.png)
Constitutions and Change
What are the CJ Constitutions?
01.
The Constitutions of the Congregation of Jesus consist of two volumes - those of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and a modern document. Volume I expresses our Ignatian Spirituality and way of proceeding and Volume II reflects our feminine 21st century way of living the Ignatian model of religious life.
In them the members of Mary Ward’s congregation find inner strength and an understanding of what it means to be focussed on ‘the greater glory of God’.
From Volume II, Constitution 7.5 we state that ‘When we are courageous and eager to respond to the call of love, the Constitutions provide guidance and inspiration; when we are weak in our efforts to cooperate in the way of service, they provide assistance and strength. The Constitutions encourage us to make our own the spirit of Mary Ward and to invite others to join us. They call us to ponder her words and her life, and the gifts that she has bequeathed to the Church and to the world through us.’
How do they help us?
02.
What happens now with the Merger of IBVM and CJ?
03.
With the Being One merger of The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Congregation of Jesus (Congregatio Jesu) on November 4, 2025 a modern document will be written that will represent all 1800+ members. The present IBVM Volume II and the CJ Complementary Norms will inform the new document.
A Constitutions Commission of six international members and two facilitators have been working on this inspirational and living document. A worldwide ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ synodal discernment process will be undertaken by the members over the next few years. Topics to cover will include identity, charism, mission, community, vows, governance, formation. Matters of procedure and custom are placed in a directory or in various handbooks.
How will this happen?
04.
When will the process begin?
05.
In early 2026 the members will begin this reflection process. Every two months they will engage in personal reflection and in small group discerning conversations on a particular focus. A province/region contact person makes a synthesis of the recommendations from groups and sends them to the Constitutions Commission. They will reflect on the material and add, amend, change the content as needed.
07.
When will it finish?
The final steps in the discernment process will happen when all aspects, those desired by the members and those required by canon law, are addressed and included. Also, there will be an overall consensus among the members that we have done as best we can at this moment. The draft document then is presented for a final discernment at a General Congregation, an event where CJ representatives from every province/region discern and make decisions on behalf of all members. The members will take a vote on the document and, if ratified, it becomes our new Volume II. Joyful singing of Alle-alle-alle-luia will ring out!
Come Holy Spirit, help us to reflect, listen, discern wisely.