Responses from 5 JCSA Scholastics
Rooted in Reality
Sch. Jerome Joseph, SJ
Prior to joining the Society of Jesus, I worked at a tech startup company for about four years. The use of AI in our workflow at that time was minimal. However, just about a year later, the rapid rise of AI, with the launch of GPT-3.5 and its impact, left me baffled, even affecting my discernment as a novice.
During the same time, I went through the courses offered in the Novitiate, grew in my appreciation for the history of the Society of Jesus, leaving me with a sense of awe at the marvellous contributions of the Jesuits to the Church and world history. This filled me with a deep sense of assurance in the mission of the Society, its versatile nature and the commitment of its members to employ every available resource in its mission.
My vision for the future of the Society of Jesus is deeply inspired by its past, not by the particulars of what was achieved, but by the magnanimity of its worldview. No human advancement, whether technological or otherwise, is incompatible with Christ’s mission. Beyond the pursuit of digital excellence, however, the greater challenge at hand for us is the deepening of our commitment to Christ through the Spiritual Exercises. Our fading devotion is visible in our diminishing availability and sense of gratitude, which is contradictory to our legacy. This raises deep concerns about the future of our mission. We need to remember that our passionate love for Christ is central to our effectiveness as Jesuits, and no amount of technological sophistication could ever replace that.
Sch. Jerome Joseph, SJ (PUN)is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.
These four resources
Sch. Nibin Daniel, SJ
As I am in formation, I am preparing myself to serve a world that is fast changing, marked by technological progress, moral uncertainty, individualism, and a deep sense of loneliness and fragmentation. The challenges of this world are complex and constantly developing, and therefore, our formation must equip us with deeper and more integrated resources that shape us as persons and priests. We cannot afford to focus just on marks and grades.
I realize that continuous self-examination is essential as a spiritual resource. In a noisy and distracted world, the capacity to reflect, discern, and remain rooted in God helps a priest stay authentic and grounded. It enables him to accompany others not merely with words, but with a life that has been deeply examined and transformed.
Second, as an intellectual resource, we must cultivate practical wisdom (phronesis) rather than mere theoretical knowledge. It is not enough to know ideas; we must learn how to apply them sensibly in concrete situations. This allows us to respond meaningfully to real human struggles with sensitivity and responsibility.
Third, intellectual courage becomes an important psychological resource. In a world shaped by quick answers and artificial intelligence, we must develop the courage to question, to think critically, and to seek truth sincerely rather than settling for superficial understanding.
Finally, as a social resource, we must couple wisdom with kindness. In a divided and polarized world, a priest is called to listen deeply, respect differences, and build bridges through dialogue and compassion.
These four resources, integrated into life, enable us to serve today’s world with depth, relevance, and authenticity.
Sch. Nibin Daniel, SJ (CCU)is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.
Authentic relationships
Sch. Ronald Kharsohtun, SJ
In a world marked by conflict between the living and the artificial, the born and the manufactured, the conscious and the programmed, the imaginative and the logical, empathy and simulation, love and function, the fallible and the accurate, the soul and the system, the question of coexistence becomes essential. Becoming a priest in such a world is not easy. Our identity and ministry must be grounded in authentic human presence, discernment, and communal responsibility.
As priests, we need to be grounded to the Church’s traditions, Scripture, the Sacraments, and devotion. These foundations lead us to love Christ and his Church, fostering a sense of mission, interior freedom, hope amid challenging times, and the capacity to discern God’s will. Cultivating discernment during the ongoing intellectual formation, and upskilling oneself is important. Such formation enables a priest to engage meaningfully in dialogue with the contemporary generation and to deliver sermons that speak to present realities.
Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of oneself, healthy affectivity, and the ability to handle pressure, are all essential to prevent burnout and crises. These will foster authentic relationships, and address controversies constructively. Priesthood equally entails living in communion with all people and remaining present within the community. Some essential qualities include commitment to community life, collaboration with younger generations, cultural sensitivity, a listening heart, authenticity in action, and openness to the ideas of others.
Overall, these qualities promote accountability, prevent isolation, and contribute to the growth of a Gospel-centred community. Above all, everything in the life of someone preparing for priesthood must be rooted in a deep love for the mission and service.
Sch. Ronald Kharsohtun, SJ (KHM) is a student of theology at De Nobili, Pune.
To Remain Relevant
Sch. P.J. Sam Alexander, SJ
The world we are preparing to serve is marked by rising religious fanaticism, deep polarisation, and a growing secular outlook where faith quietly fades into irrelevance. Alongside this, an algorithm-driven culture shapes thought, isolates individuals, and weakens genuine human encounter. In such a context, we as Jesuits risk becoming irrelevant when we lose our rootedness in our rich spiritual and intellectual tradition.
To face these challenges, I believe I must first be deeply grounded. I desire the intellectual clarity and rigour of St. Robert Bellarmine and the great Jesuit theologians of the Council of Trent; the missionary zeal that crosses boundaries, as seen in St. Peter Faber and St. Francis Xavier; and the courage to witness boldly while remaining prudent, “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Mt 10:16), like the martyrs. I also see the need for a spirit of dialogue and inculturation, inspired by Matteo Ricci and Beschi: the ability to enter into cultures, engage people at all levels, including those in positions of influence, and work gently toward building God’s Kingdom.
During my formation, I seek to cultivate these qualities intentionally. I hope to deepen my study, not merely for knowledge but for wisdom; to grow in prayer so that my ministry is rooted in God; and to remain open to people, learning to listen, understand, and accompany. Only by holding together spiritual rootedness, intellectual depth, and pastoral sensitivity can I hope to serve meaningfully in a complex and changing world.
Sch. P.J. Sam Alexander, SJ (MDU) is a student of philosophy at De Nobili, Pune.
Discernment – not answers
Sch. Vincent Macwan, SJ
Today the world appears vastly different to us from what it was for the Jesuits who came before us. Standing on the shoulders of giants, we are preparing to enter a world they could scarcely have imagined – a world shaped by digital fragmentation, ecological crisis, and a profound erosion of institutional trust. Amid these challenges, if we are to serve the world effectively, we cannot merely rely on the prestige of the collar; rather, we must be rooted in a deeper, more resilient interiority.
Specifically, a central grace for this journey is found in the Ignatian principle, known as Tantum Quantum: the ‘insofar as’ that grants us inner freedom. This inner freedom enables us to desire and choose only what leads us closer to God. In a world of polarized, binary certainties, such freedom fosters the flexibility to remain open, attentive and discerning. It empowers us to step into chaotic and difficult situations without needing to control the outcomes. Instead, we learn to trust that God is already at work, quietly drawing all things toward the greater good.
We must, therefore, transcend being men of answers to men of discernment. The currentethical and technological challenges require humility, depth and openness to listen. Our most humane social resource is a shared vulnerability. The world longs for compassionate companions rather than distant authorities. By embracing our own fragility, we become capable of walking gently with those who struggle.
Ultimately, we are being formed to be contemplatives in action – men who find God not by retreating from the world, but by standing at the heart of the formidable challenges ahead.