Faber, Peter (1506-1546)
Latin and English version of Pierre Favre, University of Paris student from the south of France who roomed with Ignatius of Loyola* and Francis Xavier* and together with them and several others founded the Society of Jesus.* Much of his ministry was in Germany. There he drew up guidelines for ecumenical dialogue with Lutherans, but […]
Father General
A provincial reports directly to the Superior General in Rome, where the central Jesuit government or “curia” is located. The current “Father General,” as he is often called, is Fr. Arturo Sosa, a native of Venezuela, the first Latin American Superior General in the history of the Jesuits.
Finding God in All Things
Ignatian* spirituality* is summed up in this phrase. It invites a person to search for and find God in every circumstance of life, not just in explicitly religious situations or activities such as prayer in church (e.g., the Mass) or in private. It implies that God is present everywhere and, though invisible, can be “found” […]
First and Final Vows
The novitiate (see term below) concludes with the novice pronouncing his First Vows–perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. After completing tertianship (see term below), the Superior General of the Society of Jesus invites men to pronounce their Final Vows–perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, plus a fourth vow of obedience to go wherever […]
First studies
A two- to three-year period during which Jesuits in training to be priests study at various universities while also serving the ministry needs of a local church.
Formation
All the education, both formal and informal, and experiences that a man goes through to prepare himself to work as a Jesuit is called his “formation.
