After first studies comes “regency,” two or three years of practical work in a Jesuit context. Most often this involves teaching at a Jesuit high school, but it could be any work that a Jesuit community may have taken on. Then it’s back to school for theology. In the normal course of things the Jesuit will be ordained a deacon after three years of theological studies and a priest after four years. Theology studies might in some cases be followed by special studies like a doctorate in some field. But that’s not the end.
After a few years of active ministry, ordained Jesuits are invited to relive their experience as novices — particularly the 30-day silent retreat. During this “tertianship” they will also engage in some new and different ministry and study the Jesuit constitutions. Final vows come some time after tertianship. Jesuits take an extra vow, in addition to poverty, chastity and obedience. They vow special obedience to the Pope in matters of mission. Only those who have professed four vows may become novice masters, provincial superiors or other positions of authority within the Society.
Though there are four solemn vows, professed Jesuits also make five simple vows: not to compromise the Jesuit practice of poverty, not to seek ecclesiastical offices (such as bishop) outside of the Society of Jesus, not to seek offices within the Society, to report any Jesuit who displays an ambition for high office in the Church or in the Society, and if made a bishop to remain open to the advice of the general superior of the Jesuits.
The formation process for a Jesuit is laborious, lengthy — up to 15 years
By Catholic Register StaffJesuit formation is famously tough, thorough and long. There are distinct stages to Jesuit formation, which can take 15 years or more to complete.
While there is no such thing as a postulancy prior to the novitiate for Jesuits, you can’t just walk into a novitiate. Once a young man expresses an interest in trying out Jesuit life he will usually be assigned a spiritual director. It may be months, a year or even longer before he is admitted to the novitiate.
As in most Catholic religious orders, Jesuits start out as novices. While novices in most other orders take vows after one year, the Jesuit novitiate lasts two years. After first vows, a Jesuit is assigned to “first studies.” Classically, these consisted of Greek and Latin literature. These days they are likely to include modern languages, philosophy and other studies that may lead to a bachelors or masters degree, depending on the education the young Jesuit had before entering the order. This period usually lasts two years.
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