Listen to this story:
Jubin Nath Maria Lawrence, SJ, draws faith and inspiration from stories—those of the Bible, those of the people he meets from all walks of life, and even those he brings to life through his own projects.
In this chat, he shares how a simple call to mission took his own story much further than he ever imagined—all the way to Indigenous communities in Guyana, where joy is woven through human connection. What did he discover? That remaining faithful to a vocation can sometimes feel like a hesitant step into the unknown… but at the end of the path, there is a fire that both lights the way and warms the heart.
What book has influenced your spiritual journey the most, and why?
The Bible. Before joining the Jesuits, I often turned to translations of the Old Testament in my native language to support my faith.
Upon entering the pre-novitiate in 2009, the Gospel of John from the Good News Bible became instrumental in my learning, serving as a textbook for Hindi and English grammar, phonetics, and memorization. It also provided material for speeches, role plays, and even performances of drama.
Above all, the Bible has not only been a source of spiritual nourishment but also an educational tool, shaping my role as an educator and spiritual guide.
What’s a surprising hobby or talent you have that others might not expect?
Bringing history to life, a hobby of historical and imaginative storytelling — especially, writing the life story of an extraordinary American Jesuit Missionary, Fr. John Deeney, SJ, who devoted his whole life to establishing missions in Jamshedpur and empowering the tribal communities there. My hobby not only involves crafting an engaging narrative of his selfless dedication but also transforming this life and legacy into a documentary.
What part of Jesuit life has brought you the most unexpected joy?
The aspect of Jesuit life that has brought me the most unexpected joy is the profound experience of participating on an international mission. After my first year of theological studies at Regis, I ventured into the heart of the Guyanese interior for a mission. There, I was immersed in visiting the Amar community.
The experience was transformative, filled with deep joy and spiritual growth. It assured me of my ability to undertake challenging, remote missions — the hallmark of a frontier Jesuit. This mission not only strengthened my Jesuit vocation but also deepened my appreciation for the Jesuit commitment to worldwide missions.
Through this journey, I discovered unexpected joy in forming bonds with the community and engaging in meaningful service. It has opened my heart to universal Jesuit missions.
If you could share one piece of advice with someone discerning their vocation, what would it be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to someone discerning their vocation, it would be to trust that the calling you feel is a whisper from God. As you contemplate joining the Jesuits, nurture this calling through prayer and spiritual reflection. Engage in “come and see” programs organized by the Jesuits, which provide invaluable insights into the Jesuit way of life.
Connect with people who have personal experience with the Jesuits; these interactions can offer perspective and guidance. Seek counsel from Jesuit spiritual guides who can support your journey. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask your family and friends to pray for you and your discernment.
This path is about listening and entering into action. Embrace the journey of vocation with an open heart and mind and let your vocation toward the Jesuits progress naturally through these interactions, experiences and accompaniment.
What was your biggest fear before entering the Jesuits, and how did you overcome it?
Leaving my home region and my family to join a missionary province initially filled me with fear — fear of adapting to new teachings and integrating into unfamiliar cultures. During the first few years of my Jesuit journey, I struggled with this crisis of acceptance, often neglecting to confront it directly.
However, my recent experience with the Clinical Psychospiritual Education (CPE) program at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie transformed this journey. The program and the supervisors provided me with the tools and insight needed to face my fears and embrace them, leading to profound personal growth and overcoming the barriers I once faced.
Which Jesuit value resonates most with you in today’s world?
For me, the Jesuit value of being fully available — committing both thought and action through careful discernment, even in the smallest tasks — resonates deeply. This dedication to service for the greater glory of God exemplifies the spirit of the early Jesuit companions and continues to inspire me on my Jesuit journey, encouraging me to commit myself fully to Christ who humbled himself for humanity.
How has community life as a Jesuit shaped your understanding of friendship?
By emphasizing the concept of “friends in the Lord.” Living in a community advances the deep connections and mutual support that are essential to true friendship. It encourages in me the practice of discernment, allowing me to grow spiritually alongside others.
The experience of community life also means sharing in the abundance of graces that come with my own vows. Additionally, the practice of fraternal correction and engaging in personal dialogue with fellow Jesuits contributes to helping me live a joyful and meaningful life.
