Jesuits West

Last month, the Jesuits West Province welcomed five new novices at the Novitiate of the Three Companions in Culver City, California. Two weeks after they entered the novitiate, the novices completed their First Probation with the Mass of Investiture, which reflects an ancient custom in religious life when candidates take another step in their vocation and formally become novices with the letters nSJ after their names.

Meet the novices: jesuitswest.org/novices2026

Today is the feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, a Jesuit who became a Doctor of the Church. Although he was one of the most powerful men in Rome, he lived an austere life and gave most of his money to the poor.

On August 16, Jesuits West welcomed five new novices at the Jesuit Novitiate of the Three Companions in Culver City, California. The province’s newest Jesuits gathered for the Entrance Day photo behind the novitiate’s boulder, posing in the same way as their novice forebearers have done for years.

Two weeks after they entered the novitiate, the novices completed their First Probation with the Mass of Investiture, which reflects an ancient custom in religious life when candidates take another step in their vocation and formally become novices with the letters nSJ after their names.

Meet our new novices: jesuitswest.org/novices2026

Originally from Spain, St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest and missionary who ministered to the enslaved people held in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing them food, cleaning their wounds, and offering the sacraments.

In 1909, the Knights of Peter Claver were founded in his honor and, today, remain one of the largest historically Black Catholic lay fraternal organizations in the Church. They work to uphold and strengthen the Church’s witness to the dignity of every human person.

St. Peter Claver, pray for us!

Happy Labor Day from the Jesuits!

Support Relief and Recovery in Nepal

The Rasuwa floods have claimed hundreds of lives, left thousands of people missing and buried classrooms in mud across Nepal.

American Jesuits International is working with partners in Nepal — including the local Fe y Alegría school network — to conduct rapid assessments and mobilize emergency assistance.

Every donation can help these partners respond to the urgent needs of affected communities.

Donate: americanjesuitsinternational.org/Nepal

This month, 14 Jesuit novices from the United States and Haiti pronounced first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience at five different Masses. AMDG!

🔗 jesuits.org/first-vows-2026