The Fifth Week

by William J. O'Malley, James Martin SJ (Afterword), Joseph F. Downey (Introduction)

What is THE FIFTH WEEK?
  Every Jesuit novice makes a long retreat—the full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. One month long, this retreat is divided into four flexible weeks of  meditation: the first week is on the principle and foundation of life; the second on the life of Jesus; the third on the passion and death he suffered; and the fourth on the new, resurrected life of the children of God.
  And the fifth week is the rest of the Jesuit’s life.
  The Fifth Week by William J. O’Malley, SJ, has sold over 26,000 copies since its first publication in 1976. Its pages have encouraged young men listening for their vocations and intrigued countless other readers with stories of Jesuit saints and martyrs, as well as ordinary Jesuits, each fulfilling his unique mission—whether as carpenter, poet, mathematician, or mystic—each living according to his individual talents and interests, but all for the greater honor and glory of God.
  Because the accidentals of Jesuit life and training have evolved in the past two decades, this new edition updates the original by adding James Martin’s new afterword  in which he explores recent developments in Jesuit formation. Father O’Malley has updated other chapters to reflect educational initiatives and training programs launched in the wake of Vatican II.
  The body and soul of this Second Edition of The Fifth Week are still the stirring accounts of the lives and deaths of Ignatius the founder and Xavier the missionary to the East; of Campion, Ciszek, and Chardin in Europe; of Brébeuf and Lord and Pro in the West. We follow O’Malley’s personal journey through questions and doubts to self-knowledge and the dynamic equilibrium of his commitment to life in the Society of Jesus. With humor and  tolerance he records the drama and daily grind with sundry companions.
  The Fifth Week is a great companion for prospective Jesuits: it asks—with them—do you want to be a priest? a religious priest? a Jesuit?

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

William J. O’Malley, S.J., is a legendary high school teacher who began his career as a Latin and English teacher at Brooklyn Prep in 1957 and who taught English and theology at Fordham Prep in the Bronx for twenty-five years. He has also been an adjunct assistant professor of theology at Fordham University and has taught at several other universities around the country. In 1990 he was awarded the F. Sadlier Dinger Award for outstanding contributions to religious education in America. O’Malley has authored forty books, hundreds of articles, produced several videos, and written and directed over one hundred plays and musicals in his distinguished career.

Reviews

[Raúl Mora]

A great first glance about becoming a Jesuit, an almost perfect selection of relevant Jesuits in history. Very good in general.

[Jill M Caldwell]

I didn't read the original, but I like to read whatever Father O'Malley writes, and this is not a disappointment. Add the afterward from Jim Martin and you have an absolute winner. Whether discerning a vocation or just trying to understand Jesuits, you will enjoy this book and understand this priestly brotherhood in its beauty and commitment to Jesus.

[Walter Plymale]

My Jesuit high school assigned this book for our freshman introductory theology class, which focused on the history of the Jesuits. Back then I did not take my faith seriously and thus spent the class daydreaming about silly things like video games or girls. I was naïve. This book is amazing. Fr. William O’Malley S.J. (who interestingly enough was featured in The Exorcist as a side character) is a very engaging writer. If you want to know what the Jesuits are about, this is the best introduction.
The first half of The Fifth Week is a basic history of the Jesuits starting with its founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. O’Malley then details the lives of several notable Jesuits, including St. Francis Xavier, the North American Martyrs, Bl. Miguel Pro, and Fr. Walter Cziek. My personal favourite, aside from St. Ignatius, was Bl. Miguel Pro. He was a Jesuit priest during the atheistic dictatorship of President Elías Calles. He had a numerous disguises, and, just like St. Edmund Campion, celebrate Holy Mass in secret. One of his favourite tricks was to dress up as a police officer and search the houses of Catholics and purposely mislead the Mexican secret police. Another time he was walk down the street and saw some police officers. Fearing capture, he grabbed the arm of a woman who he knew. He kissed her and then escaped by walking away holding her hand.
The second half of the book goes over Fr. O’Malley’s vocation story and what life as a Jesuit is like on a practical level. Finally the afterword is from a young James Martin S.J. prior to his ordination. In that sense this book is probably due for a new edition. Overall, a very edifying and enriching book.

[Kristyne Elizabeth]

This book is a good introduction to the history of the Jesuits and the meaning of a Jesuit vocation. I do think it requires basic knowledge of Catholicism and at least a prior introduction to the Society of Jesus to fully appreciate.

O'Malley definitely doesn't hide his bias or opinions in this book, so the information comes with his personal opinions and experiences (some of which are a little outdated for our 21st century mentalities). It's easy to distinguish though what is true for the Society and what is true only for O'Malley.

I enjoyed reading the histories of this book and I also enjoyed reading the experiences of faith and the religious life. If I was a man, this book might make me take a deeper dive into the possibility of being a Jesuit.

[Coyote]

Some interesting insights into the Jesuit Brotherhood. The nature of the brotherhood, their prioritization of a broad education and perhaps their commitment to the embodiment of Jesus Christ has led to so many great achievements. We like to root for them as they were so often at odds with the Catholic Church or utilized as a scape goat when the Church needed one. It was interesting to learn a little more about how they carry out their mission today.

[Peter Onah Agi]

I can't deny the fact that, after reading this book I am drawn to live my life at the service of God and others...the author has say it all.

[Michael Williams]

Many points strong and weak on this one. Fr. O'Malley's honesty and personal touch to this book give it a wonderful liveliness and intimacy that provides a good peek into his life and the life of his brothers. However at the same time that make the actual flow of the book a bit jumpy or inconsistent. The books has the obvious historical flaw of being old-er, which hinders it as a tool for a look into the Society in 2012. Certainly worth a read, but there are better sources on SJ life out there.

[Carlos]

The book is deep in thought and provides insight on the basis of the Catholic Church and the Jesuit Order.

[Anita Schweppe]

A must read for anyone considering the priesthood.