Jesuit Father David Collins

Jesuit Father David Collins helps Georgetown University students discern if they have a vocation to the Society of Jesus as a leader of the Barbistes, a group that gathers for informal meetings, consisting of Mass, dinner and discussion.

The purpose of the group is not to “funnel people into the Society,” said Fr. Collins of the Barbistes, named after the college at the University of Paris where the candidates who first entered the Jesuits met in the 1500s.

Meetings usually include one of campus’s 64 Jesuits, who talks about his current work and reflects on his decision to enter the order.

“Georgetown students have a phenomenal resource in the Jesuits on campus,” said Danny Gustafson (’11), who is currently applying to enter the Society. “Without the Jesuit community here there’s no way I would have even considered applying. I’ve found their support really moving and inspirational.”

“It’s a prayerful way of making a decision,” said Jesuit Father Kevin O’Brien, Executive Director of Campus Ministry. “The students share with one another their desire for the priesthood, their questions and their struggles.”

For more information, read The Hoya’s article on the Barbistes.