Scholasticates

Scholasticates of Calcutta Province

A Jesuit scholasticate is a house of studies for Jesuit scholastics—men in formation for the priesthood or brotherhood within the Society of Jesus who have pronounced their First Vows. In these houses, scholastics live in community while engaging in intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation. Their life is carefully structured to integrate academic studies, community living, prayer, and apostolic exposure, enabling them to deepen their vocation and grow in availability for Christ’s mission.

The Calcutta Province has three scholasticates. Together, these three scholasticates play a vital role in nurturing young Jesuits of the Calcutta Province, helping them grow intellectually, spiritually, and pastorally as companions of Jesus in today’s world.

1. Loyola Study House (Prabhu Jisur Girja), Kolkata

As part of Prabhu Jisur Girja community, popularly known as Loyola Study House, serves as a scholasticate primarily for scholastics from the Provinces of Calcutta, Darjeeling, Dumka-Raiganj, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Hazaribag, and Madhya Pradesh.

The scholastics pursue their university studies mainly at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and, when necessary, at other colleges in Kolkata.

Beyond academics, the scholastics actively participate in the parish apostolate. Their ministries include:

• Conducting Sunday School
• Animating youth ministry
• Family visits
• Distributing Holy Communion to the sick

This integration of study and pastoral engagement fosters a holistic Jesuit formation.

2. St. Xavier’s Scholasticate, Burdwan

The scholasticate at Burdwan houses scholastics from the Calcutta and Madhya Pradesh Provinces. They pursue their undergraduate studies at St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan.

The community setting provides an environment conducive to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and fraternal life.

3. Raghabpur Scholasticate

The third scholasticate is located within the Jesuit community at Raghabpur. The scholastics residing here undertake their undergraduate studies at St. Xavier’s College, Raghabpur.

As in the other scholasticates, the formation integrates study, prayer, community life, and apostolic orientation, preparing the scholastics for greater responsibility in the mission of the Church.