Joint Vows Week 2025:
Monday, September 1, 2025, to Friday, September 5, 2025, was a joyous occasion for novices of the Society of Jesus and several other congregations. For five days, they learned how to live out the three vows they would embrace perpetually (poverty, chastity, and obedience). Several orders/congregations participated in this activity: SJ, CSA, OSU, OSF, PMY, SDP, and AK. They called this gathering “Joint Vow Week,” although some distorted it as “Common Consolation Week.” This “Joint Vow Week” is an annual event held by several orders/congregations to enrich each other’s perspectives on the three vows. This year, the “Joint Vow Week” was held at the Retreat House of Gedanganak in Ungaran.
On the first day, Father Petrus Sunu Hardiyanta, S.J., introduced the three vows and shared examples of individuals who exemplified these vows: Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, and Pope Francis. He emphasized the significance of the three powers of the soul —reason, feeling, and will —in fulfilling these vows. A song called “Doraemon” was used to illustrate strong will and determination. Father Sunu encouraged novices to reflect on family affection, which is vital for their vocation.
The second day focused on presentations in sessions dedicated to each vow. Each vow was explored through a historical-biblical perspective, psychological and social viewpoints, specific congregational details, and current challenges and experiences. Novices gave presentations, followed by three rounds of group discussions, which helped ease tension and allowed them to express their spiritual values. This approach fostered a spiritual environment rather than just intellectual discussion and emphasized humility as an essential virtue. Embracing these virtues facilitates openness to the broader community and collaboration.
Ignatian spirituality values, such as discernment and finding God in all things, were highlighted, with awareness and silence being crucial. Recognizing one’s ideals and realities is essential for personal growth. Father Yulius Eko Sulistyo, S.J., illustrated that maturity involves nurturing relationships with oneself, others, and God. In the final session, Father Hilarius Budi Gomulia, S.J., stressed the idea that a vowed person should not bother others. Novices are encouraged to commit wholeheartedly to serving God, as reflected by St. Ireneus in his words, “Gloria Dei, homo vivens …the glory of God is a living man,” and to look to God in their lives.
Contributor: nSJ Arnoldus Iga Pradipta Wihantara
