A Worldwide Brotherhood

The Society of Jesus is the largest order of men in the Catholic Church. Our 20,000 brothers and priests work in more than 120 countries. Ignatius of Loyola started the order in 1540. St. Ignatius gave up his life as a nobleman and knight to serve God by serving others as a "contemplative in action." He wanted the passion for all a Jesuit does to spring from his life of prayer and his companionship with Christ. Every Jesuit begins his religious life with Ignatius Spiritual Exercises, which become the well-spring for his prayer, service, and companionship with his fellow Jesuits.

Becoming a Jesuit means becoming a brother to men spread over all the Earth, bound to them all by a common love for the Jesuit way of following Christ. Jesuit priests and brothers alike vow lifelong chastity, poverty and obedience, and they work side-by-side in all the Society's apostolic efforts.

All Jesuit begin their formation as novices for two years, then move on to first studies - one year of juniorate (focused on the study of communications skills in Filipino and English) and two years of philosophy. After a period of fulltime ministry (usually teaching in one of the Jesuit schools) called "regency," those wanting to be priests begin further theological studies that usually last for four years. They are usually ordained within 11 years of entering the novitiate.

adapted from www.nwjesuits.org