Located in Shubra, Cairo, the residence of St Athanasius serves as the novitiate of the Near East and Maghreb Province of the Society of Jesus. This community, established in part of a religious house belonging to the Latin Diocese, is where Jesuits in the Province spend the first two years of their formation learning to pray, living in community, growing in their knowledge of the Society, and preparing for a life of service and dedication.

Formation and Spiritual Growth

During the Novitiate years, Jesuits undergo a rigorous journey of spiritual and personal formation. The period gives them the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of experiences designed to deepen their understanding of prayer, spirituality, and the Jesuit ethos.

In their initial year, novices embark on the 30-day retreat – a time of intense personal prayer and journeying with God. They also undertake a unique form of service, visiting the elderly at the Old Folks Home run by the Missionary Sisters of Charity. This early exposure to community outreach sets a foundational tone for their future apostolic endeavours.

In the second year, novices broaden their horizons by residing within different Jesuit communities. Here, they participate in community-specific programs and activities, enriching their perspective on Jesuit life and mission. Additionally, novices spend some weeks in rural village parishes, primarily in Upper Egypt (the South), where they actively engage in catechism teaching and pastoral activities, fostering a deep connection with the local community.

Novices also participate in the “Inter-Novitiate” seminars with the novices of other religious orders. These programs are generally aimed at formation in various aspects of consecrated religious life. As they progress through their formation, novices benefit from other activities, including short retreats and recollection days and introductory theological discussions, among others, reinforcing their preparedness for the challenges and joys of consecrated life.

Community Life and Responsibilities

Beyond spiritual formation, St Athanasius fosters a vibrant community life. The more “permanent” members of the community are entrusted with the duties of the Minister and Bursar, while the priests preside at the celebration of Mass. The priests also extend their apostolic ministry beyond the confines of the house, helping other religious communities with Masses, confessions, and recollections, and giving retreats to various groups, both lay and religious. We also share a Holy Mass once a week with friends of the community.

The community's engagement extends to the broader society through involvement with the Youth Eucharistic Movement (EYM), CLC groups, the local Coptic community and initiatives supporting the handicapped.

Collaborative Spirit and Support

The presence of lay members of staff is integral to the community’s operation. They play an important role in sustaining daily life – from preparing meals to maintaining cleanliness within the community. Their role ensures the smooth running of the novitiate as a place for formation for novices within the Near East and Maghreb Province of the Society of Jesus.