New Jesuit deacon inspired by Laudato Si’

GUYANA

Guyanese Jesuit, Joel Thompson SJ, was ordained to the transitional diaconate in Berkeley, California, USA, on October 23 along with eight of his Jesuit classmates.

According to a report from Catholic Standard, Rev Thompson said, “I am grateful for all those who have journeyed with me through my ten years of Jesuit formation. This was a long period of discernment, study, prayer, and service. Numerous people have offered prayers, support, and advice along the way and I am certain that I would not been able to say ‘yes’ unless my support network was there. The prayerful experience of the ordination liturgy reminded me of the importance of praying for each other daily.”

Joel joined the Jesuits in 2011. Following a two-year novitiate in Birmingham, UK, he completed a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and Theology at Heythrop College, University of London in 2016.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and by the work of Jesuits in Guyana in social and environmental justice, he then pursued an MSc in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Rev Thompson returned to Guyana in 2017 where he spent two years working with young adults in the Jesuit mission at St Ignatius. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.

After completing his theology studies in May 2022, he will return to Guyana and will be ordained a priest on June 24, 2022, before being given his next mission by the Jesuit Regional Superior.