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For over 450 years, Jesuit priests and brothers have carried a remarkable legacy of serving the Church in creative and unexpected ways. Even today, we remain men on the move—ready to change location, role, or approach—whatever is necessary to advance our mission of teaching Jesus Christ and proclaiming his Good News.

This mission has now grown to include men and women who share the same vision of faithful service and commitment to the justice that faith calls us to uphold. Together, Jesuits and lay partners place ourselves in the presence of the God who created all people. We dedicate ourselves to the service of faith, striving to promote justice, foster dialogue among cultures and religions, and lovingly care for all those whom the Lord places along our path.

St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Founder of the Jesuits

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Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, began his journey to faith after a serious injury ended his military career. During his recovery, he devoted himself to prayer, reflection, and study of the lives of Christ and the saints, eventually writing the Spiritual Exercises.

In 1534, Ignatius and six companions, including St. Francis Xavier, vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to serve the pope, founding the Society of Jesus. As the first Jesuit general, he guided the order in education, missionary work, and service to the Church, establishing schools, colleges, and programs to care for the needy.

Ignatius’ spirituality focuses on Christ, the Eucharist, and the Trinity, expressed in the Jesuit motto Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—“For the greater glory of God.” Central to his vision was obedience, love of the Church, and commitment to serving wherever God and the pope called.