Society of Jesus: The Jesuits

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I’m reading a book on the history of the Jesuits and I think they’re a great Order. I am starting to consider whether I would be suited to the life of a Jesuit, but I really don’t know enough about them.

I want to know what the modern Jesuits are like? Have they changed a lot since the days of Sts Ignatius and Francis Xavier? Or do they still endeavor to defend and propagate the faith?

How does one become a Jesuit?
What do modern Jesuits do?
How has the Society of Jesus changed since Vatican II?

I ask the last question because I am also considering the traditionalist orders such as the FSSP and I want to know if the Jesuits follow a more traditional spirituality.

Also, could you share your experiences with the Society of Jesus? For example, could anyone share their experiences of a Jesuit education?
 
I can’t say anything about the American Jesuits, but here in my country they are very traditional, I like them very much.
There aren’t many, I think it’s because their way of life is very strict, and the formation process is long - first they study philosophy, history, psychology… and after that, they study theology and become priests.
They always dress reverently, sometimes in those black dresses, sometimes in shirts and collars, but always in a way that says - hey, I’m a priest 🙂
We have a jesuit bishop in my diocese who is very engaged in bioethical issues.

And, also, I love going to confessions to a jesuit basilica in my city, because they are really commited to hearing confessions, and giving advice, and incouraging, and everything…
I don’t know what else to say, I just hope that the other posters, who are in the US, will agree 😃
 
I visited the Jesuits at their seminary in Manresa House in Birmingham in the UK, about 4 years ago.

These are very lay opinions, but from what I observed they are very committed to leading a holy life. The Jesuits I met were thoughtful individuals, loyal to the Church. The same goes for the Jesuit priests I have met. Actually someone I know is in the novitiate there at the moment. His formation seems to follow quite closely the spirit of St. Ignatius. They follow the spiritual exercises, and there is quite an emphasis on growing in humility, it seems to me, observing from afar. I spent a few weeks on a Jesuit lay volunteering programme, also 4 years ago, and tried to follow Ignatian prayer. It didn’t suit me very well, to be honest, but I still learned a lot.
 
If jokes have anything true about them, read on:

One day a Franciscan was at a bus stop in Rome with his traditional habit and beard. A clean shaven, combed to the side, pretty clergyman Jesuit walks by and says in annoyance “What is this, get that medieval and backwards thing off of you and put on a simple clergyman! And get rid of that beard. Why can’t everyone be like us Jesuits?!”

The franciscan replies: "My brother, the only thing we know about Judas’ background is that he was of the “company of Jesus”.

================================
The Jesuits call themselves the “Company of Jesus”

Any other orders you got in mind?

But one thing is for sure, don’t go into those traditionalist orders.
I love tradition, but not traditionalists. There is a difference.
Being a square head is not being a traditional catholic.
😉
 
I visited the Jesuits at their seminary in Manresa House in Birmingham in the UK, about 4 years ago.
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These are very lay opinions, but from what I observed they are very committed to leading a holy life. The Jesuits I met were thoughtful individuals, loyal to the Church. The same goes for the Jesuit priests I have met. Actually someone I know is in the novitiate there at the moment. His formation seems to follow quite closely the spirit of St. Ignatius. They follow the spiritual exercises, and there is quite an emphasis on growing in humility, it seems to me, observing from afar. I spent a few weeks on a Jesuit lay volunteering programme, also 4 years ago, and tried to follow Ignatian prayer. It didn’t suit me very well, to be honest, but I still learned a lot.
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I’m from the UK myself, so it’s great to hear from someone who has experience with the English Jesuits.

Could you tell me a little about the daily life of a Jesuit? What sort of things do they do?

I am very close to the Dominicans, so I know that they spend a lot of their time in study as preaching is their main apostolate. What is the main work of the Jesuits? Do they also intend to become preachers, or are they more geared towards becoming missionaries?

What makes the Jesuits different from all of the other religious Orders?

I would really appreciate it if you would share your experiences in the Seminary and tell me about the life of the Jesuits. I would also like to know how much it costs to study at the Seminary? Is it free or do they have to pay tuition fees for example?

It would be great if you would do this because it enables me to find a lot out without having to formally contact the English Jesuits. Thanks.
But one thing is for sure, don’t go into those traditionalist orders.
I love tradition, but not traditionalists. There is a difference.
Being a square head is not being a traditional catholic.
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What’s wrong with the Traditionalist Orders such as the FSSP and the Institute of Christ the King? I ask this because I am sincerely discerning a call to the priesthood and these are two Orders that I’m definitely considering.
 
SianTeresa said:
I visited the Jesuits at their seminary in Manresa House in Birmingham in the UK, about 4 years ago.

These are very lay opinions, but from what I observed they are very committed to leading a holy life. The Jesuits I met were thoughtful individuals, loyal to the Church. The same goes for the Jesuit priests I have met. Actually someone I know is in the novitiate there at the moment. His formation seems to follow quite closely the spirit of St. Ignatius. They follow the spiritual exercises, and there is quite an emphasis on growing in humility, it seems to me, observing from afar. I spent a few weeks on a Jesuit lay volunteering programme, also 4 years ago, and tried to follow Ignatian prayer. It didn’t suit me very well, to be honest, but I still learned a lot.
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Indeed…although I’ve been a big fan of the Jesuits for decades, I don’t find Ignatius’ *Spiritual Exercises *very enlightening.
 
Greetings
I am the product of a Jesuit education- I have studied under and have been friends with Jesuits. Here in America- the Jesuits have a reputation of being very liberal and progressive. I only know one Jesuit who actually wears clerics on a daily basis. The Society has really changed a lot after Vatican II.
 
I am the product of a Jesuit education- I have studied under and have been friends with Jesuits. Here in America- the Jesuits have a reputation of being very liberal and progressive. I only know one Jesuit who actually wears clerics on a daily basis. The Society has really changed a lot after Vatican II.
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I am saddened to hear this. Could you please share some examples of how the Jesuits are liberal?

I don’t want you to attack the Society in any way. I’m just interested in hearing about your experiences because I’m seriously thinking of joining.

However, as a somewhat traditionalist and conservative Catholic, I wouldn’t want to be involved in any Order that promoted dissident teachings.

Thanks
 
Let me share some more of my experiences-

Please be aware that there are good and bad- orthodox and liberal- in every order. I have a deep respect for many Jesuits- such as Cardinal Dulles. However, Dulles is a rare gem in the Society these days.

As I have stated earlier, I have only met one Jesuit who wears his clerics daily. I have studied under many Jesuit professors (for philosophy, theology, psychology) and although I knew they were priests, I can recall certain students who didn’t even know that these professors were priests until I mentioned it! One Jesuit theology professor of mine talked about his disdain for Natural Law teaching- especially regarding Humanae Vitae. Another one talked how he saw nothing wrong with sex outside of marriage. This is what they are telling college kids!

Jesuit’s are notorious for being very liberal towards the Church’s sexual teachings, abortion, etc. They are also well known for Liberation theology, anti-war, etc. In addition, the Society has tended to have a lukewarn relationship with the Vatican. I see the anomosity with one of my own priests. For example, this Jesuit was very mad when he noticed the new Vatican flag in our chapel. That same priest has also refused to do the Latin mass- even though several students and faculty members have requested it! (Thankfully we have found a pius Jesuit who has volunteered to say it for us)

Personally, if you are interested in FSSP, etc, I really don’t understand why you would also be interested in the Jesuits. Of course, there are many wonderful, holy, Jesuit. But on the whole, the order has a liberal reputation. To answer your questions about formation- it takes 12 years to reach final vows as a Jesuit. Yes, the study is free. You are a novice for 2 years before you take first vows. then you will be sent somewhere (anywhere around the world) to study theology and philosophy. If addition to poverty, chastity, and obedience, Jesuits also take a fourth vow- Mission. They will go where they are sent. ( I know one man from NYC who is being sent to Africa to complete his philosophy degree. Needless to say, he was surprised)

God bless you in your discernment! I can answer anymore questions- I have known many Jesuit for many years!
 
Jesuit’s are notorious for being very liberal towards the Church’s sexual teachings, abortion, etc. They are also well known for Liberation theology, anti-war, etc. In addition, the Society has tended to have a lukewarn relationship with the Vatican.
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I’m very sorry to read this!
Here in my country they are considered very traditional. Maybe if he gets to go to studies outside US, he can get to know the better part of the order! Maybe the order needs new, fresh and young people who will renew their bonds with the Church’s teachings and the Holy Father.
 
Personally, if you are interested in FSSP, etc, I really don’t understand why you would also be interested in the Jesuits.
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I have recently became interested in the Jesuits because I am currently reading a history of the Society. I was very impressed with the lifes of St Ignatius and St Francis Xavier. I liked their fidelity to the Pope and their willingness to die for the faith. The early Jesuits were very orthodox and many were martyred in the Counter Reformation. It’s a shame that the modern Jesuits do not take after their founding father’s, Saints, and Holy Martyrs.
Here in my country they are considered very traditional. Maybe if he gets to go to studies outside US, he can get to know the better part of the order! Maybe the order needs new, fresh and young people who will renew their bonds with the Church’s teachings and the Holy Father.
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I am from the United Kingdom so the situation may be different from the United States, although I very much doubt it. I have talked to many Priests, Friars and Theologians and the majority of them are liberal and progressive. Most of them disagree with the Church teaching on artificial contraception. One Priest even told me I was wrong for telling my six year old nephew that you have children when you’re married to a woman you love; the priest told me it was wrong to do this because so many people are born out of wedlock these days and it may offend his friends etc.
 
Yes, that’s “political correctness” for you…
Anyway, pray and take time to discern your call and what you want to do for God in your life. God bless you!
 
Yes, that’s “political correctness” for you…
Anyway, pray and take time to discern your call and what you want to do for God in your life. God bless you!
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Thanks.

I’m disapointed that the Jesuits have lost their original Orthodoxy. I don’t think they’re the right Order for me. I’ll keep looking…
 
Traditionalist Orders

Hmm, doesn’t the title already sound a bit tendencious.

Listen in these things there is nothing I can really say that won’t have them retaliating and you fully convinced.

Just know that old habits die hard.
What the neighbor knows is null compared to what actually happens inside.
 
Check out the Dominicans. God bless you on your journey.

I believe the problem the Jesuits have run into here in the US is that they are so very involved in education. A Jesuit education is one of the best money can buy. That being the case, I believe many Jesuits are led into forsaking their orthodoxy because they are a little too “of this world” so to speak. We should pray for them, they are a wonderful order and they need our prayers. They hold much of the future in their hands, it’s no wonder they’re under a sort of spiritual attack.

In fact, if you are more traditional, maybe you shouldn’t write off the Jesuits, they could need you and more traditionalists like you. 🙂 The Dominicans share the Jesuit’s love of scholarship though, and they are much more conservative.
 
Check out the Dominicans. God bless you on your journey.
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I am very close to the Dominicans. I attend a Dominican Monastery Church, and they are my spiritual directors.

The Prior Provincial for the English Dominican Province used to give me private lessons in theology before he was elected Provincial. I love the Dominicans.

I am considering the Dominicans because I am close to them, but I am also thinking of other Orders.
 
Dominicans regardless of the problems all orders face have one advantage.

They won’t as a whole tell you that you are the fourth person of the holy quartet.

Or other wierd stuff.
 
colorful said:
Greetings
I am the product of a Jesuit education- I have studied under and have been friends with Jesuits. Here in America- the Jesuits have a reputation of being very liberal and progressive. I only know one Jesuit who actually wears clerics on a daily basis. The Society has really changed a lot after Vatican II.
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I work at a Jesuit school. 90%+ of the time the Jesuits are wearing their clerics. The times I see them without clerics on are in the morning when eating breakfast, going to/from working out and on “days off” during the summer. Anytime they are interacting with the students, they have their clerics on. They are also addressed Fr. “last name” by the students, which is something you rarely see priests requiring now a days.

When I started at this school 4 1/2 yrs ago, I knew the Jesuits were considered very liberal. What I have seen over the time I have been at the school is a swing towards orthodoxy that mirrors what is happening in much of the rest of the Church. I see this swing at both the school level and at the provincial level (the previous provincial was an alumnus of the school I work at and the current provincial was the last principal of the school).
 
Dempsey1919 said:
I am very close to the Dominicans. I attend a Dominican Monastery Church, and they are my spiritual directors.
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😃 I’ll bet you can contribute your traditionalist leanings to them! What a funny coincidence!

I too attend a Dominican parish. They are a community of priests, and they’re just lovely, holy men. I thank God I was led to them.

We need more Dominicans! So if you are so inclined… 😃 feel so encouraged!
 
I’ll bet you can contribute your traditionalist leanings to them! What a funny coincidence!
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I am lucky in that the Dominicans I know are fairly traditional; they celebrate both Forms of the Mass and the Church is very traditional.

However, I don’t know whether the Order of Preachers has a world wide reputation for orthodoxy.

I am sure there have been dissident Dominican theologians in the past, but I can’t remember their names.
 
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