WHO ARE WE?
Formally established in 1534, the Jesuits have had a remarkable history. We feature some of the highlights below, and offers links and suggestions for further reading.
OUR FOUNDER, ST IGNATIUS
St. Ignatius of Loyola: From Soldier to Saint
Born Íñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola in 1491, St. Ignatius led a remarkable life that transformed him from a worldly soldier to a pivotal figure of the Catholic Church in the 16th Century. His journey is one of profound conversion, unwavering faith, and lasting impact.
Early Life and Transformation
Ignatius' early years were steeped in chivalry and military aspirations, but he was poorly educated. He served as a page in the court of the Treasurer in Spain and later pursued a successful military career in the service of the King of Spain. However, in 1521, his life took a drastic turn when the French invaded northern Spain and a cannonball shattered Ignatius’ leg during the Battle of Pamplona.
Confined to convalescence in the family castle back in the Basque region, Ignatius experienced a spiritual awakening. He devoured religious texts, particularly the life of Christ and the lives of saints, and found solace in prayer and a deepening awareness of God’s presence in the world. This period marked a pivotal conversion, igniting a deep desire to devote himself to the service of God.
Spiritual Pilgrimage and the Society of Jesus
Recuperating, Ignatius embarked on a pilgrimage which took him through Barcelona to Italy and then on to Jerusalem. He faced poverty, illness, and even rejection by the Holy Land authorities, but these challenges only deepened his commitment to understand of the direction that God was calling him.
Upon returning to Europe, Ignatius began to study to improve his education and eventually ended up in Paris where while studying a group of like-minded companions gathered around him, including a fellow Basque, Francis Xavier. In 1534, with the blessing of the Pope, these First Companions formed the Society of Jesus, a religious order dedicated to ‘the helping of souls’ through education, missionary work, and spiritual guidance.
Ignatian Spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises
Ignatius' unique approach to spirituality emphasized personal reflection, discernment, and active engagement with the world. He codified his insights and methods into the small book known as "The Spiritual Exercises," a retreat-based program that guides individuals towards a deeper understanding of God and their own calling in life.
Leadership and the Counter-Reformation
As the first Superior General of the Jesuits, Ignatius provided strong leadership and strategic direction. The Order flourished, playing a key role in in what became known as ‘the Counter-Reformation’, a Catholic movement to respond and push back against the Protestant Reformation.
Legacy
St. Ignatius died in 1556 and was canonised as a saint in 1622, alongside St Francis Xavier, St. Teresa of Avila, foundress of the Discalced Carmelites, St. Philip Neri, founder of the Oratorians and St. Isadore the Labourer, patron saint of farmers - august company indeed!
St. Ignatius of Loyola's life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, the importance of seeking God's will, and the lasting impact one person can have on the world. His book "The Spiritual Exercises" continue to inspire countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. Click here to learn more.
For an excellent summary of the Life of St Ignatius read the article at 'The Ignatian Camino' website written by Norman O'Neal SJ.
You may like to read the 'Autobiography of St Ignatius Loyola'.
THE MISSION OF THE EARLY JESUITS
The early years of the Society were marked by exponential growth in their numbers: from a dozen when they began to around a thousand when Ignatius of Loyola died. The growth was underpinned with an emphasis on prayer and a rigorous formation. A key to this was ‘The Spiritual Exercises’, St Ignatius's guide to prayer, reflection and discernment of the Spirit of God; and this text united and inspired a band of disciplined apostles of Christ, who were confident to confront heresy and proclaim the Good News in the hostile environments that were emerging in the 16th Century.
The zeal of the Society found fertile ground in a turbulent Europe; the Jesuits encountered the growing Protestant reform and responding with an emphasis on personal spiritual renewal, catechesis & education, and moved to the forefront of the implementation of the Council of Trent across the Catholic world. Education became a key dimension in Colleges like the Gregorian University in Rome became intellectual centres of the Counter Reformation in Europe, while individuals such as Francis Xavier, Roberto de Nobili and Matteo Ricci carried the Gospel to far-flung corners of the globe, enhancing the seeds of Christianity in Japan, India and China respectively.
By the mid-16th century, the Jesuit priests and brothers were scattered across the known world. In one dimension they served as papal advisors, confessors to kings and advisors to emperors, but in another they became frontier missionaries, for example, carrying the Gospel to both the Guarani people in the Amazon jungle and the Iroquois tribes in the forests of Canada.
The influence of this new religious congregation, however, also bred suspicion. Their educational methods, the emphasis on critical thinking, open debate and promoting a modern educational curriculum, were seen by some as being dangerously progressive. Their engagement with some powerful political movements drew accusations of meddling, greed and ambition. Theological disputes within the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the inculturation of the Gospel, pitted the Society against some who were fearful of a dilution of the Faith.
As the 18th century dawned, the Society of Jesus stood at a crossroads. Their global reach was multi-national, their educational institutions flourishing, and their missionary zeal undimmed. Yet, whispers of dissent grew louder. Political critics accused them of amassing wealth and political power, while some elements within the Church were anxious about their influence and other accused them from straying from their original ideals.
By 1773, these anxieties materialised in the form of a decree by the Pope formally suppressing of the Society of Jesus as a religious order in the Catholic Church. Scattered and ostracised, the Society disbanded and individual Jesuits faced uncertainty and hardship. Some were imprisoned, others were exiled while all were disorientated. Only in White Russia, where Queen Catherine the Great (wishing to retain her Jesuit schools) refused to allow the Papal decree to be promulgated and so a remnant of the structure of the Society of Jesus remained.
Despite the official disbandment, pockets of ex-Jesuits across the world continued in apostolic ministry but held privately to their Ignatian charism and spent time and imagination preserving their knowledge, traditions and way of life.
LATER HISTORY
In 1814, by a new Papal decree, the Society of Jesus emerged from the period of suppression imposed by Pope Clement XIV in 1773. This dramatic revival set the stage for a remarkable chapter in Jesuit history; in some ways it marked the re-birth of ministries, but it was incarnated into a changed global Catholic landscape so things changed from what they had been. Education remained a key focus. The Jesuits established respected colleges worldwide, in Europe, the United States and Asia. Jesuit missionaries ventured to new frontiers like Africa and Asia, spreading Catholicism and engaging with local cultures. The Society also made significant contributions to scientific fields like astronomy and geology. However, the century wasn't without challenges; anti-clerical movements in Europe occasionally forced them into exile, but despite these obstacles, the Jesuits re-established themselves especially in education, missionary work, and intellectual pursuits.
THE 20TH CENTURY
The 20th century brought new challenges and opportunities. Facing rapid social and political changes, the Jesuits adapted their focus. They established missions in newly independent Latin American countries, promoting education and social justice, but this was taking place in the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe and Latin America led to persecution, culminating in the expulsion of Jesuits from several countries.
Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the Jesuits underwent a period of internal reflection renewal. Especially following the 32nd General Congregation GC32) in 1975 there was an increased understanding that Ignatian spirituality was a powerful tool of evangelisation, and the Society started to emphasise a more collaborative approach to ministry, placing greater focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and inculturation – continuing in the work of the early Society by adapting the faith to different cultures. This led to increased engagement with lay Catholics and collaboration with other religious communities. In the 60’s Jesuits actively participated in the civil rights movement in the United States and were a creative force in the Liberation Theology developed in Latin America, advocating for the rights of the oppressed and marginalised.
The Society’s commitment to social justice led them to pioneer innovative educational approaches, such as the Fe y Alegría schools in South America, offering quality education to marginalized communities. In Europe, the Jesuits engaged in intellectual debates, founding prominent journals and contributing to philosophical and theological discourse, which continues to this day.
Formally established in 1534, the Jesuits have had a remarkable history. We feature some of the highlights below, and offers links and suggestions for further reading.
OUR FOUNDER, ST IGNATIUS
St. Ignatius of Loyola: From Soldier to Saint
Born Íñigo López de Oñaz y Loyola in 1491, St. Ignatius led a remarkable life that transformed him from a worldly soldier to a pivotal figure of the Catholic Church in the 16th Century. His journey is one of profound conversion, unwavering faith, and lasting impact.
Early Life and Transformation
Ignatius' early years were steeped in chivalry and military aspirations, but he was poorly educated. He served as a page in the court of the Treasurer in Spain and later pursued a successful military career in the service of the King of Spain. However, in 1521, his life took a drastic turn when the French invaded northern Spain and a cannonball shattered Ignatius’ leg during the Battle of Pamplona.
Confined to convalescence in the family castle back in the Basque region, Ignatius experienced a spiritual awakening. He devoured religious texts, particularly the life of Christ and the lives of saints, and found solace in prayer and a deepening awareness of God’s presence in the world. This period marked a pivotal conversion, igniting a deep desire to devote himself to the service of God.
Spiritual Pilgrimage and the Society of Jesus
Recuperating, Ignatius embarked on a pilgrimage which took him through Barcelona to Italy and then on to Jerusalem. He faced poverty, illness, and even rejection by the Holy Land authorities, but these challenges only deepened his commitment to understand of the direction that God was calling him.
Upon returning to Europe, Ignatius began to study to improve his education and eventually ended up in Paris where while studying a group of like-minded companions gathered around him, including a fellow Basque, Francis Xavier. In 1534, with the blessing of the Pope, these First Companions formed the Society of Jesus, a religious order dedicated to ‘the helping of souls’ through education, missionary work, and spiritual guidance.
Ignatian Spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises
Ignatius' unique approach to spirituality emphasized personal reflection, discernment, and active engagement with the world. He codified his insights and methods into the small book known as "The Spiritual Exercises," a retreat-based program that guides individuals towards a deeper understanding of God and their own calling in life.
Leadership and the Counter-Reformation
As the first Superior General of the Jesuits, Ignatius provided strong leadership and strategic direction. The Order flourished, playing a key role in in what became known as ‘the Counter-Reformation’, a Catholic movement to respond and push back against the Protestant Reformation.
Legacy
St. Ignatius died in 1556 and was canonised as a saint in 1622, alongside St Francis Xavier, St. Teresa of Avila, foundress of the Discalced Carmelites, St. Philip Neri, founder of the Oratorians and St. Isadore the Labourer, patron saint of farmers - august company indeed!
St. Ignatius of Loyola's life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, the importance of seeking God's will, and the lasting impact one person can have on the world. His book "The Spiritual Exercises" continue to inspire countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. Click here to learn more.
THE MISSION OF THE EARLY JESUITS
The early years of the Society were marked by exponential growth in their numbers: from a dozen when they began to around a thousand when Ignatius of Loyola died. The growth was underpinned with an emphasis on prayer and a rigorous formation. A key to this was ‘The Spiritual Exercises’, St Ignatius's guide to prayer, reflection and discernment of the Spirit of God; and this text united and inspired a band of disciplined apostles of Christ, who were confident to confront heresy and proclaim the Good News in the hostile environments that were emerging in the 16th Century.
The zeal of the Society found fertile ground in a turbulent Europe; the Jesuits encountered the growing Protestant reform and responding with an emphasis on personal spiritual renewal, catechesis & education, and moved to the forefront of the implementation of the Council of Trent across the Catholic world. Education became a key dimension in Colleges like the Gregorian University in Rome became intellectual centres of the Counter Reformation in Europe, while individuals such as Francis Xavier, Roberto de Nobili and Matteo Ricci carried the Gospel to far-flung corners of the globe, enhancing the seeds of Christianity in Japan, India and China respectively.
By the mid-16th century, the Jesuit priests and brothers were scattered across the known world. In one dimension they served as papal advisors, confessors to kings and advisors to emperors, but in another they became frontier missionaries, for example, carrying the Gospel to both the Guarani people in the Amazon jungle and the Iroquois tribes in the forests of Canada.
The influence of this new religious congregation, however, also bred suspicion. Their educational methods, the emphasis on critical thinking, open debate and promoting a modern educational curriculum, were seen by some as being dangerously progressive. Their engagement with some powerful political movements drew accusations of meddling, greed and ambition. Theological disputes within the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the inculturation of the Gospel, pitted the Society against some who were fearful of a dilution of the Faith.
As the 18th century dawned, the Society of Jesus stood at a crossroads. Their global reach was multi-national, their educational institutions flourishing, and their missionary zeal undimmed. Yet, whispers of dissent grew louder. Political critics accused them of amassing wealth and political power, while some elements within the Church were anxious about their influence and other accused them from straying from their original ideals.
By 1773, these anxieties materialised in the form of a decree by the Pope formally suppressing of the Society of Jesus as a religious order in the Catholic Church. Scattered and ostracised, the Society disbanded and individual Jesuits faced uncertainty and hardship. Some were imprisoned, others were exiled while all were disorientated. Only in White Russia, where Queen Catherine the Great (wishing to retain her Jesuit schools) refused to allow the Papal decree to be promulgated and so a remnant of the structure of the Society of Jesus remained.
Despite the official disbandment, pockets of ex-Jesuits across the world continued in apostolic ministry but held privately to their Ignatian charism and spent time and imagination preserving their knowledge, traditions and way of life.
LATER HISTORY
In 1814, by a new Papal decree, the Society of Jesus emerged from the period of suppression imposed by Pope Clement XIV in 1773. This dramatic revival set the stage for a remarkable chapter in Jesuit history; in some ways it marked the re-birth of ministries, but it was incarnated into a changed global Catholic landscape so things changed from what they had been. Education remained a key focus. The Jesuits established respected colleges worldwide, in Europe, the United States and Asia. Jesuit missionaries ventured to new frontiers like Africa and Asia, spreading Catholicism and engaging with local cultures. The Society also made significant contributions to scientific fields like astronomy and geology. However, the century wasn't without challenges; anti-clerical movements in Europe occasionally forced them into exile, but despite these obstacles, the Jesuits re-established themselves especially in education, missionary work, and intellectual pursuits.
THE 20TH CENTURY
The 20th century brought new challenges and opportunities. Facing rapid social and political changes, the Jesuits adapted their focus. They established missions in newly independent Latin American countries, promoting education and social justice, but this was taking place in the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe and Latin America led to persecution, culminating in the expulsion of Jesuits from several countries.
Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the Jesuits underwent a period of internal reflection renewal. Especially following the 32nd General Congregation GC32) in 1975 there was an increased understanding that Ignatian spirituality was a powerful tool of evangelisation, and the Society started to emphasise a more collaborative approach to ministry, placing greater focus on social justice, interfaith dialogue, and inculturation – continuing in the work of the early Society by adapting the faith to different cultures. This led to increased engagement with lay Catholics and collaboration with other religious communities. In the 60’s Jesuits actively participated in the civil rights movement in the United States and were a creative force in the Liberation Theology developed in Latin America, advocating for the rights of the oppressed and marginalised.
The Society’s commitment to social justice led them to pioneer innovative educational approaches, such as the Fe y Alegría schools in South America, offering quality education to marginalized communities. In Europe, the Jesuits engaged in intellectual debates, founding prominent journals and contributing to philosophical and theological discourse, which continues to this day.
Jesuits in Britain
Within only a few years of the death of St Ignatius Jesuits were sent to Scotland, Wales and England and in 1623 The English Province of the Society of Jesus was established.
The website of the British Jesuit Archives has a wonderful timeline history exhibition created to celebrate the 400th anniversary of what is now the British Province.
On the site the reader will discover the remarkable history of the British Jesuits from their earliest arrival, facing persecution and martyrdom, to their flourishing expansion and establishment of schools and parishes throughout Britain in the 19th century and beyond.
Listen to a brief historical overview (5 minutes) of the main elements of the timeline history by clicking the 'Play' button below, left.