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A Brief History of the Jesuits

The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius Loyola, a Spaniard of royal and military background. After being wounded in battle, he experienced a religious conversion. The result of his recuperation and spiritual explorations was the Spiritual Exercises, an articulation of his own journey to follow Christ and a model for others to follow. Jesuits, indicated by an SJ following their names, are distinguished for many important attributes including extraordinary compassion, service to others, world exploration, scholarship in nearly every intellectual field, sanctity (41 are saints and 285 have been beatified), and a unique approach to education.

Ignatius began his religious order by assembling a small, humble group of well-educated men whom he called "friends in the Lord." Their mission was to help others in their relationship with God. While Ignatius intended the order to engage in missionary work serving those most in need, he soon realized that his objectives could best be presented in an academic setting. Ignatius’ wisdom has been realized over the centuries in numerous ways. Our modern Gregorian calendar, several astronomical advances, and the discovery of five of the world’s eight major rivers are just a few of the great intellectual achievements of the Jesuits. These pursuits went hand-in-hand with the Jesuits' desire to share their passion for learning in new models for schools, beginning in 16th century Europe and spreading to all the continents in the following centuries. For nearly 500 years, these men of Ignatius have been carrying their message of growth in relationship with Christ, finding God in all things, and promoting justice for all God's creation to virtually every corner of the world.

At Regis Jesuit High School we continue the rewarding work begun by Ignatius. Commisioned from the Missouri Province, our community of Jesuits still serve to inspire young men and women by their example and gentle guidance. A talented group of lay educators join them in exploring our Ignatian heritage and sharing it with their students.

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What is the Society of Jesus?

The Society of Jesus is a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Jesuits are the largest male religious order in the world, with approximately 19,000 members internationally.

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How is the Society of Jesus organized?

Jesuits around the world are organized into 91 geographic areas called provinces governed by a provincial superior who is appointed by and reports directly to the Society’s Superior General. Jesuit provinces are grouped into 10 regional “assistancies,” each with an “assistant” to Father General in Rome. In the United States, ten provinces form a single assistancy.

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Where does the name Jesuit come from?

It was first applied derisively to the Society, meaning “one who used too frequently or appropriated the name of Jesus.” While never employed by its founder, members and friends of the Society in time appropriated the name in its now positive meaning.

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Do Jesuits have a formal habit?

Jesuits do not have an official habit. In the Constitutions of the Society, it gives these instructions concerning clothing; “The clothing too should have three characteristics: first, it should be proper; second, conformed to the usage of the country of residence; and third, not contradictory to the poverty we profess…” (Const. 577)

Historically, a “Jesuit-style cassock” became standard issue: it wrapped around the body and was tied with a cincture, rather than the customary buttoned front, a tuftless biretta (only diocesan clergy wore tufts), and a simple cape. As such, though Jesuit garb appeared distinctive, and became identifiable over time, it was the common priestly dress of Ignatius’ day. During the missionary periods of the Continental Americas, the various American Indian tribes referred to Jesuits as “Blackrobes” because of their black cassocks. Today, most Jesuits wear the Roman collar tab shirts in non-liturgical, ministerial settings.

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What is AMDG?

AMDG is the abbreviation of the Latin phrase: “Ad maiorem Dei gloriam.” In English this translates to “For the greater glory of God.”

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Jesuit Assistancies Worldwide

In the same way that the United States Assistancy is comprised of individual provinces, so too is the rest of the world, with other Assistancies and Jesuit Conferences representing each region. For more information about the provinces and Assistancies throughout the world, please visit the Jesuit Curia, the global headquarters of the Society of Jesus, located in Rome.



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