The Jesuit Vow of Poverty

My dear brothers, as we begin this journey together, it is good to reflect on what it truly means to live as a Jesuit. We take three vows—poverty, obedience, and chastity—and a fourth vow of special obedience to the Pope. These vows are not mere obligations, but a way of following Jesus with freedom and love. They shape our lives, guiding us to be a living witness of the Gospel, not just through our words, but through the very way we live.

Pope Francis reminds us again and again: if we want people to experience God, we must show them through our example. And this is especially true with the vow of poverty. It is not just about owning nothing—it is about being free from attachments so that we can love and serve without limits.

Now, I must be honest with you: poverty can be a difficult vow to live. We may not own anything personally, but we still have many things in our hands—books, computers, resources—things we use for missions and work. The challenge is not in having these things, but in not letting them have us. Poverty is about detachment—it is about using everything for the greater good and never for selfish gain.

Pope Francis calls poverty a mother that protects us. It guards our hearts against the temptation to seek comfort, security, or prestige in material things. When we live this vow well, we experience a deep inner freedom—a freedom to go wherever we are needed, to rely on God's providence, and to serve with joy and generosity.

So, as you begin your formation, I encourage you: embrace this vow with open hands and an open heart. Let it shape you. Let it free you. And may God bless us, protect us, and give us the grace to live poverty not as a burden, but as a path to true freedom in Christ.