The Jesuit order is a Catholic religious order founded in 1534 by St. Ignatius Loyola. They are known for their schools and threefold mission of establishing schools, converting non-Christians, and halting the spread of Protestantism. They have been involved in controversies and have been recognized for their bravery during the Holocaust. The order is headed by a superior general who is elected for life.
The Jesuit order is a Roman Catholic religious order. A man in this order has taken the necessary steps to belong to the Society of Jesus, which may include vows of poverty and obedience. It is the largest male religious order in the world.
Founded in 1534, the order was started by a company of graduate students in Paris led by St. Ignatius Loyola, originally Inigo Lopez de Loyola, a Spaniard of Basque descent. Ignazio was the son of an aristocrat who dreamed of a knighthood. However, he felt called by a greater power and was instead ordained a priest by commendation given by Pope Paul III in 1537. In 1540 the religious order of the Society of Jesus was approved.
In 1552 the Constitutions of Ignatius were adopted by the order, creating an efficient and, at times, influential organization. The Jesuit’s motto became Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG), or “For the greater glory of God”, so that everything may be offered to God. It is interesting to note that the ideology is such that it has clashed with Rome on quite a few occasions . Sometimes called the “elite papal troops” for their effectiveness as well as their intellect, sometimes they were also suppressed by the Vatican for the same reasons.
As the Jesuit order developed, a threefold mission began to emerge: the establishment of schools, the conversion of non-Christians, and the halting of the spread of Protestantism in the Western world. Perhaps it is due to the zeal of its members that no more European nations have left the influence of Rome. Currently Jesuits are active in ministries in 112 different countries on six continents. They are best known for the excellence of their schools, although they also play their part in the struggles against war, poverty, social injustice and violence. Indeed, they do not shy away from any job and, like the Renaissance men their founder idolized, are experts in multiple disciplines.
Unfortunately, the order is also well versed in controversy, being the target of many themselves, both inside and outside the Catholic Church. Its detractors say its members are part of various conspiracies and secret organizations, while conservative Catholics chide them for their modern views, especially on issues such as abortion, priestly celibacy, homosexuality and liberation theology.
Despite all this, the Jesuits have developed a reputation for being men of strong faith and open hearts. During the Holocaust, for example, many members risked their lives to help Jews. In fact, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem’s Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority, even saw fit to recognize nine Jesuit priests for risking their lives to save Jews. At Rockhurst University, a Jesuit institution, a memorial plaque was unveiled in 2007 to honor the 2007 members who gave their lives for their fellowmen; it is the first license plate of its kind in the world. It is also common to find centers dedicated to different religions on a Jesuit campus.
The order is headed by a superior general who is elected for life, although he may resign. It may take up to 14 years to be ordained as a Jesuit priest.
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