I. Drawn by the Heart (Attraction)

The initial movement toward our life is not merely an emotional feeling, but a firm orientation of the heart. The aspiring missionary feels drawn to the person of Jesus, the "Friend and Disciple," who walked with the marginalized. You may feel a supernatural desire to serve where others are unable or unwilling to go—not for personal glory, but to spend yourself for the love of God. This attraction is fueled by a motive of Accompaniment: a wish to be with the poor, the Lumad, and the outcast, making the Good News visibly felt through your very presence.

II. Gifted for the Frontier (Aptitude)

Aptitude for the MJ life is found in the balance of human maturity and spiritual openness.

• A Heart for Dialogue: We seek men who possess the openness to listen to other cultures and faiths (Inculturation and Inter-religious Dialogue) without judgment.

• Resilience and Simplicity: Good health and physical stamina are necessary to endure the life of the frontiers—whether in the remote mountains of the Tagakolu or the bustling centers of urban poverty.

• Moral and Spiritual Depth: An applicant should demonstrate a steady growth in prayer and a sincere desire to follow Christ’s mandate in Matthew 28:19. Above all, he must have the "spirit of a friend"—a capacity for building community and a willingness to be "incarnated" into the lives of the people he serves.

III. Walking the Path (Action)

The first step of action is simple: Reach out and share your heart. A young man interested in our life should get in touch with an MJ priest or brother to begin a process of discernment. The Congregation then carefully walks with you to examine the sincerity of your motives. In this "Society of Friends," we look for the spark of Christ’s love that is ready to be fanned into a flame of service. As you seek to dispel the noise of the world, you will find that God’s grace is sufficient. Like the first disciples, you hear the invitation: "Come and see."

A Life of Shared Mission

The life of an MJ is a synthesis of Presence and Proclamation. Our missionaries are not born; they are formed through a journey of prayer, community life, and immersion in the peripheries. We are called to be a "bridge" in an unprotected situation—often working in areas of conflict or neglect where the only security is God’s providence.

The Missionaries of Jesus have often been misunderstood by those who prioritize power over presence. To some, we are "too close" to the poor or "too open" to other faiths. Yet, for us, this is the very heart of the Gospel. To be an MJ is to be tenaciously committed to the dignity of the human person, using dialogue and peace-building to heal the wounds of the world. We do not seek to be the "experts" who lead, but the companions who walk alongside, finding Christ already present in the hearts of those we serve.

Admissions Criteria

Acceptance into the formation program of the Missionaries of Jesus is a process of mutual discernment. We seek men who not only meet the fundamental requirements of the Church but who also demonstrate a specific heart for the "peripheries" and a desire to live out our unique missionary charism.

To begin the journey with us, a prospective candidate must meet the following criteria:

I. Fundamental Requirements

• Ecclesial Status: Must be a practicing Roman Catholic male who has received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation).

• Civil Status: Must be single and free from any canonical impediments (such as previous marriage or remaining religious vows).

• Age: Ideally between 22 and 30 years old. This allows for the maturity needed for mission and the energy required for the rigors of formation.

• Education: Must be a College Degree holder from a recognized institution, demonstrating the intellectual capacity for philosophical and theological studies.

II. Human and Moral Disposition

• Personal Integrity: The candidate must provide evidence of good moral character, a love for the truth, and a sincere motivation for seeking the religious life.

• Capacity for Celibacy: He must give evidence of the capacity to live out chaste celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom, demonstrating emotional maturity and healthy interpersonal relationships.

• Communal Life: As we are a "Society of Friends," the candidate must show a genuine willingness to live in a community, sharing his life, prayers, and resources with his fellow brothers.

III. Missionary Aptitude

• Cross-Cultural Spirit: A candidate must possess a deep willingness to serve in cross-cultural missions. This includes a desire to learn new languages, respect indigenous traditions (Inculturation), and engage in inter-religious dialogue.

• Availability for the Frontier: He should demonstrate a "missionary heart"—a readiness to be sent wherever the need is greatest, often in remote or unprotected situations.

V. Financial Responsibility

• Debt Management: If the candidate has personal or student loan debt, they are expected to be responsible for its repayment or deferment before or during the early stages of formation, ensuring they enter the mission with a clear financial outlook.

Financial Considerations

The call to mission is a leap of faith, and we believe that money should never be a hindrance to answering God's invitation.

During the Initial Stages (Search-In & Postulancy): We ask applicants to cover their personal expenses and contribute a modest amount to the community, if able. This period is a time of mutual discernment, where you continue to live simply while getting to know the brotherhood.

However, let this be clear: No sincere candidate is ever refused admission for financial reasons. If you have the heart for the mission but lack the funds, we invite you to speak openly with our Vocation Director. God provides for those He calls.

Upon Entry to the Novitiate: Once you are formally accepted into the Novitiate, you have no further financial obligations. The Missionaries of Jesus, through the providence of God and the generosity of our mission partners, will provide for your tuition, formation, and daily needs as you dedicate your life fully to the service of the Church.

The Path of a Disciple: Stages of Formation

The formation of a Missionary of Jesus is not a race, but a gradual "incarnation" into the life of the community and the people we serve. It is a process of shedding the values of the world to put on the heart of Christ.

1. Aspirancy / Search-In (Initial Discernment)

• This is a period of "coming and seeing." You continue your studies or work while maintaining regular contact with our vocation director, attending retreats, and visiting our communities to experience our life of prayer and friendship.

2. Postulancy (Transition)

• During this stage, you live within an MJ community. It is a time of transition where you begin to adapt to a life of discipline, common prayer, and simple service, testing your readiness to enter the religious life more deeply.

3. Novitiate (The Heart of Formation)

• The Novitiate is a sacred year of silence, prayer, and intense study of the MJ Charism and the Evangelical Counsels (Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience). This year often includes an "apostolic experiment"—a period of immersion in a remote mission or with the marginalized to test your heart for the peripheries.

4. Scholasticate (Integration & Study)

• After professing First Vows, the "Scholastic" pursues philosophical and theological studies. This is a time of intellectual growth paired with ongoing missionary exposure, preparing you to engage in dialogue and inculturation with professional and spiritual competence.

5. Perpetual Profession (The Final "Yes")

• Following several years of temporary vows and immersion, you make a lifelong commitment to the Missionaries of Jesus. You are now fully sent as a "Friend and Disciple" to wherever the harvest is greatest.

Still Discernning? Let’s Walk Together.

It is perfectly natural to have questions, hesitations, or even a bit of fear. Discernment is rarely a straight path, and it is not a journey you are meant to take alone.

Whether you are wondering if you are "holy enough," concerned about the rigors of the frontier, or simply want to know what a typical day looks like for a Missionary of Jesus, our Vocation Director is here to listen and walk with you—no pressure, just companionship.

Reach out to our Vocation Director

If you would like a one-on-one conversation, a bit of spiritual guidance, or more information about our community life, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Vocation Director: Fr. [Name], MJ

Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber: [Insert Phone Number]

Email: [Insert Email Address]

Office Address: Missionaries of Jesus [Insert Physical Address]

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)