JESUITS: HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND REPRESENTATIVES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2026

Jesuits or Society of Jesus is an organization of the Catholic Church which is defined as a religious order. This refers to the fact that it is composed of a group of members who follow the rules and regulations of the founder of said institution. In this case the rules of San Ignacio de Loyola.

The main objective of this order is to serve others through the search for salvation and perfection. He has a close relationship with the Pope, through love and a vocation of service. Throughout its history, it has undergone a considerable amount of change, perhaps leading many to retire.

Novitiate of the Society of Jesus in Madrid, 1860. Source: By Eusebio de Lettre, via Wikimedia Commons

This Company is considered one of the largest of its kind in the world. To her credit she has an approximate of more than 18 thousand members. It should be noted that they are all men. It is characterized by being apostolic and priestly, although some of its collaborating members have not yet been ordained.

Origin and history

The Society of Jesus was born in the 16th century at the initiative of Ignacio de Loyola, first a military man and then a Spanish religious, faithful observer of the Pope's norms. After having fought in the war in favor of Carlos I, Ignacio made the decision to dedicate himself to serving the people.

De Loyola began studying at the Santa Bárbara College, which depended on the University of Paris. There he made friends with Francisco de Javier and Pedro Fabro, whom he later invited to pray and meditate for a certain period; all with the aim of strengthening spiritually.

First members

In the year 1533, Diego Lainez, who later became the second general of the Company, joined the “group”; Alfonso Salmerón, considered one of the first Jesuits; Nicolás de Bobadilla and Simao Rodrigues. With them the team for the birth of the Society of Jesus was consolidated.

The votes, new members and foundation

Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Source: By French School, anonymous, via Wikimedia Commons

A year later, in 1534, during the celebration of the Assumption of the Virgin, the men made the three vows: chastity, poverty, and pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The activity was carried out in the city of Luz itself, in what is now known as Montmartre hill.

After the votes, three more members joined the group: Claudio Jayo, Juan Coduri and Pascasio Bröet. Together they decided to travel to Jerusalem, but when they were in Italy the war between the Ottoman Empire and Venice prevented them. So they went to Rome, and after a long spiritual debate they decided to found the Society of Jesus.

It was exactly on September 27, 1540 that Pope Paul III approved the creation. The representative of the Vatican approved it and recognized it as a religious order. Finally he signed the papal document, known as a bull, where he affirmed the foundation.

Company growth

From the previous event, the members of the organization began its expansion. Many were interested in the creation of schools, reforms of convents, diplomatic missions, conversations with so-called Protestants, and they were even asked to participate in the historic Council of Trent, which was carried out by the church to reaffirm its hierarchy.

From the moment of its foundation, the Jesuits or Society of Jesus were growing in number. On the death of the one who has been considered its founder, Ignacio de Loyola, Diego Lainez was at the head. It played an important role during the process of the Catholic Reformation.

The Jesuits in the Catholic Reformation

They were summoned by the church to participate in the aforementioned Council of Trent, where the ecclesiastical hierarchy and the responses to Luther's reform were discussed, among other issues. Alfonso Salmerón and Diego Laínez participated as representatives of the Company.

Within the same context, Laínez was also part of the meeting called by the Queen of France to discuss with those who supported the ideas of Martin Luther. The different interventions of the members during the Counter-Reformation gave the Society of Jesus more growth boom.

Departures and elimination of the Society of Jesus

The vows made by the members of the Society were intended to be ready when the Pope decided to send them on a mission. A fourth vote can be said to have been his fidelity to the highest representative of the Catholic Church. This earned them that many wanted to eliminate the Jesuits.

During the 18th century, various European governments became its main enemies. They disagreed with their political and intellectual power and the money they handled. The philosophers Montesquieu, Diderot, and Voltaire stood out among their main opponents.

King Louis XV of France accused them of misusing money. He ordered that their assets be seized, as well as not allowing them to function within their territory.

In 1767 it was the monarch Carlos III who expelled the Company from Spanish soil. Later, under pressure from Pope Clement XIV, the company from various European lands was liquidated.

Return of the Company

After four decades, Pope Pius VII made the decision to resume the operations of the Society of Jesus. From then until 1962 it was considered a conservative and elitist organization. After being expelled from Germany and Russia, they went as missionaries to the United States.

Events in Spain

In Spain, the democratic system that occurred in 1931, prior to the Franco regime, decreed the dissolution of the company on January 23, 1932. Their arguments were to obey the power of the Pope, considered a foreign force. Six years later, during the civil war, they returned to operating normally in the European country.

The present of the Company

At present, it continues to operate within its main statutes, in addition to continuing to grow in number. However, many consider that it has lost its first essence.

At the same time he has put aside the spiritual sacrifice, adopting modernist aspects, among which the thinking that the church should not be reformed stands out.

However, its members continue to carry out missions across the planet, bringing the breath of life to those most in need. Their vows remain the same, and they constantly work on spiritual growth, and on the search for the path to divine perfection. There are still those who do not share their ideas.

It is important to mention the educational work that the Society of Jesus has done. In this area it has a presence in more than 69 countries, with a total number of students that exceeds three million. In cinema and literature the Jesuits have also been protagonists. His work is recognized worldwide.

characteristics

The main characteristics of the Company are framed within the service and love of God. The universality of its mission, a defined project, people and their needs are the central axis.

On the other hand, there is the development of society and communities through its missionary work. More specifically through education. They work with a sense of belonging, fostering dialogue and spiritual growth. Although the economic is a subject in debate, they affirm to work with total transparency.

Its evangelistic mission is the message of faith, as well as promoting the path of justice and solidarity. Perhaps one of the most important characteristics of this organization is the charism, which is focused as Saint Ignatius himself said: "Seeking and finding God in all things."

Something that should also be made clear is that prayer and meditation are some of its first peculiarities. These were left by Loyola reflected in his Spirituality Exercises. They have always been based on the elevation of the spirit, and ready to take on the great changes and challenges of humanity.

Spirituality from the perspective of the Society

It is because of what has been previously described that the Society handles spirituality in the following way:

God is always present and his passage through the world was through the "incarnation" in Jesus of Nazareth. That is why spirituality must be dynamic and active, always acting from love and for love, through the vocation of service.

In the same way, it has the application of what they call "As much as". It means that humanity has everything it needs at its disposal. Therefore you can make use of it when you need it, and thus put it aside when it hurts you.

Diego Lainez. Source: By Hieronymus Wierix-Biblioteca Nacional de España (http://bdh-rd.bne.es/viewer.vm?id=0000009088), via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, spirituality must be focused on giving importance to what really has it. Hence the gift of discernment: all efforts must be focused on the mission that man has established for his life.

Finally there is the "more" or in Latin magis. This refers to always giving and doing your best. Putting the heart, and leaving a sowing of love and service towards others that manages to change the way of life, and leads to a maximum expression of faith.

Plays

To refer to the works of the Society of Jesus is to speak for the most part of the educational work. It is a portion of the evangelizing mission that they have.

Its educational centers offer society a Christian, humane and liberating education. The educational range goes from universities, schools, vocational training centers, to educational networks.

With a presence on five continents, it has more than 231 higher education institutions. Those in primary education are made up of 187, while secondary education has 462. In Latin America, millions of children are benefited by the Fe y Alegría network.

The evangelizing work of the Jesuits has largely remained in America, Africa and Europe. The aim has always been to bring help to those most in need, offering them from love, charity and kindness the tools to live a more dignified life.

The works of the Society reach the spiritual plane, continually forming from its members. Bringing this preparation to each of the people who yearn for spiritual growth, and seek a rebirth of their lives through a close encounter with God.

Featured Representatives

The Society of Jesus has been an order that has formed great personalities, who have left their mark on the history of humanity. Below is a brief description of the most outstanding ones:

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

He was the founder of the Company. He was born in Loyola-Spain, on October 23, 1491, and died on July 31, 1556. First he was a military man, and then he gave himself up to the priesthood. He elaborated the famous Spiritual Exercises, and he always sought to prepare himself in everything concerning God.

Together with the friends with whom he founded the order, he dedicated himself to caring for the sick, teaching, and carrying the message of God. Because of how he lived and the works he did, he was canonized by Gregory XV in 1622. His work has served as an example for many men of faith.

Pedro Fabro

His real name was Pedro González, later he was known as San Telmo. He was one of the main founders of the order. He graduated as a theologian, tirelessly and continues to be a preacher and missionary.

He is considered the patron saint of those in danger at sea. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1741.

Baltasar Gracian

He was a writer and, of course, a Spanish Jesuit, born in 1601. He died in 1658. He joined the company in 1619 and in 1635 he was received as a priest. Most of his works are oriented towards faith, Christianity, and the values ​​and principles of a spiritual life.

Francisco de Javier

Also founder of the company. He was born in 1506 and died on December 3, 1552. He was a great collaborator of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

His missionary work was carried out mainly in Asia, specifically in Japan. His canonization was carried out in 1622, along with that of Loyola, Santa Teresa de Jesús, San Isidro Labrador and San Felipe Neri.

Diego Lainez

He was the second general of the Society of Jesus. He was born in Spain in 1512, and died in Rome on January 19, 1565. He was a great friend of Loyola, as well as later becoming her biographer. His life stood out for his careful social work, and for his deep knowledge in theology.

Others

The above are just some of the prominent members of the Jesuit company. In addition, they can be mentioned: San Pedro Canisio, San José de Anchieta, José de Acosta, Atanasio Kircher, Juan de Mariana, José María Rubio, Wlodimir Ledochowsk, among many others.

References

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