Vocation Stories

Twenty-three young men from Eastern Africa join the Jesuit novitiates globally in 2026

GOD HAS A STORY WITH EVERY VOCATION …

The Rebel Prince Who Joined the Jesuits—and Became a “Super-Achiever”

The Rebel Prince rejected royalty, embraced poverty, and shocked the empire. But when The Rebel Prince traded his crown for a Jesuit robe, he didn’t give up power—he redirected his fierce ambition toward an extraordinary, unprecedented legacy of accomplishment in the service of the Lord Jesus and of one’s neighbor.

They expected him to rule an empire, but The Rebel Prince chose a far more demanding calling. Joining the Jesuits wasn’t a retreat from power—it was the forge that transformed a royal renegade into a visionary powerhouse. Because behind every Jesuit vocation lies a story capable of reshaping history!

Love is like a cough—it can never be hidden. Love is life, and like love, life is growth, change, and renewal. Unsuspecting parents may be shocked by the unpredictable spontaneity of their children, just as only lovers can truly understand the “silly” things other lovers say and do. Similarly, no one can guess what move a rebellious youth will make next as they fight to follow their conscience against all odds. Only someone who has never loved could fail to understand this story.

Like today’s Gen Z youth, he rebelled against the conformism the establishment tried to impose on him. But unlike many, he placed his newfound freedom at the service of the highest possible ideal.

Who was this rebel prince? None other than St. Aloysius Gonzaga.

He was born in Castiglione delle Stiviere in northern Italy. At the time of his birth in 1568, his hometown was an imperial fief of the Holy Roman Empire (which was historically often referred to as the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation). A 17-year-old Aloysius broke the hearts of a dozen hopeful princesses by giving up his vast inheritance to follow Christ and become a Jesuit.

Before joining the Society of Jesus, Aloysius walked his own path at his own pace, made decisions independently, and stumbled along the way. Yet despite his mistakes, he became a saint. He died a martyr of charity after contracting a fatal plague while carrying a sick, destitute man off the street in his own arms. In his brief years as a Jesuit, he accomplished more than most do in a lifetime, rightly earning his place as the Patron Saint of Youth.

The trials St. Aloysius faced while discerning his vocation are far from ancient history; they echo in the hearts of young men discerning their purpose today. It is my deepest desire that many of today’s passionate “rebels” find the courage to do likewise.

To discover and discern the unique path of a Jesuit vocation is to take a big risk that involves being a rebel or betrayal. Discover the inspiring journeys of 23 young men who recently stepped forward to join the Jesuits—entering novitiates in the Eastern Africa Province, Arusha Tanzania, Lusaka Zambia, and as far as Sri Lanka. Their stories prove that the spirit of selfless surrender is alive and thriving. Could God be calling you to walk this same heroic path? Would you like to be a Jesuit?

On May 31, 2026, Twelve Candidates joined the Jesuit Novitiate in Arusha, Tanzania

On July 23, 2026, Two Candidates joined the Jesuit Novitiate in Arusha, Tanzania

On June 23, 2026, Four Candidates joined the Jesuit Novitiate in Lusaka, Zambia

On September 8, 2026, Six Candidates joined the Jesuit Novitiate in Sri-Lanka

Twenty-four young men from Eastern Africa join the Jesuit novitiates globally in 2024

GOD HAS A STORY WITH EVERY VOCATION ...

Igniting Young Hearts: A Year of Vocations in Eastern Africa 2024

In the heart of Jesuits Eastern Africa, a flame of hope and service is being kindled. Inspired by the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola, young men are answering the call to a life dedicated to God and others. This annual report chronicles the journey of these aspiring Jesuits, highlighting their formation, spiritual growth, and commitment to a mission that transcends borders, carrying in their minds and hearts the Motto, “Rekindled by the Fire of Desire to serve”. No matter how poor we are, our pride and wealth rely on the young men ready to serve. “Show me your wealth, and I will show you the wealth of young men ready to serve”.

The Society of Jesus in Eastern Africa is overjoyed to announce a significant milestone: the admission of twenty-four young men into the Jesuit novitiate in 2024. These young men, hailing from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds across South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, have answered the call to a life of service and contemplation.

This remarkable increase in vocations reflects the enduring appeal of the Ignatian charism and the Society’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse community of religious men. The province is grateful to God for this blessing and is excited to accompany these young men on their spiritual journeys.

As these novices embark on their formation, they bring with them a wealth of talents and experiences, ranging from engineering and computer science to business and the humanities. This diversity will enrich the Society’s mission and enable it better to serve the needs of the Church and the world.

The vocations team, led by Fr. Didmus Shirima, SJ, continues to prioritize relationship-building and spiritual discernment. By creating spaces for young men to encounter God and explore their vocations, the team hopes to inspire even more young people to consider a life of service with the Society of Jesus.

A Testament to the Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs)

This year’s vocations reflect the growing appeal of the Society’s mission and the enduring relevance of the Universal Apostolic Preferences on “Accompanying the young in the creation of a hope-filled future”. These young men are drawn to the Society’s commitment to justice, education, and spiritual growth. They are eager to serve God and others in a variety of ministries, from teaching and preaching to social justice work and pastoral care.

A Diverse and Dynamic Community
The diversity of this year’s vocations is a testament to the Society of Jesus’s global reach. The province is proud to welcome young men from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity will enrich the community and help ensure that the Society remains relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Looking to the Future
As the Society of Jesus in Eastern Africa prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, it is poised to continue its mission of serving God and humanity. With the support of these new vocations, the province is confident that it will be able to meet the challenges of the future and make a lasting impact on the world.