With Companions

1. Where are you currently missioned and how’s it going?

My Provincial has missioned me to philosophy studies at St Louis University. Philosophy studies—or ‘first studies’—is the second stage of formation in the Jesuits following two years in the Novitiate. I am a student again. The majority of my time is spent reading books and writing papers. I do a lot of pondering. And while the focus of my mission is on my intellectual and spiritual formation, I am keenly aware that my education is not self-serving. Rather, I study in order to serve the Church and to labor with Christ underneath his banner as a Jesuit. When I bring the joys and challenges of philosophy studies to prayer with this in mind, I experience much thanksgiving and consolation.

2. When was the first time you thought about being a Jesuit?

I first considered being a Jesuit my junior year at Boston College. A thought turned into a stirring which led to a discernment and ended with a yearning—a yearning that I discovered both God and I shared. I considered a Jesuit vocation for three years with a terrific spiritual director before I entered the Novitiate. My discernment ended with my decision to take vows at the end of the Novitiate. Jesuit brothers, family and friends accompanied me all along the way for which I am very thankful.

3. How have your friendships changed or stayed the same since you entered the Portland novitiate?

I see my friends less often due to the many miles that separate us and our various commitments. I suppose that this is not necessarily a function of entering the Novitiate more than entering adulthood. Though I see my friends less often, these friendships continue to grow. In fact, since entering the Novitiate, I feel that my friendships have become more authentic. This is due, in part, to the process of becoming more authentically myself through my vocation.

4. Is there a particular author, artist, saint, musician, etc. that has resonated with you during the transition to religious life?

Saints and artists alike have the ability to communicate what it means to be human and, in doing so, reveal God with us, loving us. The lives of the three Jesuit companions—St. Ignatius, SJ, St. Francis Xavier, SJ, and Bl. Peter Faber, SJ—communicated this to me during my transition to religious life in a special way. Vivaldi’s music, Van Gogh’s painting and T.S. Elliot’s poetry, just to name a few, communicate this to me as well.

5. What’s the biggest surprise so far?

I am surprised by grace again and again.

6. What would you tell a man who’s considering the Jesuits?

Bring your desires to prayer—the desires that led you to consider religious life, perhaps the desire for a family, and all the rest. When you pray, talk to Jesus as you would talk to a friend. What does he say? Pay attention to the consolation and desolation that accompanies your prayer. And speak with a spiritual director about what is happening in your prayer. I will be praying for you and all men discerning a Jesuit vocation.