Candidacies

Candidacy in Calcutta Province

Young men who consider entering or applying to the Society of Jesus after completing their Class 10 school studies are called candidates. This is a crucial initial stage of discernment and preparation. This stage of candidacy lays a strong academic, spiritual, and human foundation for young men who feel called to serve God in the Jesuit way of life.

At this stage, candidates receive:

• Rigorous English language coaching
• Basic Catholic faith formation
• Introduction to Jesuit way of life
• Personality development training

Those who are selected at the end of this stage proceed to pursue their higher secondary studies, either in Jesuit institutions or, if necessary, in non-Jesuit schools.

Arunoday Candidacy – Barasat (Since 2022)

In 2022, the Calcutta Province began a ten-month candidacy program at Arunoday. Young men who express their desire to join the province are carefully chosen and brought to Arunoday for formation.

The candidates mainly come from West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala, and a few from other parts of India.

During these ten months, they undergo:

• Intensive English language coaching
• Basic Catholic faith formation
• Orientation to Jesuit spirituality and community life
• Personality development programs
• Structured daily discipline and community living

At the end of the program, those who are found suitable are sent to the next stage of formation.

Candidate House – Burdwan (Since 2023)

Since 2023, a section of St. Xavier’s Hostel, Burdwan has been converted into a Candidate House for school-going candidates.

The selected candidates from Arunoday move to Burdwan to pursue their two years of higher secondary education while residing in this house. Most of them study at St. Xavier’s School, Burdwan, while a few attend neighbouring non-Jesuit schools.

Alongside their academic studies, they continue to receive:

• Spiritual formation
• Guidance in prayer and discernment
• Community living experience
• Ongoing human and personal development