Society of Jesus in South Africa

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About the Jesuits

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What is the Society of Jesus

The Society of Jesus is a religious order of men (priests and brothers) in the Roman Catholic Church founded by St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556). In the sixteenth century, the Church found itself in need of reconciliation, reform and renewal. Ignatius and his nine companions (united as "Friends in the Lord") began a new mode of religious life which was to be radically apostolic independent of the monastic tradition. Putting themselves at the disposal of the Church and the Pope, they began to win souls for Christ by preaching and living the Gospel.

The Society of Jesus is today the largest congregation of male religious in the world. All are shaped by their experience of The Spiritual Exercises which they receive as novices in the form of a retreat lasting thirty days. Jesuits can be priests or brothers, and do an enormous variety of works.

The Vision Statement of the Society of Jesus - 1550

Whoever desires to serve as a soldier of God beneath the banner of the cross in our Society, which we desire to be designated by the name of Jesus, and to serve the Lord alone and the Church, his spouse, under the Roman pontiff, the vicar of Christ on earth, should, after a solemn vow of perpetual chastity, poverty and obedience, keep what follows in mind.

He is a member of a Society founded chiefly for this purpose:

To strive especially for the defence and propogation of the faith and for the progress of souls in Christian life and doctrine, by means of public preaching, lectures, and any other ministration whatsoever of the word of God and further by means of the Spiritual Exercises, the education of children and unlettered persons in Christianity and the spiritual consolation of Christ's faithful through hearing confessions and administering the other sacraments.

Moreover, he should show himself ready to reconcile the estranged, compassionately assist and serve those who are in prisons or hospitals and, indeed, to perform any other works of charity, according to what will seem expedient for the glory of God and the common good.