37 New Novices in Europe and the Near East

Details: Written by JCEP; Last Updated: 30 October 2026

s2smodern

This autumn, 37 young men in total embarked on their journey as novices in different novitiates across the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (Bilbao, Birmingham, Cairo, Chernivtsi, Coimbra, Gdynia, Genoa, Innsbruck, Split). Each of these novices represents the culmination of an extensive process of discernment, supported closely in each province by Vocation Promoters and other dedicated Jesuits.

The Jesuit Novitiate is a two-year programme designed to lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and purpose-driven religious and apostolic life. Its primary goals include deepening one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ, gaining a better understanding of oneself and the Society of Jesus, and experiencing the joys and challenges of communal living. Throughout these initial phases of formation, there are typical experiments that have characterized this journey since the beginning of the Society. These include the Spiritual Exercises in the form of a month-long retreat, a period of service to the sick and the impoverished, and a pilgrimage.

If you're interested in learning more about the process of becoming a Jesuit, please visit our page

These 37 new novices will join their 27 fellow companions who are commencing their second year of the Novitiate. In total, there are now 64 novices within the JCEP.

We warmly invite you to keep the Jesuit novices in your prayers, along with all those who may be discerning a similar calling to become a Jesuit.

Bilbao (Spain)