Welcome to “Pathway to Priesthood”—a limited audio series from the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. In these conversations, host Eric Clayton talks with Jesuits who are in the final days of preparing for ordination to the priesthood. They reflect back on their vocation stories and experience of Jesuit formation, and wrestle with some of the biggest questions surrounding priestly ordination.

On this episode, we’re talking about accompaniment. We’re asking the question: Who makes up the community that walks with a Jesuit? To reflect on these questions and more, we have two Jesuits: Patrick Hyland and Joe Dickan.

Joe is from Long Beach, California and Patrick is from Cleveland, Ohio. Both men have traveled abroad as part of their formation and have been greatly affected by these international experiences they’ve had—Patrick in Spain and Joe in Lebanon. These experiences have given them insight into Jesuit community at the international level. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear what it’s like to live in such communities and you’ll be reminded again of how important a personal life of prayer is—whether or not you’re a Jesuit.

As you listen to their stories and reflections, I invite you to consider whether you or someone you know might be interested in discerning a call to Jesuit life. If so, head over to beajesuit.org.