Jesuit

Jesuit

The Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits, is a religious order within the Catholic Church that was founded by Ignatius of Loyola and his companions in 1540. The society is noted for its educational, missionary, and charitable works, once regarded by many as the principal agent of the Counter-Reformation.

History

The Society of Jesus was founded by Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish soldier turned priest, in August 1534. The first Jesuits–Ignatius and six of his students–took vows of poverty and chastity and made plans to work for the conversion of Muslims. If travel to the Holy Land was not possible, they vowed to offer themselves to the pope for apostolic work. Unable to travel to Jerusalem because of the Turkish wars, they went to Rome instead to meet with the Pope and request his approval of their order. In 1540, Pope Paul III approved the order through the bull Regimini militantis ecclesiae.

Education and Scholarship

The Jesuits have been known since the first schools were opened in the 16th century as a leading force in education. They have founded and managed a number of institutions, including Georgetown University, Boston College, and Loyola University Chicago, among others. The Jesuits also have a long tradition of scholarship within the Church, particularly in the fields of biblical studies and theology.

Missionary Work

The Jesuits have been involved in missionary work since their founding. They have been particularly active in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Notable Jesuit missionaries include Francis Xavier, who brought Catholicism to Japan and parts of India, and Matteo Ricci, who was one of the first Western scholars to live in China.

Controversies and Criticisms

Throughout their history, the Jesuits have faced criticism and controversy. They were suppressed by Pope Clement XIV in 1773, only to be restored by Pope Pius VII in 1814. In modern times, some critics have accused the Jesuits of promoting liberation theology, a movement that emphasizes social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples.

Notable Jesuits

Notable Jesuits include Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher and Jesuit priest who was one of the key figures in the development of process theology.

See Also

• List of Jesuit institutions
• Spiritual Exercises (Ignatius of Loyola)
• Jesuit Refugee Service
• Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis