The Jesuit Novitiate can be a mysterious time for family and friends of Jesuit novices. Paul Gillam, SJ, offers a look at the novitiate experience from the perspective of a Jesuit who took First Vows in August, 2025 and shares his reflections on the first stage of Jesuit formation.
Posts in Religious Life
AI for the Greater Glory of God
Can God work through the power of AI? Chris Kinkor, SJ, reflects on how AI has helped and impacted his ministry and mission, and considers the ways that the well-discerned use of AI can point to the Greater Glory of God.
Rarámuri Spirituality
Following the Raramuri tradition, and the importance of dreams, Sebastian found himself facing a whole new way of encountering with God and the Divine in the making of a Yumari, the Raramuri traditional religious feast.
How Women Religious Sparked My Jesuit Vocation
For a Jesuit, inspiration to follow God’s call can come from many sources. Nate Cortas, SJ discusses how women religious he has known have been a model for him as he pursues his own vocation in religious life.
A Deacon’s Diary: What Does a Deacon Do?
Reflecting on his time as a deacon, Damian realized he’s never really explained what a deacon does. In today’s post, he offers an explanation on the role of deacon and a reflection on how it has confirmed his vocation.
I was the Lost Sheep. Jesus found me and sent me to find more lost sheep
While praying about where his next mission might be, Ignatius experienced himself being found like the lost sheep. Having begun his mission, he realized Jesus found him so that he might find others.
How do you respond to the killing of friends? By dancing for hope.
After a month of struggle, Sebastian finally arrived at his new Jesuit mission. The people who greeted him there responded to the murders of two Jesuits in a way that surprised him: by dancing.
Tears are a sign of a Jesus-like friendship
Moving on to a new mission, Beto found himself choked up with tears. Saying goodbye to dear friends and faithful Jesuits, he learned a lesson about how Jesus works in the world.
Lê Thị Thành’s martyrdom inspires the rebel in me
Reflecting on the Vietnamese martyrs, Eddie sees a vision of the Church that fulfills the Evangelical promise. May the life of Lê Thị Thành inspire us to be, to do something more.
Skeptical of synodality? I saw how much we need it in Belize this summer.
Immersed in an unfamiliar culture in Central America, William found his eyes opened to the gift of synodality Pope Francis keeps insisting we must inculcate throughout the Church.









