Vocation to religious life
“Vocation” – a word that tastes of MORE, of what Saint Ignatius of Loyola called “THE MAGIS”: Longing, meaning, fullness of life, a task and the experience of being needed. It sounds like someone who is calling me personally and with whom I can give my life a unique shape.
Vocation to religious life is a personal call from God to dedicate one’s whole self through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in service to God and others within a religious community.
St. Ignatius of Loyola links vocation with the spirit of MAGIS by teaching that one’s calling is discovered through discerning how best to love and serve God, always choosing to “do more” and “be more” for God and others, doing all things for the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).
For the sisters and companions of Mary Ward, MAGIS inspires us to constantly strive for greater love, service, and justice.
MAGIS urges us to go beyond what is comfortable or sufficient so that our lives and mission reflect ever more fully the values of the Gospel.
If you feel God may be calling you to religious life in the Congregatio Jesu, we warmly invite you to contact us and journey with us in discerning His most holy will.
We will be pleased to welcome you and support you.
Every life journey is unique. The process of becoming a CJ sister consists of various stages. At each stage it is important that the process is one of continual mutual discernment.
Discernment is the ongoing search, above all, for the ways God is working in our lives. Prayer is most important in this search. The grace of vocation flows from our Christian baptismal commitment; a woman discerning a call to religious life is attentive through prayer and reflection to the ways Jesus calls her to follow him as she considers becoming a sister.
In the early stages of religious life, formation is a gradual process of learning, an introduction to the charism, and to our way of life. Learning and sharing with others who value Mary Ward’s charism and vision help to sharpen our insight and widen our horizons.
The first stage is a period of enquiry. This provides an opportunity for both the enquirer and the congregation to become acquainted and to answer each other’s questions. Whether an enquirer is ready to enter into serious discernment depends upon her psychological and spiritual growth. Flexibility, awareness of call, a willingness and capacity for growth are necessary elements for ‘the vowed life.’
If it seems right for the enquirer to go ahead, they apply to become a candidate. As a candidate, normal life continues– job, study, friends, independence – while taking a closer look at the CJ life and spirit. In some places this involves living for some of this period with a CJ community to see if the life suits both the community and candidate.
Candidacy normally lasts from 6 months to 2 years and includes ongoing mutual discernment with the vocation director. If, and when, it seems right (to the candidate and to the Institute) the candidate applies to begin novitiate.
Becoming a novice is a much more serious commitment. The novitiate process offers time for reflection in the midst of a lived experience of CJ life. The first year of novitiate focuses on the inner spiritual journey and relationship with God. It can also involve opportunities to experience areas of social outreach. This includes doing the full Exercises of St Ignatius as part of the novice’s discernment. The second year is dedicated to developing an active, apostolic spirituality. At the end of two years, if discerned to continue, a novice will make temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Temporary vows are usually taken for 6 to 9 years. While in temporary vows, the temporary professed sister continues to have special support and guidance, and to live as a fully committed member of the congregation. During this time she may be called upon to have a variety of ministry and community experiences as well as undertake further studies.
Final vows are made when the decision is made to make a life commitment. This decision is made in dialogue with those in leadership positions of the Congregatio Jesu.
If you are looking for your personal vocation in life and want to be accompanied on your way, contact one of our communities or sisters. We will be pleased to welcome you and support you.
A heritage of courageous love
Our charism is rooted in the Ignatian spirituality and shaped by the prophetic vision of Mary Ward. Her conviction that “women in time to come will do much” continues to inspire our mission today.
The Ignatian tradition teaches us to discern God’s presence in our daily life, to reflect before acting, and to act with freedom and integrity. Mary Ward added her own bold spirit: a faith that dares, a love that perseveres, and a hope that transcends boundaries.
Each member is invited to nurture a contemplative heart in the midst of action – to listen deeply, to discern wisely, and to act courageously. We believe that spiritual depth and practical service belong together. We work as educators, pastoral workers, social advocates, and companions in prayer. In schools and universities, in parishes and refugee shelters, in retreat centres and on digital platforms – we seek to accompany others on their journey toward wholeness and freedom.
