The Jesuit Vote of Poverty

It is always enlightening to reflect on the life of a Jesuit. As you may know, we take three vows—poverty, obedience, and chastity—and a fourth vow of special obedience to the Pope. But these vows are not just words; they must be lived concretely, as a way of following Jesus Christ and remaining faithful to His call. Our mission is to reveal the Kingdom of God to the world—not only through our preaching or sermons, but through the very witness of our lives. We must "walk the talk," embodying the Gospel in all that we do.

Pope Francis often reminds us that if we truly want the Church to be a living experience of God, we must show it with our example. This is especially true when it comes to the vow of poverty, a vow that, I must say, can be quite difficult to live out today. We are surrounded by so many things, so many possessions—even though, as Jesuits, we own nothing personally. Everything belongs to the community, to the mission, to the people we serve. Yet, the challenge lies not in having, but in detachment—in not allowing things to possess us.

This is why Pope Francis insists that the vow of poverty is like a mother who protects us. It safeguards our hearts, keeping us free from attachments that could compromise our love for God. Poverty, lived authentically, allows us to be truly free—free to go where we are needed, free to serve without hesitation, and free to rely on God's providence rather than our own securities.

May the Lord bless us, protect us, and grant us the grace to live this vow of poverty with joy, humility, and fidelity.