A Worldwide Brotherhood

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.

The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) is the largest religious order of men in the Roman 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.

All Jesuits begin their formation as novices for two years, then move on to first studies. Those seeking priesthood include theology and philosophy in their coursework. After a period of fulltime ministry called "regency," those wanting to be priests begin further theological studies. They are usually ordained within 10 years of entering the novitiate.