally lasts for two years. This is a time of testing one’s vocation in a practical way.
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 a four-year program of ecclesiastical studies undertaken as part of Jesuit formation. Its primary purpose is to prepare Jesuits for ordained ministry, particularly the priesthood. Upon the completion of theology studies, he is ordained to the priesthood.
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.
One of the issues of 'Calcutta Jesuits and Friends' focusing on different stages of Jesuit formation.
Xavier Sadan
Jesuit Provincial’s Residence
9/3 Middleton Row
Calcutta 700 071
West Bengal, India
Mon-Fri: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM
Saturday: 09:30 AM to 01:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone: (033) 22296818
Provincial: ccuprovsj@gmail.com
Socius: caljesuits@gmail.com
Treasurer: ccutrea@gmail.com
cmwbtreasury@gmail.com
