Who We Are

The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, are a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by St Ignatius of Loyola. They are renowned for their contributions to education, theology, and missionary work. The Jesuit mission is to serve the Church and humanity, emphasizing faith, justice, and the reconciliation of people with God and one another. Its guiding motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam (“For the greater glory of God”), reflects Jesuits’ dedication to living and working in the service of God.

One of the most notable contributions of the Jesuits is their focus on education. They have established some of the world’s leading universities and schools. Their educational philosophy promotes the formation of the whole person—intellectually, morally, and spiritually—aiming to produce individuals who are committed to justice and the common good.

Our Work

Jesuits are distinguished not only for their educational and spiritual contributions but also for their strong engagement in global missionary work and social justice initiatives. From their inception, they have been active in missionary efforts, often venturing to remote parts of the world to spread the Catholic faith and promote education and human dignity. Notable Jesuit missionaries like St Francis Xavier brought Christianity to regions as far from Rome as India, Japan, and China in the 16th century, setting a precedent for the order’s global outreach. This missionary zeal is coupled with an emphasis on dialogue with other cultures and religions, showing respect for local traditions while imparting Christian teachings.

In addition to missionary work, Jesuits are deeply committed to issues of social justice. Grounded in the belief that serving faith also means promoting justice, Jesuits advocate the welfare of marginalized communities and fight against social inequality, poverty, and oppression. This ethos stems from Jesuits’ founding principles and continues to guide their work, with many Jesuits involved in political activism, humanitarian efforts, and reconciliation processes in conflict zones around the world. Their involvement in social issues is seen as a direct outgrowth of their spiritual values, focusing on human dignity and the common good.

Jesuits also have a significant intellectual tradition. They have contributed substantially to theology, philosophy, science, and the arts. Throughout history, many Jesuits have been renowned scholars and scientists. This intellectual rigor is still a defining feature of Jesuit education and thought today. Jesuits foster critical thinking and encourage dialogue between faith and reason, ensuring that their teachings remain relevant in the modern world.

Overall, Jesuits embody a distinctive combination of spiritual devotion, intellectual pursuit, global outreach, and social activism. With their strong emphasis on education, justice, and spiritual discernment, they continue to influence various sectors of society, striving to make a positive impact for the greater glory of God and the betterment of humanity.

Our Spirit

Jesuit spirituality is rooted in the Spiritual Exercises, a retreat and prayer method developed by St Ignatius. These exercises help individuals discern God’s presence in their lives, focusing on personal reflection, prayer, and deepening one’s relationship with God. Jesuits are also known for their missionary work, spreading Catholicism and promoting social justice around the world. Today, they continue to play a significant role in religious, educational, and social spheres, advocating both intellectual rigor and spiritual depth.

A Jesuit is ready to dialogue and collaborate with others. He is humble enough to realize that he is a co-laborer of God and he is also a co-laborer with others. This happens often when a Jesuit fosters friendship and builds confidence with others. Being Spirit-led, a Jesuit is comfortable with collaborative discernment and co-responsibility. He can embrace uncertainties and ambiguities in life. The universal character of our vocation is in his DNA. He is open to being sent anywhere he is missioned. He welcomes with some sense of humor the infinite surprises of the Spirit.

Ignatian spirituality is a Christian approach to deepening one’s relationship with God, rooted in the teachings of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. It is characterized by its focus on discernment, reflection, and an active engagement with the world. Central to Ignatian spirituality are the Spiritual Exercises, a set of meditations and contemplations developed by St Ignatius to help individuals experience God more deeply and discern their life’s direction.