Fr Mark Ravizza SJ, General Counsellor for Formation, visited and spoke with Jesuit prenovices and candidates in Vietnam on 9 March. In a warm and fraternal atmosphere, he led a conversation around the theme: “What Type of Candidate Does the Society Want?”

He began by showing a prayer written by Fr Adolfo Nicolás SJ and highlighting two key lines. First, “What weaknesses did you see in us that made you decide to call us, in spite of everything, to collaborate in your mission?” And second, “We ask all this from our reality. We are weak and sinful men, but we are your friends.”

I noticed that both sentences share a common point: “Unworthy yet called.” This idea left me puzzled. Normally, those who are chosen for a role are expected to possess the necessary qualities. In a practical sense, companies seek to recruit competent and well-qualified individuals to ensure smooth operations.

So, I asked myself: “Why does the call not come from the qualities of the one being called? What inspired Fr Nicolás to write such words of prayer? How does this paradox relate to the type of Jesuit candidate that the Society seeks?”

After the prayer, Fr Mark introduced the first part of the conversation by sharing a passage from “Jesuits Today” (GC 32, Decree 2): “What is it to be a Jesuit? It is to know that one is a sinner, yet called to be a companion of Jesus as Ignatius was, who begged the Blessed Virgin to ‘place him with her Son,’ and who then saw the Father himself ask Jesus, carrying his Cross, to take this pilgrim into his company.”

Fr Mark emphasised two key ideas: to know that one is a sinner yet called to be a companion of Jesus; and to ask Jesus, carrying his Cross, to take this pilgrim [Ignatius] into his company. I see a connection between these ideas and the two lines from Fr Nicolás’ prayer. A Jesuit is one who is called to be a companion of Jesus—not because of his own abilities but because of God the Father, who always loves humanity.

Then, Fr Mark posed a question to us: “In the face of God’s call, do you truly desire to become companions of Christ?”

This is a question about desire. For me, this is difficult, and I need God’s grace. Even St Ignatius himself constantly prayed for the desire to follow Christ. But an equally important question is: “Do I have the desire to ask God for this grace?” This is something I constantly ask myself, especially as I discern my vocation. Do I desire to ask the Lord to allow me to follow Him? Do I desire to let Him guide my life? Or will I continue along my own chosen path?

I wonder if many young people today—like me—hesitate to respond to Christ’s call because they feel that they are “not good enough”. Fr Mark’s talk reminded me to keep my heart open to be touched and transformed by God’s love—which is enough for me.