Mr. Vinny Marchionni, SJ

Jesuit scholastics are those Jesuits between First and Final Vows who are preparing to be ordained priests. The first mission for scholastics after taking Vows is "First Studies." This is a program of studies that usually lasts for three years, and fulfills the canonical requirements of philosophy in order to be ordained. A scholastic often finishes a year of theology as well, and can also study other subjects if he has the time, aptitude, desire, and permission from superiors. Three Jesuit universities in United States have First Studies programs: Fordham, Loyola- Chicago, and Saint Louis. After my discernment and after my superior's discernment, I was missioned to study philosophy, theology, and history at Saint Louis University (SLU).

On August 14, 2010, I professed my perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Society of Jesus. While it was one of the most joyous days of my life, I quickly needed to shift gears, as I flew out to Saint Louis on August 16 to begin philosophy studies. My two years in the novitiate in Syracuse served me well for this transition. I developed a solid prayer routine and love of the Society that grounded me amidst the papers and exams of studies this semester. Novitiate also taught me much about availability and generosity, both in regards to mission and in community life. The Lord certainly provided me with the grace of generosity this past semester. For many people, philosophy is simply a tedious, frustrating, and boring subject. I used to think that it was all a bunch of fluff that had no practical application to real-world, pastoral situations. This first semester taught me quite the opposite. Philosophy is so interesting because everyone philosophizes, whether they know it or not. Everyone has opinions on human nature, or how we know things, or ethics. The saddest part of this is that so many harmful philosophies exist, philosophies that are so egotistical or cold that our most vulnerable brothers and sisters count as nothing. Philosophy also has helped my spiritual life by making prayer more reasonable. When discerning spirits, it is easier for me now to answer the question, "Is this movement in line with my human nature, God's nature, Christian ethics, etc.?" Cold rationality has not replaced my affect in prayer. Quite the contrary, my intellect augments my affect in order to understand God and His will for me. My studies of philosophy have enabled me to engage these topics with people in a deeper, more articulate manner.

A Jesuit's vows are a means to enhance his performance in mission. To be honest, integrating a vowed life while studying full-time became tricky, and there is room for me to improve. At first glance, poverty was not too difficult. While I do not receive too much of a stipend, I also do not have too much time to spend money (Aquinas and Kant don't study themselves!). Yet the key to the vows—especially poverty— is to understand that everything is gift. When I receive my semester's stipend, I know I did not earn that money. Jesuit scholastics are a big drain on province coffers because our mission - studying - does not bring in money. Rather, our generous benefactors have provided for me to study in a supportive community of Jesuits at an excellent university. An attitude of gratitude for the generosity of others keeps me from feeling entitled - the enemy of poverty. Poverty also extends beyond money, as it reminds me that the Lord has blessed me with a specific set of gifts, whether they be ministerial or academic. Poverty, then, allows me to be content with my own desires, strengths, and weaknesses. It also guards me from unfair comparisons to others because the Lord calls each person into relationship in a unique way.

A wise Jesuit once told me that chastity is a "love you can trust." Chastity enables me to relate to others in a loving and honest way, whether they be fellow students, people to whom I minister, or my brothers in community. These relationships should not have ulterior motives. While a celibate chastity is not easy, it is freeing for mission, prayer, and community. Without a romantic relationship and the responsibilities it entails, I devote all I have to my mission. With a solid prayer life, I am in close contact my Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. To top it off, I live with a great group of Jesuits, men who support me, and men whom I help support. It is not easy, but it is freeing, and one finds the Holy Spirit when one finds freedom.

Finally, my vow of obedience demands that, as a Jesuit, I am as available for mission as possible. The point of all this studying is to make me a better Jesuit who can engage different people in different apostolates. One reason I felt drawn to the Society in the first place was the sheer multitude of apostolic opportunities. Therefore there is constant discernment of spirits that considers my desires and talents (or lack thereof), and the needs of Church and Society. I am starting master's work in history this semester because I have an aptitude and love of history, the program fits well with my course of studies at SLU, and because there is a need for teachers in our high schools. I may never set foot as a teacher in a history classroom. Yet the key is to maintain that spirit of availability and honesty with myself and superiors so that I can maintain my versatility. If not, my spiritual life will atrophy, thus hampering my apostolic vitality.

The key to the relationship between vows and studies is preparation for future mission. Therefore, I must not be egotistical by only seeing how studies make me feel, or only how the vows are affecting my life. Rather, my focus must also be how these studies prepare me for future missions to bring people closer to God. Saint Ignatius of Loyola wrote in our Constitutions that the Society must be "a pathway to God." When prayer is dry or when studying aggravates me (a not infrequent occurrence), I need to remind myself that I am not studying for the sake of studying. Instead,consolation occurs when I realize how these vows and studies draw people closer to God, whether that be in my part-time ministry at SLU or in preparation for future mission. Hopefully, then, I can be prepared to minister to people in difficult situations where, as Jesus promised, "The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what to say" (Luke 12:12). These vows and studies make us scholastics more able to follow that same Spirit in mission.