The ITCJ Community belongs to the Province of Africa and Madagascar. It brings together Jesuit students from this Province—though not necessarily limited to it—who are called to the priesthood. The Jesuits present there are on a mission of study in immediate preparation for the Sacred Orders of the Diaconate and the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in the Church. The Community also welcomes with open arms students from other religious institutes and various dioceses, who then share in our community life with the joy expressed by the Psalmist: How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity! (Song of Ascents: Ps 134(133):1). Each year, the ICJ Community welcomes a total of about fifty people.
50ans d'existance
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the Greater Glory of God)
The nationalities generally represented are those from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Chad, Madagascar, the Central African Republic, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea—mostly French-speaking countries. However, the Community occasionally welcomes members from English- and Portuguese-speaking countries, notably Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Mozambique, and Angola. Finally, people from far away are also part of our Community, notably from Belgium. The Community also frequently welcomes people from Canada, France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The ITCJ Community, as a Jesuit community, maintains close ties with the Community of the Center for Peace Studies and Action (CERAP), which belongs to the Jesuit Province of West Africa (PAO)—just as the territory of Côte d’Ivoire belongs to that province within the structure of the Society of Jesus.
Among its key characteristics, the ITCJ community is distinguished by several features. First, silence, which fosters prayer and study. Second, easy access to knowledge, through the Institute’s extensive library and efforts to provide a high-quality internet connection. Flexibility in the organization of time, which prepares each member for a responsible and edifying apostolic life once in the field. A spirit of fellowship and human warmth as expressions of the Heart of Christ, particularly during shared meals and at celebrations specifically organized by the Rector. Finally, last but not least, the strong synergy with the Institute of Theology itself, through the active participation of qualified members of the Community in the life of the Church in Côte d’Ivoire and neighboring countries: preaching retreats, assisting with spiritual direction, providing psychological counseling, engaging in social apostolate among the disadvantaged and vulnerable, and various courses and training programs offered at other schools and institutes.
Finally, the Community is open to Christian faithful who wish to attend the Eucharist, except during vacation periods. Thus, throughout the year, except for the months of July and August, Sunday Mass is held at 8:30 a.m., and weekday Masses are held at 6:45 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, unless otherwise specified. Visits to members of the Community are by invitation and with the Rector’s approval.
