From the Central & Southern Province of the Society of Jesus—On Saturday, Aug. 21, nine men entered the Society of Jesus at the Novitiate of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Grand Coteau, La. These new novices range in age from 21 to 47, and each brings his own unique set of gifts and experiences. Together, they have embarked on a two-year journey in which they will learn about the Society of Jesus, grow in their prayer and community life and discern God’s call to serve the Church as a Jesuit.

Christopher Ross, 22, is a 2018 graduate of Jesuit High School in New Orleans. Service trips to Virginia and a pilgrimage to Italy and France showed him the beauty of the Catholic faith. It is here that he began to sense a duty to assist God in works of charity. He enters the Society of Jesus after completing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology at the University of Notre Dame. He was deeply influenced by the writings of the first companions of the Society of Jesus. He likes to spend time outdoors, read, garden and cook.

Paolo Taffaro, 23, grew up in the suburbs of New Orleans, where he was homeschooled. After graduating in 2020 from St. Joseph Abbey Seminary College, Paolo spent the past year teaching freshman theology at Jesuit High School in New Orleans. A visit to the tomb of St. Ignatius and a great experience with a Jesuit priest who taught him how to discern a vocation contributed to his decision to enter the Society. He likes to spend time reading, cooking, singing and playing various sports.

Continue reading the full article…