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Interview: Fannie Dionne
Text: Joanna Kozakiewicz
Fr. John Sullivan, SJ, is the provincial assistant for formation for the Jesuits of Canada. He also serves as pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, the newly established Jesuit parish in Newfoundland.
Jesuit formation is a long and profound journey that can extend over fifteen years. It shapes candidates spiritually, intellectually, and pastorally, preparing them to serve wherever the Society of Jesus sends them. In this conversation, Fr. Sullivan shares his insights into the evolving landscape of Jesuit formation, the challenges it faces, and how it continues to respond to today’s cultural and spiritual realities.
What does Jesuit formation look like today?
The formation process was outlined in the Constitutions of Saint Ignatius. Traditionally, it began with two years of novitiate, followed by the juniorate (study of humanities), philosophy, regency, theology, and finally tertianship. Nowadays, Jesuits may enter at an older age, with studies either completed or partially completed, so we adapt the program accordingly.
There is a tremendous amount of work being done in developing Jesuit formation. For example, after the novitiate, what we used to call “philosophy studies” is now referred to as “First Studies,” offered in Paris or in the United States. This new stage still includes philosophy, but now also integrates theology classes and formation in spiritual direction or theological reflection. Jesuits may also be assigned to a local ministry, where they serve in the community while taking a class that helps them reflect on their pastoral experience.
Additionally, every year, there is a fall meeting for all those involved in formation to review the work accomplished during the previous year. The amount of work that Jesuits and others put into formation — given our current realities in the Western world, and especially in Canada — is truly impressive.
I believe that the men who enter today are being formed both according to what St. Ignatius envisioned and in a way that better fits the cultural context in which we live.
Why are these changes happening in Jesuit formation?
Father General Adolfo Nicolás was the one who first brought forward the need to update the guidelines that had been published by Father General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach.
The need for greater flexibility in formation arises from the diverse cultures in which Jesuits live and work. The plan of studies is universal, meaning that whether we operate in Canada, the Philippines, or Japan, we all share the same structure.
Also, much has changed in the world since the last update. There was a real need to adapt to the contemporary context. Today, there is greater emphasis on the experience of people and of the Church, as well as on the questions, concerns, and needs that shape our societies. These realities now inform what we study and how we study it, all while remaining faithful to Ignatius’s original vision.
What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?
The biggest challenge for me was realizing the small number of Jesuits currently in formation — those who have not yet been ordained or who are awaiting tertianship.
When I took over the job, I went through the catalogue and saw that there were only eight Jesuits in formation. I was surprised by that, because when I entered, there were twenty of us.
I do not find this demoralizing, but it’s something we must remain aware of and attentive to. I know Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ, is very conscious of this reality in his tireless work promoting vocations.
[Read the interview on vocations with Fr. Lo]
What are the Jesuit contributions to the Church?
The tradition of spirituality and prayer, the Spiritual Exercises, and our way of accompanying people in their growth and relationship with the Lord — all these are invaluable gifts that the Jesuits bring to the Church.
We are formed to be with people. Not that others are not, but there is a greater sense of collaboration, as Pope Francis would say, of “walking with people.” In today’s world, that is an invaluable contribution.
We must always remember that this is God’s work first and foremost, but we are called to cooperate with God by helping others discover their vocation through this wonderful formation program.
How are the Universal Apostolic Preferences present through formation?
The Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) serve as a horizon for everything we do: they are present in much of what we have traditionally done.
At some stage of formation, I will make sure it’s a requirement that Jesuits gain experience with the Spiritual Exercises, whether through assisting in a retreat or giving spiritual direction. This ensures both exposure and competence in these essential aspects of Jesuit ministry.
Through the ministries that each Jesuit chooses or is assigned, superiors also make sure they have hands-on experience working with those who are excluded or living in poverty, and that they themselves are not living in luxury but immersed in challenging environments.
Our presence among the youth has always been central to the Society’s mission, especially in education. During regency, traditionally (but not exclusively), young Jesuits spend two or three years working in a Jesuit institution, often in a high school setting. This experience provides a wealth of skills for future ministry: organization, leadership, teaching, and much more.
As for Caring for Our Common Home, for my generation it was not a major concern, but younger Jesuits are much more informed and engaged. The Society of Jesus now provides programs and formation opportunities to help Jesuits grow in ecological awareness and integrate care for creation into their ministry and prayer life. For example, there was a summer program in Chicago where those in First Studies were encouraged by their superiors to participate. We hope that, in the future, more Jesuits will be well equipped to address environmental issues and to inspire others to do the same.
