About Xperto Jesuit

The Jesuit vow of poverty is not just about renouncing material wealth—it is about embracing a radical freedom, a deeper trust in God, and a commitment to serving others without attachment or reserve. But how do we bring this centuries-old practice to life for a new generation of Jesuit novices? How do we present this vow, which has been studied, discussed, and lived for generations, in a way that is engaging, deeply personal, and transformative?

With this challenge in mind, we created Xperto Jesuit,* an immersive learning experience designed to guide novices through an intellectually rich, emotionally engaging, and spiritually profound exploration of the vow of poverty. Using our SMOOTHER methodology, at Xperto Academy we have crafted a multimedia, customizable, engaging and dynamic experience that adapts to the diverse personalities, languages, and learning styles of the novices. More than just an educational program, Xperto Jesuit is a journey—one that invites participants to step into the heart of the Jesuit tradition, to encounter its wisdom, and to make it their own.

The Foundation: Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Discovery

We began with a simple but powerful foundation: a five-paragraph reflection and a two-minute audio recording by a devout and seasoned Jesuit priest. This initial seed grew into something much greater as we enriched the experience with:

• The writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola

• The vast Ignatian spiritual and theological literature

• Firsthand experiences of Jesuits living out the vow of poverty in diverse ways

But knowledge alone is not enough. The challenge was to go beyond information—to create an experience that not only informs but transforms, making the vow of poverty come alive in the hearts and minds of those preparing to embrace it.

The Challenge: How Do You Make the Familiar New?

The vow of poverty has been studied and lived for centuries. But for novices encountering it for the first time, it must feel fresh, personal, and deeply relevant. Our goal was not only to capture attention but to inspire a lifelong relationship with this vow, making it motivating, engaging, and personal—a stepping stone to each individual’s own exploration, interpretation, and journey of discovery.

To achieve this, we needed to go beyond traditional teaching methods. We asked:

• How do we make the vow of poverty attractive and life-giving, rather than burdensome or restrictive?

• How do we offer multiple perspectives that resonate with different personalities and vocations?

• How do we bring real-life experiences into the learning process, allowing novices to see the vow in action?

• How do we leverage music, storytelling, and technology to create a deeply engaging learning environment?

The result is a multifaceted, interactive, and deeply personal approach to understanding and embracing the vow of poverty.

The Process: Building an Immersive Experience

Step 1: Deep Research & Understanding

Before creating the experience, we immersed ourselves in the Ignatian tradition, not only studying its theological foundations but also seeking to understand what makes it timeless, transformative, and relevant today. We examined both its spiritual depth and its practical, down-to-earth approach, which integrates faith, reason, science, service, and community life.

We reflected on how Jesuits across history and cultures have interpreted and lived this vow—whether as educators, scientists, missionaries, theologians, or social justice advocates. This understanding became the blueprint for creating a program that is both deeply rooted in tradition and adapted to contemporary realities.

Step 2: Crafting a Multifaceted Learning Journey

Recognizing that no single approach could fully capture the richness of the vow of poverty, we developed a program with six key components:

An Invitation to Encounter, Reflect, and Live the Vow

The Jesuit vow of poverty is not a one-time decision; it is a lifelong journey. With Xperto Jesuit, we invite novices to embark on this path not as passive learners, but as active participants in their own spiritual discovery.

Through stories, music, interactive experiences, and real-life examples, this program seeks to ignite a deeper understanding, a personal connection, and a lasting commitment to the vow of poverty—a vow that, far from being a loss, is an invitation to a life of true freedom, radical love, and boundless grace.

Now, the journey begins.

* Note: Xperto Jesuita is not officially related to the Society of Jesus, the Jesuit Order or the Catholic Church.